If you are looking for a Mid-Ohio Valley getaway packed with 19th-century history, local culinary stops, and easy road-trip charm, Parkersburg is a fantastic choice. Located right where the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers meet, this corner of West Virginia blends riverboat heritage, haunted local lore, and a welcoming downtown scene.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- My Personal Historic Recommendations: Insider tips for exploring 19th-century river estates, strolling Julia-Ann Square, and taking the sternwheel boat out to Blennerhassett Island.
- Where to Find My Favorite Local Eats: Specific dish recommendations across downtown Parkersburg, from scratch-made Lebanese favorites to classic diner breakfasts.
- Spooky Lore & Outdoor Stops: Practical advice for navigating regional state parks, historic oil-town ruins at Mountwood Park, and the haunted Silver Run Tunnel.
Editor’s Note: This author was hosted by the fine folks at Visit Parkersburg.
A 3-Day Parkersburg West Virginia Itinerary Packed with Local History
Day 1: Historic Estates, Riverfront Views, and Downtown Dining
Afternoon: Step Back in Time at Henderson Hall
We started our trip just north of Parkersburg in Williamstown at Henderson Hall (517 River Rd, Williamstown, WV). Walking into this preserved Victorian estate overlooking gorgeous scenery gave us an immediate feel for pre-Civil War life in the valley.
The Henderson family lived here for generations, leaving behind original furniture, handwritten letters, and family heirlooms. The highlight was hearing the story of Colonel Alexander Henderson, who helped expose Aaron Burr’s infamous treasonous plot on the river back in the early 1800s.
Late Afternoon: Check-in at The Blennerhassett Hotel & Scenic Driving Tour
After touring Henderson Hall, we drove into downtown Parkersburg to check in at The Blennerhassett Hotel (320 Market St, Parkersburg, WV). Settling into this historic boutique hotel put us right in the center of town.
If you have time when you visit, take a short driving loop to see a few additional local spots:
- Fort Boreman Park: Sitting high on a bluff, this Civil War Union fort site offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the exact point where the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers converge.
- Point Park: Down at the water’s edge, Point Park has paved walking paths along the river and colorful painted murals stretching along the concrete floodwalls.
- Julia-Ann Square Historic District: Driving and walking through West Virginia’s largest residential historic district was a highlight. The streets are lined with over 120 grand Victorian and Queen Anne homes built during the area’s 19th-century oil boom.
Evening: Fine Dining at Wine Down on Market
We spent our first evening at Wine Down on Market (701 Market St, Parkersburg, WV). It’s a relaxed, comfortable spot downtown with a great wine selection and creative craft cocktails. We ordered flatbreads and small plates to share, which made for a cozy end to our first afternoon in town.
Day 2: Ghostly Tunnels, Local Flavor, and Island Candlelight
Morning: Volcano History & Haunted Silver Run Tunnel
We spent the morning exploring the rolling countryside east of town. Our first stop was Mountwood Park (1014 Volcano Rd, Walker, WV), a 2,600-acre county park built on the grounds of Volcano—an 1800s oil town that burned down in a massive fire. We checked out the historic oil pumping equipment at the Volcano Museum before taking a quick walk down to the 50-acre lake.
From there, you can take a short hike along the North Bend Rail Trail, which will bring you to the haunted Silver Run Tunnel. The tunnel is part of West Virginia’s official Paranormal Trail and is famous for the local legend of the “White Woman of Silver Run.”
After a hike, we stop in Harrisville at Berdine’s Five & Dime (106 N Court St), which has been in continuous operation since 1908. Digging through bins of tin toys, glass marbles, and old-fashioned candy felt like stepping back into my childhood.
Read More: If you love exploring historic spots off the beaten path, check out our guide to discovering off-the-beaten-path Ohio hidden gems and historic road trip stops.
Lunch: Authentic Mediterranean Eats at Chams Lebanese Cuisine
Back in downtown Parkersburg, we sat down for lunch at Chams Lebanese Cuisine (610 Market St, Parkersburg, WV). Chams has been a staple here since 2010, serving scratch-made Mediterranean dishes from traditional family recipes. Don’t skip the chicken shish taouk with garlic sauce, falafel, and fresh hummus with warm pita.
Afternoon: Arts, Hands-On Discovery, and Local Sweets
- Parkersburg Art Center (725 Market St): We spent an hour browsing the fine art galleries at West Virginia’s oldest continuously operating arts organization.
- Crown Decor & Gifts (1933 Ohio Ave): Beyond the home decor and seasonal gifts, make sure to grab a sample of their homemade fudge or a cone of hand-dipped ice cream.
- Discovery World on Market (900 Market St): Located in a beautifully restored building downtown, this interactive children’s museum is packed with hands-on STEAM exhibits—an absolute hit if you’re traveling with kids.
Read More: Craving more sweet treats on your travels? Take a look at our itinerary for mapping out a sweet summer road trip along regional ice cream trails.
Evening: Mansion by Candlelight on Blennerhassett Island
As dusk fell, we boarded the sternwheel boat at Civitan Park and crossed the Ohio River to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Attending the autumn Mansion by Candlelight event felt like traveling back to the late 1700s. Lanterns illuminated the paths around the reconstructed Palladian mansion, and we spent the evening enjoying horse-drawn wagon rides, live period music, and storytelling around the bonfire.
Read More: If cozy autumn travels are your specialty, read our guide on planning a cozy fall getaway in heartland small towns.
Day 3: Comfort Food Breakfast and Departure
Morning: Hearty Breakfast at Mary B’s Diner
We finished our trip with a classic, home-style breakfast at Mary B’s Diner (1120 Garfield Ave, Parkersburg, WV). Featured on America’s Best Restaurants, this unpretentious local diner serves massive portions of country comfort food—think buttermilk pancakes, country ham, and fresh biscuits covered in gravy.
More Top Things to Do in Parkersburg WV If You Have an Extra Day
If you are extending your trip or building out a custom Mid-Ohio Valley itinerary, these regional spots are well worth adding to your schedule:
- Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History (2nd & Julip Sts, Downtown Parkersburg): Before taking the boat to the island, I recommend spending an hour at this three-story museum. It houses Native American artifacts, 18th-century antiques, and fascinating exhibits detailing the eccentric lives of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett.
- Smoot Theatre (213 5th St, Parkersburg): Built in 1926 as a Vaudeville venue, this beautifully restored historic theater hosts live concerts, community productions, and musical performances throughout the year.
- Oil & Gas Museum (119 3rd St, Parkersburg): A must-visit stop for history buffs wanting to understand how West Virginia’s massive petroleum and natural gas boom shaped regional fortunes and influenced statehood during the Civil War.
- North Bend State Park (Cairo, WV): Located nearby along the North Bend Rail Trail, this quiet state park offers scenic hiking trails, river views, fishing spots, and cozy park lodge accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Parkersburg, WV
1. How do you get to Blennerhassett Island?
You reach Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park by taking a sternwheel paddleboat ride from Point Park in downtown Parkersburg. Boat trips run seasonally from May through October, so be sure to check departure schedules ahead of time.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Parkersburg, West Virginia?
Early autumn (September and October) is my favorite time to visit. The fall foliage along the river is beautiful and vibrant, and seasonal events like Mansion by Candlelight on the island bring local history to life.
3. How many days do you need to fully explore Parkersburg?
A 2-to-3-day itinerary works best. That gives you enough time to explore downtown museums, take the boat across to Blennerhassett Island, walk the historic districts, and take a morning drive out to nearby parks and ghost trails.
4. Where should you stay when visiting historic downtown Parkersburg?
I recommend staying at The Blennerhassett Hotel. It’s a beautifully restored 1889 boutique property located right on Market Street, putting you within short walking distance of local restaurants, museums, and shops.
5. Is Parkersburg suitable for families traveling with young children?
Absolutely. Families love the horse-drawn carriage rides on Blennerhassett Island, the candy counters at Berdine’s Five & Dime, and the hands-on science and art exhibits at Discovery World on Market.
Related Stories & Further Reading
If you enjoyed this itinerary and want to explore more hidden history, seasonal small-town getaways, and regional travel stops, check out these articles from Sand and Snow:
- Forgotten Ruins & River History: Learn about another abandoned Midwest attraction by exploring the abandoned ruins and riverfront history of Rose Island.
- Midwest Hidden Gems: Keep exploring regional secrets with our roundup of discovering off-the-beaten-path Ohio hidden gems and historic road trip stops.
- Heartland Autumn Trips: Get inspired for fall foliage and regional festivals by planning a cozy fall getaway in heartland small towns.