Things To Do
in Parkersburg
Parkersburg, West Virginia sits on the Ohio River where small‑city charm meets Appalachian history and riverfront scenery. Once a hub of oil, gas and river commerce, the city retains a mix of historic downtown architecture, community museums and access to outdoor recreation. Visitors will find easy access to Blennerhassett Island, local parks, and a compact downtown with restaurants, cafés and seasonal festivals.
The pace is relaxed, making Parkersburg a good base for exploring the Mid‑Ohio Valley and nearby state parks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Take a short ferry ride from Point Park and enjoy the scenic views of the Ohio River. Once on the island, explore the lush gardens and the reconstructed mansion that highlights the fascinating history of the early 19th century.
Return to Parkersburg and enjoy lunch at a local café, savoring regional specialties. Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets of downtown Parkersburg, visiting boutiques and art galleries that showcase local talent. Don't miss the rich architecture of the Wood County Courthouse, which is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival style.
As the sun sets, head to a riverside restaurant for a delightful dinner with views of the Ohio River. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the serene ambiance. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local pub or brewery to sample some craft beers.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at a popular diner, fueling up for a day outdoors. After breakfast, head to the picturesque City Park, where you can enjoy a morning walk along the trails surrounded by vibrant flora. Don’t forget to check out the park's beautiful duck pond, perfect for some tranquil moments.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. After lunch, engage in some fun outdoor activities, such as frisbee, soccer, or simply relaxing in the sun. Spend some time at the playground or take a leisurely bike ride along the park’s paths.
As evening approaches, make your way to a nearby restaurant that specializes in seasonal dishes. Enjoy dinner on the patio while overlooking the park, allowing the gentle evening breeze to enhance your experience. Wrap up the night by attending a local music event or outdoor concert if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $75-130 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible riverfront scenery and historic sites like Blennerhassett Island
- Affordable, relaxed small‑city atmosphere with friendly residents
- Good base for outdoor activities—hiking, fishing and paddling nearby
- Limited public transportation and fewer late‑night entertainment options
- Fewer dining and cultural choices compared with larger cities
- Seasonal constraints for some attractions (island tours and certain festivals)
Places to Visit in Parkersburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic island estate, river vistas, manicured grounds and period architecture — excellent for daytime landscape and historic building shots.
Wide views of the Ohio River, recreational boats, walking paths and sunsets; good for long exposures and golden‑hour photos.
A photogenic cable‑stayed bridge lit at night; captures well from riverfront parks and nearby vantage points.
Victorian and late‑19th century homes, tree‑lined streets and ornate porches — great for architectural details and street scenes.
Forest ridges, river valley panoramas and fall foliage provide dramatic natural landscapes in season.
Food in Parkersburg
Parkersburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A West Virginia favorite — soft bread stuffed with pepperoni; find them at bakeries and some delis around town as a grab‑and‑go snack.
Must-Try!
Local restaurants often serve catfish, bass or trout prepared simply — look for fish specials at family restaurants and taverns near the river.
Diners serve big, comforting breakfasts: eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and home fries — perfect to fuel a day of sightseeing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) with local produce, baked goods and occasional prepared foods — great for sampling local produce and meeting vendors.
During warm months check the riverfront for festivals and pop‑up food vendors serving barbecue, funnel cakes, and regional fair foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and polite; greet shopkeepers, say please/thank you and engage with a relaxed, courteous attitude.
Many scenic spots are on private or protected lands — follow signage, stay on trails and ask permission if unsure.
Religious and community organizations are central to local life; be respectful at public events and when visiting places of worship.
Safety
Tipping in Parkersburg
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: 15–20% at full‑service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the total, $2–5 for taxi drivers or rideshare drivers depending on distance, and $1–3 for hotel housekeeping per night. Tip tour guides and local service providers when satisfied with service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small vendors, farmers’ markets and tips. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly available but not universal at every small business.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and humid with temperatures often in the 70s–90s°F (20s–30s°C); ideal for river activities, island tours and outdoor festivals. Bring sun protection, insect repellent for wooded areas and light breathable clothing.
Crisp, pleasant days and colorful foliage — one of the best times for hiking, scenic drives and photography. Layered clothing is useful as temperatures can swing between cool mornings and mild afternoons.
Cold with occasional snow and ice; temperatures often range from below freezing to the 40s°F (‑5 to 5°C). Roads can be slick — check weather and road conditions before driving and pack warm layers.
Variable weather with warming temperatures and spring rains; wildflowers and budding trees appear and trail conditions can be muddy, so waterproof shoes are advisable.
Parkersburg at Night
Hiking in Parkersburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour’s drive: extensive trails, overlooks, reservoir shoreline and diverse hardwood forests — great for day hikes, camping and fall foliage.
A long rail‑trail offering gentle grades for walking, running and cycling through scenic river valleys and tunnels; access at several trailheads within reasonable driving distance.
Short, interpretive walking paths on the historic island ideal for leisurely exploration, birdwatching and historic photography (seasonal access via ferry).
Short, accessible walks along the Ohio River with benches, viewing areas and spaces for picnic and evening strolls close to downtown.
Airports
How to reach Parkersburg by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Parkersburg with limited commercial service and general aviation; convenient for short flights and quick access to the city by car or taxi.
Major international airport roughly 1.5–2 hours by car (depending on route) offering many domestic and international connections; a common option for visiting the region.
Larger airport about 2–2.5 hours by car that provides a wide range of flights and carriers for domestic and international travel.
Regional airport in West Virginia around 1.5–2 hours away offering regional connections and an alternative for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many multigenerational families and residents who work in local industry, healthcare, education and public service; community ties are strong.
A noticeable retiree population attracted to affordable living, quieter pace and access to outdoor recreation.
Historically tied to oil, gas, manufacturing and river commerce, with ongoing employment in service industries and healthcare.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school sports draw community support with Friday night football and winter basketball drawing fans to local gyms and fields.
Recreational fishing and boating on the Ohio River and local lakes are popular pastimes year‑round when conditions allow.
Hunting, hiking and trail sports are common in surrounding rural areas and state parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Parkersburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; order salads, grilled veggie sandwiches or breakfast items, and call ahead for customizations at family restaurants.
Vegan choices are fewer; health food stores and some cafés offer plant‑based options, but bringing snacks is wise if you have strict requirements.
Many eateries can accommodate gluten‑free needs for simple dishes (salads, grilled proteins); mention your restriction when ordering and avoid fried items unless specified gluten‑free.