Monongalia County, located in West Virginia, offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its outdoor adventures, exciting indoor activities, and relaxation opportunities. The county is home to several institutions, such as the Morgantown History Museum, Edith Barill Riverfront Park, The Wow Factory, Westover City Park, and Monongalia County Ballpark. Visitors can learn about local history, explore art studios, ride mountain bikes, sip wine, watch collegiate baseball, and taste homemade meals. Besides these exciting activities, visitors can also take a swim at the Mylan Park Aquatic Center and shop at the Appalachian Mercantile General Store and Cafe. By following the provided list of top five important keywords such as Monongalia County Ballpark, Morgantown History Museum, Westover City Park, Mylan Park Aquatic Center, and Appalachian Mercantile General Store and Cafe, visitors can plan their trips accordingly and enjoy the best experiences that the county has to offer.
Top 15 Things to Do in Monongalia County, West Virginia
Monongalia County in West Virginia is a great place for visitors who want to experience a mix of culture and fun activities. With its rich history and progressive values, there are plenty of things to see and do here.
History of Monongalia County
Monongalia County was established in 1776, the year of American independence, and named after the Monongahela River that flows through it. It was once home to several settlers, including the Delaware, Iroquois, and Shawnee. The county is also known for its glass industry, which is popular among local artisans and craftsmen.
Best Things to Do in Monongalia County
Here are the top 15 things to do in Monongalia County, West Virginia:
1. Morgantown Farmers Market
Get some locally grown and handmade products at the Morgantown Farmers Market. The market is located in the downtown area of Morgantown and has been providing fresh produce to the community since 2002. The market also hosts events like cooking demos and live music.
2. Art Museum of West Virginia University
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Art Museum of West Virginia University in Morgantown. The museum has a collection of over 4,000 paintings, works on paper, prints, ceramics, and sculptures, and hosts events like talks and concerts.
3. Launch Pad Trampoline Park
The Launch Pad Trampoline Park in Morgantown is a great place to have fun with friends and family. The park has a variety of trampolines, a dodgeball court, and a ninja course.
4. Cheat Lake Park and Trail System
The Cheat Lake Park and Trail System is a beautiful place for hiking, biking, or just enjoying the scenery. The park covers over 1,000 acres and has over 13 miles of trails.
5. Core Arboretum
The Core Arboretum in Morgantown is a great place to enjoy nature and learn about the local flora. The arboretum has over 3 miles of trails and over 300 species of plants.
6. West Virginia Botanic Garden
The West Virginia Botanic Garden is another beautiful place to explore nature in Monongalia County. The garden has over 82 acres of land and features a variety of native and exotic plants.
7. WVU Coliseum
The WVU Coliseum is a popular venue for sports and other events in Monongalia County. The coliseum hosts basketball, wrestling, and other events throughout the year.
8. Morgantown History Museum
Learn about the history of Morgantown and Monongalia County at the Morgantown History Museum. The museum has exhibits on the area’s early settlers, the glass industry, and other local history.
9. The Pines Country Club
The Pines Country Club is a great place for golfers in Monongalia
Top Things to Do in Monongalia County, WV
Monongalia County, WV, has numerous attractions and activities that cater to both children and adults. From trampoline parks to escape games and theaters, there’s something for everyone in this county.
Launch Pad Trampoline Park
Located at 22 Rousch Drive in Westover, Launch Pad Trampoline Park is an indoor wonderland filled with trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball areas, and a ninja course. Kids will especially enjoy spending a day here, but adults are welcome to join the fun, too! Besides trampolines, Launch Pad Trampoline Park also has an arcade where visitors can enjoy over 20 games.
Spark! Imagination and Science Center
Spark! Imagination and Science Center is an excellent facility located inside Mountaineer Mall at 5000 Greenbag Road in Morgantown. The science museum features interactive exhibits that primarily cater to children. These exhibits are designed to be fun and engaging, so kids can learn while having fun! Some exhibits include What is Nano?, Cam’s Imagination Playground, Dinosaurs, and Engineer It!.
Xscape Live Escape Games
If you’re a mystery and puzzle lover, you’ll enjoy the indoor activity offered by Xscape Live Escape Games. Located at 63 Wharf Street in Morgantown, visitors can bring a group of friends and help each other accomplish the mission inside themed rooms. You can choose from themes like Catching Capone, The Estate, Tut, and Taken. Each room has a unique story, so feel free to try as many as possible!
Metropolitan Theatre
The Metropolitan Theatre is a must-visit for theater and history enthusiasts. You can find it at 373 High Street in Morgantown, and it has been a part of the Downtown Historic District of Morgantown for almost 100 years. The theater is an iconic institution that keeps the community in touch with culture and performing arts. It was designed by Charles W. Bates and opened to the public in 1924 as a vaudeville house. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 after closing in the early 1980s. Groups of citizens launched efforts to renovate and revitalize the historic theater in 1990, and today, over 35,000 patrons catch various shows, including plays, films, and concerts, among others, at the Metropolitan Theater.
Monongalia County, WV, has plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. These attractions are perfect for families, friends, or even solo travelers who want to explore the area.
Top Activities in Monongalia County, WV
Monongalia County, WV, offers visitors several activities that are perfect for all ages. From museums to outdoor parks and art studios, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Morgantown History Museum
Located at 175 Kirk Street in Morgantown City, the Morgantown History Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the area’s history. Established in 2011, it was the area’s first city-sponsored museum. Today, the museum features collections depicting the city’s development through the years. Visitors can see the museum’s displayed artifacts and photographs and learn about their significance. The museum has many exhibits that come and go, but some permanent exhibits include Don Knotts, local glassware and pottery, and a vintage printing shop.
Edith Barill Riverfront Park
The Edith Barill Riverfront Park is located in Star City, Monongalia County. Visitors can go biking on the trails or relax and meet the local community. The park features a John F. Kennedy Memorial and a Veterans Memorial. Kids will enjoy the Tugboat Depot playground, a beloved play area of the locals. Visitors may also drop by the nearby glass museum inside the Star City Municipal Building along Broadway Avenue.
The Wow Factory
The Wow Factory is an art studio located at 3453 University Avenue in Morgantown. The studio offers several art activities, including pottery painting, glass fusing, mosaic making, clay hand-building, and canvas painting. Visitors can also take some of the scheduled classes for these activities. Different events are also held at the Wow Factory, so check them out in advance to join the fun.
Westover City Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Westover City Park in Westover is the perfect spot. The park is a known local spot for its trails, featuring a double-loop trail built especially for mountain biking. It has a shorter loop for beginner mountain bikers and a more challenging loop that drops and falls around Harry Lake. Visitors can enjoy a day outside with their bike at Westover City Park.
Monongalia County Ballpark
Sports enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to catch a game at the Monongalia County Ballpark. The ballpark is located in Granville, Monongalia County, and is home to the West Virginia Black Bears. The park offers a family-friendly atmosphere, so bring your friends and family to enjoy a game.
Monongalia County, WV, has plenty of activities to offer visitors. These attractions are perfect for families, friends, or even solo travelers who want to explore the area.
Discover Local History at Morgantown History Museum
Learn about local history at Morgantown History Museum located at 175 Kirk Street in Morgantown City. Established in 2011, it was the area’s first city-sponsored museum. Today, the museum features collections depicting the city’s history and its development through the years. Many exhibits come and go, but permanent exhibits are also available. Some exhibits include Don Knotts, local glassware and pottery, and a vintage printing shop, among many others! Add Morgantown History Museum to your list of historic stops in Monongalia County.
Explore the Edith Barill Riverfront Park
The Edith Barill Riverfront Park is considered the heart of Star City, a small town in Monongalia County. Here you may stay a while to go biking on the trails. You may also hang around to meet the local community while relaxing outdoors. The park features a John F. Kennedy Memorial and a Veterans Memorial. If you’re bringing kids, you may take them to the Tugboat Depot playground, a beloved play area of the locals. You may also drop by the nearby glass museum inside the Star City Municipal Building along Broadway Avenue!
Get Creative at the Wow Factory
The Wow Factory is an art studio located in the city of Morgantown at 3453 University Avenue. The studio offers several art activities, including pottery painting, glass fusing, mosaic making, clay hand-building, and canvas painting. You may also take some of the scheduled classes for these activities. Different events are also held at the Wow Factory, so check them out in advance to join the fun. Get inspired, surround yourself with like-minded individuals, and unleash your creativity at the Wow Factory!
Ride a Mountain Bike at Westover City Park
If you want something more adventurous, go to Westover City Park in Westover. The park is a known local spot for outdoor enthusiasts because of its trails. It features a double-loop trail built especially for mountain biking. It has a shorter loop for beginner mountain bikers and a more challenging loop that drops and falls around Harry Lake. Enjoy a day outside with your bike at Westover City Park.
Catch a Game at Monongalia County Ballpark
The Wagener Field at Monongalia County Ballpark is one of the country’s premier venues for collegiate baseball. The baseball stadium is located in the town of Granville. When you visit, check the field’s schedule, and you might chance upon a game. Monongalia County Ballpark features a synthetic surface that can accommodate severe weather conditions and heavy use. It is one of the top-tier stadiums in the region. Sports fans shouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch a game at this stadium, so add this field to your bucket list!
Sip Wine at Forks of Cheat Winery
Bring your friends with you and taste local wine at Forks Cheat Winery located at 2811 Stewartstown Road in Morgantown. Find stunning views of nature while sipping delicious wine. Owner Jerry Deal established the winery in 1990 after years of making wine from his home and joining amateur competitions. Forks of Cheat Winery boasts various award-winning wines made and handled with traditional methods. The facility is a well-known winery in the area, producing over 20,000 gallons of wine annually. Discover what local wine is all about when visiting Forks Cheat Winery!
Eat Like a Local at Grandma Jean’s Country Kitchen
Taste delicious homemade meals at Grandma Jean’s Country Kitchen located along Dents Run Boulevard in the small town of Granville. Experience family-style country cooking that will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time! They serve roast beef, chicken and dumplings, chili, spaghetti, and meatlo
Appalachian Mercantile General Store and Cafe: A Haven for Artisanal Products and Delicious Food
Experience the local culture of Appalachia by dropping by the Appalachian Mercantile General Store and Cafe in Granville.
The store offers a unique curation of artisanal products from artists and artisans across the region.
After shopping, you may take a break and relax at the cozy Appalachian-inspired cafe.
Here, you can taste a variety of hot and iced drinks, sweet and savory food, and even access free wifi and charging outlets.
The Appalachian Mercantile General Store and Cafe is a must-visit local gem for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse culture of Appalachia.
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