Wheeling, West Virginia, sits cozily along the Ohio River and has plenty of fun activities to offer. From its historic sites to outdoor adventures, this small but vibrant city has something for everyone. This place has a rich history and culture that you can explore.
Have you ever ridden a Victorian-style trolley or visited a zoo with animals from around the world? Wheeling will take you back in time and then bring you right back with its modern attractions. Pack your bags for a memorable trip where you can do all this and more!
If you’re into sports or outdoor fun, Wheeling won’t disappoint. With its parks, trails, and the river, you can hike, bike, or even go fishing. And if you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss out on ice-skating at the local rink. There’s never a dull moment!
Exploring Wheeling, WV: A Visitor’s Guide
Get ready to step into the world of wonders at the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. It’s a super old bridge that looks really cool, especially at sunset. Don’t forget your camera – the views are awesome!
Craving adventure? Check out Wheeling Heritage Trail. It’s perfect for a bike ride or a chill walk with your family. You’ll see trees, birds, and maybe even some deer if you’re lucky!
Love to learn? The Capitol Theatre hosts amazing shows and sometimes free events. It’s a fancy place where you can watch concerts and plays. Keep an eye on their schedule for something fun to catch!
Feeling artsy? Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center shows off cool art stuff. You can see paintings and sculptures and sometimes even make your own art!
And, hey, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, hit up Centre Market. It’s got yummy treats and cool shops. It’s an old market that’s still super popular. You can eat, shop, and hang out with the locals there.
Historic Landmarks
Check out the Capitol Theatre when you’re in Wheeling, WV. It’s a cool place for live music and shows. They’ve got everything from concerts to plays, and it’s all inside a beautiful, old building.
The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack is a must for game lovers. You can try your luck with slots and table games or watch some thrilling dog races. It’s a spot where you can have fun all day and all night.
If you like spooky stuff, visit the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. It’s super old and has lots of ghost stories tied to it. Plus, the view of the river is amazing, especially when the sun sets.
And for you shoppers, Centre Market is where it’s at. You’ll find lots of small shops with cool stuff to buy like art and tasty food. This historic market has been around forever and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon.
Looking to learn something new? The Oglebay Institute’s Glass Museum shows how glass is made and it’s got some really neat pieces on display. Plus, they sometimes let you try making your own glass, which is an awesome experience.
If hanging out in nature is your thing, head to Oglebay Park. It’s huge and has lots of stuff to do like golf, gardens, and even a small zoo. It’s a perfect place to chill and enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor Activities
Wheeling has a cool science center called the SMART Centre Market. It’s packed with fun science stuff and you can even check out stars through their telescopes on special nights.
Take a walk or ride your bike on the Wheeling Heritage Trail. It goes along the river, so you’ll see water, trees, and maybe some boats. It’s a good place to get some exercise and fresh air.
Feeling hungry? Stop by DiCarlo’s Pizza. They make pizza in a unique Wheeling style, with the cheese added after the crust comes out of the oven! It’s really tasty and lots of people love it.
Visit the WesBanco Arena for some cool sports action. You might catch a hockey game or even a big concert. It’s one of the main spots in Wheeling for big events.
Love art? Check out Artworks Around Town in the Centre Market area. They showcase local artists, so you can see what people in Wheeling create and maybe buy something to take home.
Don’t miss the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra if you enjoy music. They play beautiful classical tunes and sometimes they have concerts outside by the water. It’s super relaxing and classy.
Lastly, if you’re in town during the summer, go see the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival. It’s full of food, music, and fun games. It’s a big deal in Wheeling and a good time for the whole family.
Cultural Attractions
If you love old things that tell a story, hit up the Wheeling Antiques Market. It’s like a treasure hunt where you can find cool stuff from the past. Who knows what you might discover!
Oglebay Park should be on your to-do list. They have a zoo with animals from all over, like red pandas and cheetahs. Plus, there’s golf, a spa, and in winter, a big light show that’s super pretty.
Get spooked on a ghost tour at the Palace of Gold. It’s not right in Wheeling, but it’s nearby. The tour tells all about the legends and ghost stories of the area. It’s perfect if you like a little scare.
Swing by Capitol Theatre to see a play or a musical. This place is pretty old and has a lot of character. It’s been fixed up to look great and the shows are always top-notch.
Go to the Good Zoo at Oglebay. It’s special because you can feed some of the animals like birds and giraffes. That doesn’t happen every day!
History buffs should visit the West Virginia Independence Hall. It’s an important building where West Virginia was born. They have a bunch of old stuff you can look at and learn about the state’s history.
If you’re into creepy crawlies, check out the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. They have a lot more than just toys and trains. There’s a whole section with cool bugs and insects on display. It’s not too far from downtown Wheeling.
For a fun time, see what’s happening at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. There are games, races, and sometimes special events. It’s a hot spot for entertainment in town.
Adventures in Weirton, WV: What to Do and See
In Weirton, WV, make a splash at Starvaggi Memorial Pool. It’s a fun spot to cool off in the summer. They have slides and stuff for kids to play on.
Step back in time at Holliday’s Cove Fort. It’s an old stone fort right in Weirton. You can walk around and imagine what it was like back in the day.
Grab your bike or take a walk on the Panhandle Trail. It stretches for miles, so you can get lots of exercise and see some pretty sights along the way.
If you like to fish, check out the Marland Heights Park. They’ve got a pond where you can try to catch some fish. It’s a chill way to spend an afternoon.
Love painting or making things? Visit the Summit Art Gallery. They have local art on display, and sometimes they host classes where you can create your own art.
When it’s showtime, catch a movie at the Plaza Theater. It’s not a big fancy place, but the movies are always good and the popcorn’s yummy.
For folks who like to play sports, the Millsop Community Center has a lot of options. You can shoot hoops, play volleyball, or hit the weights.
Don’t forget to eat! Weirton has some tasty places to grab a bite. Try DiCarlo’s Pizza for a slice that’s got a crunchy crust and lots of cheese. It’s a local favorite!
Local Parks and Recreational Areas
Feelin’ adventurous? Head to Tomlinson Run State Park in Weirton. You can go hiking, fishing, or even camping. It’s a great spot to enjoy nature and get some fresh air.
Like water? Starvaggi Pool is a blast in the summer. There’s a pool for swimming, slides, and even a place to picnic. Bring your friends or family for a cool day out.
Are you into art? Summit Gallery in Weirton shows off local artists’ work. It’s a nice place to see different kinds of paintings and sculptures, and maybe even buy something.
Love the game? Millsop Community Center has sports and stuff to stay active. Basketball, tennis, and other fun activities are waiting for you there. It’s a good way to burn some energy.
Weirton also has a history museum. It tells the story of the town and the steel industry that was big here. It’s called the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center. If you like old stories, you’ll dig this place.
Craving something sweet? Visit the Weirton Bakery for some tasty treats. They’ve been baking goodies for years. It’s a favorite spot for locals to grab a snack.
Fancy a show? Check out the Brooke Hills Playhouse. They put on plays and musicals throughout the year. The talent is awesome and it’s right in the middle of beautiful parkland.
Want to see more animals? Visit Oglebay’s Good Zoo near Wheeling. They have lots of interesting animals and you can even feed some. It’s a fun way to spend the day and learn about wildlife.
Museums and Historical Sites
If you’re near Wheeling and crave some action, why not try ziplining at Grand Vue Park? Soar through the sky and see beautiful views. It’s super thrilling and a great way to spend a day.
Maybe you like skateboarding or rollerblading? Wheeling has a cool skate park called the Wheeling Skatepark. It’s the perfect place to practice your moves and hang with friends.
Check out the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling. They have concerts, shows, and other neat events. It’s a big, pretty building with lots of history, and there’s always something fun going on.
Feeling hungry? Centre Market in Wheeling is where you can eat and shop. They have different kinds of food and cool shops. It’s a good place to find something yummy and unique.
Wheeling has a neat trail called the Wheeling Heritage Trail. It’s good for walking, biking, and seeing the river. It’s also a cool way to learn about the city while staying active.
Bored on a rainy day? Stop by SMART Centre Market, an awesome science store in Wheeling. They have gadgets, fossils, and sometimes do science shows. It’s a fun and smart way to spend your time.
Festivals and Community Events
Just a short drive from Wheeling, Weirton awaits with its own brand of fun. Head to Starvaggi Memorial Pool on a hot day. It’s got water slides and places to chill, which is perfect for beating the heat.
Love movies? Weirton’s got the big-screen experience down with the Carmike Cinemas. It’s a great spot to catch the latest flicks, share popcorn, and relax after a full day of adventure.
Ever heard of a game called disc golf? Well, Weirton has a cool course at Edwin J. Bowman Park. It’s fun throwing frisbees into metal baskets and it’s a nice way to enjoy the outdoors.
Are you into history? Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center is totally worth a visit. It’s got all sorts of old stuff from the area, and you can learn about the people and places from long ago.
If you want to go for a stroll, check out Marland Heights Park. It’s peaceful, with paths for walking and spots to just sit and watch the world go by. Plus, it’s a great place for taking your dog for a walk.
And don’t forget about fishing! Over at Tomlinson Run State Park, you can catch fish, go for boat rides, or just explore nature. It’s not far from Weirton and has a ton of stuff to do outdoors.
Discovering Steubenville, OH: History, Arts, and Entertainment
Stepping over to Steubenville, OH, you’ll find a treasure trove of cool stuff to explore. It’s just across the river from Weirton, WV, and not far from Wheeling, WV.
First up, check out the Fort Steuben. It’s an old fort from the 1700s, and they’ve rebuilt it so you can see what it was like back in the day. They’ve got guides too, so you can learn all about how people lived and protected the place.
Got a thing for art? Steubenville has these amazing murals all over downtown. They’re pictures painted on buildings that show famous scenes and people from the town’s history. You can walk around and see them all. It’s like an outdoor art show!
If you’re into music and shows, the Historic Steubenville Masonic Temple is where it’s at. They have live performances like plays and concerts. It’s a really fancy building that’s been around for a long time and has a cool history.
When the holidays roll around, Steubenville goes big with the Nutcracker Village & Advent Market. There’s a bunch of life-sized Nutcracker statues to see, and little shops where you can buy treats and gifts.
Fancy a movie? Hollywood City Center is a great spot to watch new movies. Grab some friends, munch on some snacks, and enjoy the latest hits on the big screen.
Don’t miss the Steubenville Art Association Spring Show either. Local artists show off their paintings and sculptures, and it’s just neat to see what creative stuff people from around here can do.
Historic Downtown and Architecture
Stepping into Steubenville, OH, you’re surrounded by history. It’s where the big Ohio River keeps flowing, right next to Wheeling. This town’s got some awesome tales from way back.
The town’s famous for the Steubenville Nutcracker Village & Advent Market. It’s a holiday must-see, with life-sized nutcrackers all over the place. Plus, you can shop and get into the festive mood.
Art lovers, listen up! Franciscan University presents cool art stuff like plays and concerts. They’ve got this thing called the Finnegan Fieldhouse where all sorts of events happen.
When you’re ready for some action, Steubenville’s Belleview Park is the spot. It has baseball, basketball, and a wicked skate park. It’s like sports paradise for kids and teens.
And here’s something super neat: the Historic Fort Steuben. It’s a rebuilt fort that shows you how folks lived over 200 years ago. They have tours, and sometimes they do reenactments, which is like stepping into a time machine.
Feeling hungry? Steubenville’s got yummy spots like Naples Spaghetti House. It’s been around for ages, dishing out pasta that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ready for a show? The Steubenville Big Red Band is a local legend. Their music is awesome, and they perform at all sorts of events, keeping everyone’s feet tapping.
And don’t miss the Dean Martin Festival. Yep, that cool singer from way back was from Steubenville. The festival’s got singing, and it’s a blast from the past that’ll make you smile.
So there you go—Steubenville’s part history book, part art gallery, and loads of fun. It’s a sweet day trip from Wheeling, with plenty to see and do.
Arts Scene and Galleries
If you’re into creepy mysteries, you’ve gotta check out Steubenville’s ghost tours. They say old buildings around town have some eerie stories. It’s a fun way to get a little scared and learn some spooky history.
For all you movie buffs, Steubenville has the Historic Hollywood City Center. They show classic films sometimes, and it’s like a time hop to the old days of cinema. Grab popcorn and catch a flick in style.
Oh, and there’s this cool mural trail in town. It’s full of these big paintings on buildings that tell Steubenville’s story. You can walk or bike it and snap some awesome pics.
Let’s talk festivals. Steubenville’s got the Greek Food Festival, which is all about tasty food and fun dances. Bring your friends and eat like you’re in Greece without leaving Ohio!
Just a short trip from Wheeling, the Steubenville City Market is a must-do. Farmers and crafters come to sell their stuff. You can grab fresh veggies, homemade goodies, and maybe find a cool craft to take home.
Around Christmas, don’t miss the Steubenville Christmas Parade. It’s got floats, bands, and Santa Claus. Everyone’s smiling and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Steubenville, a drive away from Wheeling, WV, has a secret spot for comic fans. It’s the birthplace of Dean Martin, and there’s a festival every year for him. Folks gather for music and memories that make you feel like a star.
Art lovers should visit the Franciscan University of Steubenville. They put on plays and concerts that are super good. It’s a cool way to see talent and enjoy some drama or songs.
The city also has a sweet library, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County. They have tons of books and sometimes even host story times and fun activities for kids and families. Reading rocks, and this library is a gem for bookworms.
For those who like the outdoors, Beatty Park is a nice spot. It has trails for hiking and streams for relaxing. You can take a break from the city life and chill in nature. Plus, it’s fun and healthy to get moving outside.
If you’re into sports, the Steubenville High School football games are big here. People get really into cheering for their team. It’s a blast to watch the game and feel the energy of the crowd.
Conclusion
Wheeling, WV has lots of fun stuff to do that’s perfect for a day out or even a weekend trip. Families, friends, and solo adventurers can find something cool to get into.
Start with a visit to the Wheeling Island Casino if you’re feeling lucky. They’ve got games and slots, and sometimes they host concerts and shows too. It’s not just for grown-ups; they have family-friendly events as well.
Love animals? Check out the Oglebay Good Zoo. They have animals from all over and some cool exhibits, like the dinosaur display. It’s educational and you can get close to some of the animals!
If you’re into history, take a walk through Wheeling Heritage Trail. It goes along the river and you can learn about the town’s past. There are signs with facts about the old buildings and how Wheeling played a part in American history.
The Capitol Theatre is a must-see for music and theater fans. They host plays, concerts, and other performances. It’s a beautiful place with a lot of history, and there’s always something going on.
Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants. Wheeling has some yummy places to eat that serve everything from pizza to fancy dishes. Eating local food is part of the fun!
Wheeling has so much to offer, and exploring the city can make some great memories. Whether you’re looking for excitement, education, or just a good time, you’ll find plenty to do in Wheeling, WV.