Moundsville Travel Guide

Discover what to do, where to stay, what to eat, and when to visit in Moundsville, West Virginia. We have compiled a comprehensive travel guide for you!


Introduction to Moundsville

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Ohio Valley, Moundsville is a quaint city in West Virginia. It is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture. Moundsville’s iconic landmarks, scenic trails, delightful food, and warm hospitality make it a popular tourist destination in the United States.

This travel guide will take you on a journey to explore the best things to do and see in Moundsville. From culturally significant museums to natural attractions and scenic views, we have covered everything that you need to plan the perfect trip to Moundsville.

List of Places to Visit in Moundsville

To make the most of your visit to Moundsville, check out this comprehensive list of places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex: Situated atop a 62-foot high Native American burial mound, the complex houses several exhibit galleries, a gift shop, and a research library.
  • The West Virginia Penitentiary: Built-in 1876, this prison was operational until 1995. Take a guided tour of the facility and learn about its haunted history and infamous inmates.
  • Marshall County Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the rich history and culture of Marshall County. The museum’s collection includes antiques, artifacts, and documents related to the area’s history.

Natural Attractions of Moundsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grand Vue Park: This park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, comprising over 650 acres of land. Enjoy hiking, biking, ziplining, and the beauty of West Virginia’s outdoors at this park.
  • The Strand Theatre: Situated off the beaten path near the comfortable Ohio River, The Strand is the oldest operating theatre in West Virginia. The Strand is a non-profit theatre whose aim is to provide excellent entertainment while preserving this beautiful, historic building.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Moundsville

Moundsville has an extensive network of scenic and well-marked trails that cater to hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the must-try routes include:

  • The Riverfront Trail : This 7-mile trail follows the scenic Ohio River and offers panoramic views of the valley.
  • The Fish Creek Trail : This 16.2-mile trail is perfect for mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.

Best Things to Do in Moundsville: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of exciting activities to do and tours to take in Moundsville. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Take a ghost tour of the West Virginia Penitentiary and hear hair-raising stories of reported paranormal activities in the prison.
  • Go ziplining at Grand Vue Park and feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar through the verdant forests.
  • Explore the city’s rich history on Moundsville Explorations Walking Tour and learn about the culture and architecture of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Moundsville

Here is a suggested seven-day itinerary for exploring Moundsville and its surroundings:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival, Check-in, Local Food Tour
Day 2 Grand Vue Park, Ziplining, Fishing, and Hiking
Day 3 West Virginia Penitentiary Tour, Moundsville Explorations Walking Tour, Downtown Shopping
Day 4 Oglebay Resort and Mansion Museum
Day 5 Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, Heritage Port Amphitheater
Day 6 Nationality Days (if traveling in August), Marshall County Fair
Day 7 Departure Day

Food and Drink Scene of Moundsville

Moundsville’s food scene is a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, offering something for every palate. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef and pork BBQ recipes with a unique blend of spices are the signature dishes of Moundsville.
  • The Texas Lunch is a classic dish featuring a hot dog bun filled with chili, onions, and a specially seasoned ground beef sauce.
  • Moundsville’s close proximity to the Ohio River means that fresh fish is plentiful. Try the fried catfish, a local favorite.

Local Beverages

  • West Virginia produces some of the best wines, especially focusing on the Vitis Vinifera, and fruit (apple and berry) wines. Stop by the West Virginia Wine Company to taste these delicious wines.
  • If you enjoy craft beer, be sure to visit the Green Tab and Firehouse BBQ to try their fantastic and unique brews.

Where to Stay in Moundsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Moundsville has numerous accommodation options to suit every budget. Some of the top-rated places to stay in Moundsville include:

What to Buy in Moundsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Moundsville has several quaint shops offering handmade local products and souvenirs. Some of the best places to buy souvenirs include:

  • Moundsville Pharmacy & Gift Shop: This local pharmacy offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts perfect to bring home to your friends and family.
  • West Virginia Marketplace: This specialty store in Wheeling offers the best of West Virginia’s crafted items, including artisanal sauces, jams, and specialty foods.

Local Culture and Customs of Moundsville

Moundsville is a friendly and welcoming city with a fascinating local culture and customs. The majority of people in Moundsville follow a Middle-class culture, and the locals are known for their traditional values and warm hospitality towards visitors.

Best Time to Visit Moundsville

The best time to visit Moundsville is during the summer months, between June and August, when the temperature is warm and there are several outdoor activities and events on offer. Fall is also an excellent time to visit when the changing leaves highlight the scenic beauty of Moundsville and the nearby Ohio Valley.

Do’s and Don’ts of Moundsville

Do:

  • Respect the city’s culture and traditions and be courteous to locals.
  • Take the time to explore the scenic beauty of the city, parks, and natural attractions.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended in your rental car or hotel room.
  • Engage in activities that harm the beauty of the city’s parks and hiking trails.
  • Disturb the peaceful environment of the city with unnecessary noise and disturbances.

Safety and Health

Safety in Moundsville

Moundsville is a fairly safe city; however, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. Ensure you keep valuables and important documents safely locked away and out of sight in your hotel rooms.

Health in Moundsville

Moundsville and the nearby Ohio Valley do not have any significant health risks. Visitors should follow general hygiene practices and avoid drinking tap water from unknown sources.

Getting to Moundsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Moundsville is well-connected and easily accessible via air, road, or rail.

Airports Near Moundsville

  • The Pittsburgh International Airport is the nearest international airport to Moundsville, located 68 miles from the city.
  • The Wheeling Ohio County Airport, located ten miles from Moundsville, is another option, but flights are limited.

Bus Stations Near Moundsville

  • Greyhound bus services run from Washington DC, Pittsburgh to Wheeling then from Wheeling to Moundsville.

Other Options

  • Visitors can also opt to drive to Moundsville, as rental cars are widely available.

How to Get Around in Moundsville

The best way to get around Moundsville is by rental car, bike, or on foot. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Moundsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you are considering exploring more of West Virginia, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Wheeling, 10 miles east of Moundsville, is a delightful city filled with history, culture, and great food.
  • Oglebay Resort and Mansion and The Highlands Shopping Area are both located within 20 minutes from Moundsville.
  • Visitors can also make the trip to West Virginia’s capital city, Charleston, located about a two-hour drive from Moundsville.

Conclusion

Moundsville, West Virginia’s charming city, has plenty to offer visitors keen on exploring the state’s natural beauty, history and culture. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Moundsville. We hope you enjoy your visit and have an unforgettable experience!

Adena Indian Mound Adena Indian Mound Moundsville Penitentiary Moundsville Penitentiary