Parkersburg’s history can be found in a wide variety of places: on an island with a mansion, in museums about regional development, and in the historic cityscape. There’s also a rail trail, river views, and live entertainment. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most—from the history of the Blennerhassett family to the oil and gas industry in the Appalachian Basin.
Island Visits and Blennerhassett Family History
The Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is accessible from Point Park on 2nd Street by paddlewheel steamboat. Visitors to the island can take tours of the grounds and mansion, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides. A visit therefore includes several different elements: the steamboat ride, the historic site, and the tours or carriage rides on offer.
For another look at the history of the family and the region, visit the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. The three-story museum explores both the Blennerhassett family and the history of the Mid-Ohio Valley. The second floor features changing exhibits. So, alongside the mansion on the island, you can also visit a museum with a broader regional focus and rotating displays.
Industrial History and Historic Buildings
The Oil and Gas Museum is located in the W. H. Smith Hardware Store. Its exhibits cover the history and present-day effects of the oil and gas industry in the Appalachian Basin. The focus therefore extends beyond Parkersburg to an industry whose historical development and current effects in the region are explored.
The Julia-Ann Square Historic District also offers a focused look at the city’s history. It is the largest and oldest historic district in West Virginia. The historic walking tour includes 54 houses, a historic church, and one of the region’s first cemeteries. The route connects different kinds of historic sites within a single district, rather than focusing on just one building.
Union Civil War trenches have been preserved at Fort Boreman Historical Park. From there, you can enjoy views of Parkersburg, the Ohio River, and the Little Kanawha River. Here, a tangible connection to Civil War history comes together with views of the city and rivers.
Trails, Entertainment, and Other Attractions
The North Bend Rail Trail runs from Parkersburg at its western end to Clarksburg at its eastern end. The 72-mile route passes through north-central and western West Virginia. On the trail, the walking paths also serve as bike paths—hiking and biking share the same paths here.
The Smoot Theatre offers live entertainment throughout the year. Art lovers can visit the Parkersburg Art Center free of charge during regular opening hours. Check the details before your visit. Both attractions offer a different focus from the historic museums and sites.
At Discovery World on Market, The Ball Factory features a large climbing structure. The entire space is designed with factory-themed exhibits that teach concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. The design is inspired by local processes and Parkersburg’s industrial history. The exhibits therefore connect topics from different fields of knowledge with a local industrial focus.
Parkersburg City Park offers a splash park and swimming pool, miniature golf, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and basketball courts. There are also picnic shelters and a playground. The park offers both sports activities and places to play and picnic, making it another option alongside the museums, historic districts, and trails.
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