St. Clairsville Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in St. Clairsville. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to St. Clairsville

St. Clairsville is a picturesque city located in the southeastern part of Ohio, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. It is the county seat of Belmont County and is known for its historical charm, scenic beauty, and vibrant downtown. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, St. Clairsville has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll introduce you to all the must-see attractions, best hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and general tips for a safe and enjoyable visit to St. Clairsville.

List of Places to Visit in St. Clairsville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum: This museum is a beautifully restored mansion that provides a glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the late 1800s. It features over 26 rooms and offers guided tours.

  • National Road Bikeway: This is a 4-mile trail that follows the historic National Road and passes through stunning scenery, including hillside meadows, streams, and historic bridges.

  • Underground Railroad Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Underground Railroad that helped slaves escape to freedom. It features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of these brave individuals who risked everything for a chance at freedom.

  • Captina Produce Auction: The Captina Produce Auction is a unique experience that allows visitors to bid on fresh produce grown by local Amish farmers. It’s a great place to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farmers.

Natural Attractions of St. Clairsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Barkcamp State Park: Barkcamp State Park is a beautiful park that offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Visitors can explore 1,005 acres of woodland, lush valleys, and breathtaking hillside views.

  • Egypt Valley Wildlife Area: This wildlife area offers excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. Visitors can also explore the area’s diverse habitats, including hardwood forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

  • Salt Fork State Park: Salt Fork State Park is Ohio’s largest state park and offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the park’s observation towers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Clairsville

  • National Road Bikeway: This 4-mile trail is an excellent route for biking or walking. It follows the historic National Road and passes through scenic countryside.

  • Barkcamp State Park: Barkcamp State Park has over 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through breathtaking scenery, including oak and hickory forests, steep ridges, and deep valleys.

  • Salt Fork State Park: Salt Fork State Park has over 14 miles of hiking trails that explore the park’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Best Things to Do in St. Clairsville: Activities and Tours

  • Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum: This beautifully restored mansion offers guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a wealthy family in the late 1800s.

  • Underground Railroad Museum: This museum is dedicated to the courageous individuals who helped slaves escape to freedom. It features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of these brave men and women.

  • Salt Fork State Park: Salt Fork State Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping in a pristine natural setting.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Clairsville

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum
Day 2 Visit the Underground Railroad Museum
Day 3 Go hiking at Barkcamp State Park
Day 4 Spend the day at Salt Fork State Park
Day 5 Discover the local food and drink scene
Day 6 Shop for souvenirs at local stores
Day 7 Take a day trip to nearby attractions

Food and Drink Scene of St. Clairsville

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepperoni Rolls: This tasty treat originated in nearby West Virginia and is a must-try when visiting St. Clairsville. It’s a soft bread roll filled with spicy pepperoni.

  • Amish Cornbread: Made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and honey, this moist and tasty cornbread is a staple in the Amish community.

  • Buckeye Candy: These sweet and creamy treats are made with peanut butter and chocolate and are named after Ohio’s state tree, the Buckeye.

Local Beverages

  • Thumbprint Craft Beer: This award-winning brewery offers a variety of delicious craft beers that are brewed on-site. Visitors can enjoy a flight or a pint in the taproom.

  • Mead & Cider at Dutch Creek Winery: This winery produces a variety of mead and hard cider that are made with local ingredients. Visitors can try a flight or purchase a bottle to take home.

Where to Stay in St. Clairsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Candlewood Suites St. Clairsville: This modern hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness center, and laundry facilities.

  • Red Roof Inn St. Clairsville: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Clairsville: This hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in St. Clairsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amish-Crafted Goods: St. Clairsville has a large Amish community that produces high-quality crafted goods, including furniture, quilts, and pottery.

  • Local Wine and Mead: Dutch Creek Winery produces local wines and meads that make excellent souvenirs and gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of St. Clairsville

St. Clairsville has a rich Amish heritage, and visitors should be respectful of their customs and traditions. It is also important to be courteous to locals and always greet them with a friendly smile and hello.

Best Time to Visit St. Clairsville

The best time to visit St. Clairsville is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is breathtaking. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Clairsville

Do:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

  • Enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities that St. Clairsville has to offer.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.

  • Be disrespectful to locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in St. Clairsville

St. Clairsville is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still take basic precautions, such as locking car doors and securing valuables.

Health in St. Clairsville

St. Clairsville has several medical facilities, including Belmont Community Hospital and a variety of private practices and clinics.

Getting to St. Clairsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near St. Clairsville

  • Pittsburgh International Airport (70 miles)

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (130 miles)

Bus Stations Near St. Clairsville

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Wheeling, WV (20 miles)

Other Options

  • Driving: St. Clairsville is easily accessible by car and is located off of Interstate 70.

  • Taxi: There are several taxi services in the area.

How to Get Around in St. Clairsville

The easiest way to get around St. Clairsville is by car. There are several rental car companies in the area, and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from St. Clairsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Pittsburgh, PA (70 miles)

  • Columbus, OH (125 miles)

  • Cleveland, OH (130 miles)

Conclusion

St. Clairsville is a charming city with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant downtown. Whether you’re looking to explore museums, hike through beautiful scenery, or enjoy local food and drink, St. Clairsville has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this hidden gem in southeastern Ohio.

Belmont County Courthouse Belmont County Courthouse