Point Pleasant Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide to Point Pleasant in West Virginia, including tips on the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.


Introduction to Point Pleasant

Located in the Ohio Valley region of West Virginia, Point Pleasant is a charming, small town with a rich history and natural beauty. Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Cherokee, once inhabited the region. Today, Point Pleasant is known for its museums, outdoor recreation opportunities, and the legendary Mothman, a mysterious creature that was sighted around the town in the late 1960s.

List of Places to Visit in Point Pleasant

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mothman Museum and Research Center: A museum dedicated to the legendary Mothman, featuring exhibits, artwork, and eyewitness accounts of sightings.
  • West Virginia State Farm Museum: Explore the history of farming and agriculture in West Virginia with exhibits of farm equipment, tools, and artifacts.
  • Tu-Endie-Wei State Park: A historic site commemorating the Battle of Point Pleasant, one of the largest Native American battles fought in the region.

Natural Attractions of Point Pleasant: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area: A 12,000-acre wildlife area with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting.
  • Point Pleasant River Museum & Learning Center: A museum dedicated to the history of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, with exhibits on river transportation, commerce, and ecology.
  • The Point Pleasant Murals: Beautiful murals depicting the town’s history and natural scenery, painted on the floodwall along the Ohio River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Point Pleasant

  • The Silver Bridge Trail: A scenic trail that runs along the Kanawha River and offers great views of the Ohio River. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking, and fishing.
  • Chief Cornstalk Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that winds through the Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Tu-Endie-Wei State Park Trail: A 1.3-mile trail that runs through the park and offers views of the Ohio River and historic sites.

Best Things to Do in Point Pleasant: Activities and Tours

  • Mothman Sightings Tour: Take a guided tour of the areas where the legendary Mothman was sighted and learn about the history and mystery of this creature.
  • Boat Tours: Enjoy a boat tour along the Ohio River and take in the scenic views of the town and surrounding hills.
  • Ghost Tours: Explore the haunted history of Point Pleasant with a spooky ghost tour that takes you to some of the town’s most haunted spots.

Week-Long Itinerary for Point Pleasant

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Mothman Museum, have lunch at the Mason Jar, and take a boat tour of the Ohio River.
Day 2 Hike the Chief Cornstalk Trail in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the West Virginia State Farm Museum.
Day 3 Explore the Point Pleasant River Museum & Learning Center and take a walk along the Point Pleasant Murals.
Day 4 Take a day trip to nearby New River Gorge National Park and participate in outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, or hiking.
Day 5 Go on a Mothman Sightings Tour and have lunch at the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park.
Day 6 Visit the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park and learn about the history of the Battle of Point Pleasant.
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the town’s local events, like the Mothman Festival, or visit local shops for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Point Pleasant

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pepperoni Rolls: A West Virginia specialty, these baked rolls are filled with spicy pepperoni and cheese.
  • Bison Burgers: Try a classic American burger made with locally-sourced bison meat.
  • Pulled Pork Barbecue: A southern-style barbecue dish that’s a staple in West Virginia.

Local Beverages

  • West Virginia Wine: Enjoy wine made with locally-sourced grapes from the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Moonshine: A local spirit that’s made in the Appalachian Mountains and known for its high alcohol content.
  • Craft Beer: Sample local brews from the nearby breweries, like the Mothman Black IPA from the local brewery.

Where to Stay in Point Pleasant: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Point Pleasant Inn: A historic inn located in the heart of the town, offering comfortable rooms and friendly service.
  • Quality Inn: Located near the riverfront, this hotel features amenities like a fitness center, outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast.
  • River’s Edge Motel: A classic roadside motel located along the Ohio River, offering affordable rooms and beautiful views.

What to Buy in Point Pleasant: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Mothman Merchandise: From t-shirts to figurines, take home a souvenir of the legendary creature that’s become synonymous with the town.
  • Locally-Made Crafts: Browse local shops for handmade items like pottery, candles, and jewelry.
  • West Virginia Wine: Bring home a bottle of wine from a nearby winery as a tasty and unique souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Point Pleasant

West Virginia is known for its friendly people and down-to-earth culture. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as holding doors open for others and saying “please” and “thank you.”

Best Time to Visit Point Pleasant

The best time to visit Point Pleasant is during the summer months, when outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating are at their peak. The town also hosts many festivals and events during this time, such as the Mothman Festival in September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Point Pleasant

Do:

  • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the region.
  • Visit the local museums to learn about the unique heritage of West Virginia.
  • Try the local cuisine, including traditional southern-style barbecue and West Virginia wine.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Take any souvenirs from protected natural areas or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant is a safe town where visitors can feel comfortable exploring on foot. However, as with any destination, it’s important to keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Health in Point Pleasant

Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of disease. The nearest hospital is the Pleasant Valley Hospital in nearby Point Pleasant.

Getting to Point Pleasant: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Point Pleasant

The nearest airports are in Charleston, West Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio, both about an hour’s drive away.

Bus Stations Near Point Pleasant

Greyhound and other bus services operate out of nearby Huntington and Charleston, with connections to other major cities in the region.

Other Options

Point Pleasant is easily accessible by car, and visitors can reach the town via major highways like US-35 and I-64.

How to Get Around in Point Pleasant

Visitors can easily explore the town on foot, and there are also options for renting bikes and kayaks to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Where to Go Next from Point Pleasant: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • New River Gorge National Park: Located about two hours from Point Pleasant, this national park offers stunning views of the New River and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and rock climbing.
  • Charleston, West Virginia: The state capital is less than an hour’s drive from Point Pleasant and offers cultural attractions like the West Virginia State Capitol and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.
  • Ohio Amish Country: A little over an hour’s drive from Point Pleasant, explore the unique culture of the Amish community and enjoy shopping and dining in the charming towns of the region.

Conclusion

Point Pleasant may be a small town, but it’s filled with history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it the perfect destination for a memorable vacation. From exploring the legends of the Mothman to outdoor adventures along the Ohio River, there’s something for everyone in this delightful West Virginia gem.