For families who are looking for a unique vacation destination, northern West Virginia is the place to be! Like musician John Denver’s famous lyric says, you’ll discover that it’s “Almost Heaven, West Virginia” as you explore this Appalachian state. From outdoor adventures to historical monuments to great local food, a visit to this part of the state will be filled with lots of special Mountaineer moments.
First Stop: Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling is located in the panhandle part of West Virginia, about an hour’s drive from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The city is full of history, and there’s lots to do for families who are looking to discover a quaint side of the state!
What to Do in Wheeling
SMART Centre Market
The sign outside of SMART Centre Market says, “Do you like dinosaurs, space or ice cream?” If you answered yes to any of these, you should definitely visit this fun and interactive science store that embraces STEAM concepts. Owned and operated by former elementary and middle school teachers, you’ll find all kinds of items to expand your mind, plus an in-house ice cream parlor to expand your waistline!
West Virginia Independence Hall
Learn about West Virginia’s history to become its own state at the West Virginia Independence Hall, a National Historic Landmark that is considered the birthplace of West Virginia. Explore three floors of rooms, exhibits and artifacts, and learn about the historic and architectural significance of the site.
Grave Creek Mound + Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex
Grave Creek Mound, just a short 15 minute drive south of Wheeling in Moundsville, is the biggest cone-shaped ancient burial mound in North America. It stands 62 feet tall and 240 feet wide, and visitors are welcome to climb the winding steps to the top of the mound. Members of the indigenous Adena culture built the mound around 250–150 B.C., and moved more than 60,000 tons of dirt to create it.
After you’ve enjoyed the views from the top of the mound, head inside to the Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex, a museum that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. In the museum, you’ll find fossils and ice age animals on display, learn about archaeological sites in West Virginia, and learn about about the Adena people and how and why they constructed Grave Creek Mound.
Where to Eat in Wheeling
Centre Market
Centre Market in downtown Wheeling is older than the state of West Virginia itself! Inside this cozy food hall, you’ll find the famous Coleman’s Fish House, where you can order “the country’s best fish sandwich,” according to Gourmet Magazine. You can also stop at Tito’s in the Market House for a hot dog, Michael’s Beef House for an original Pappas roast beef sandwich, or shop for local gourmet food items at Valley Cheese.
Centre Market is actually two buildings, and in the other structure, you’ll find desserts (like American Pies & Pastries) and coffee, as well as an art gallery and a nice area to sit, relax and play board games.
The Public Market
Wheeling really likes its markets and food halls! The Public Market is a year-round, indoor farmers market, where you’ll find fresh produce, items like local honey and jams, and stalls selling baked goods. Also tucked into in The Public Market is the Wheeling Visitor’s Center, where you can pick up pamphlets and ask questions about what to do, see, eat and experience in Wheeling.
Later Alligator
Later Alligator is a unique Wheeling eatery located in Centre Market’s Historic District. You’ll definitely want to save room for one of their crepes, which they are known for!
Tito’s Sloppy Doggs
At Tito’s Sloppy Doggs, you’ll find a West Virginia hot dog — a hot dog piled high with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions — as well as many other hot dog, burger and fried food configurations.
Elle&Jack’s
For elevated yet familiar fare in downtown Wheeling, Elle&Jack’s is a great choice. Although they don’t have a formal kids’ menu, they will make a grilled cheese, pasta with sauce, buttered noodles or cheeseburger for kids — just ask!
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, which has an unbelievable amount of new and nostalgic candy, a wall of sodas, a chocolate shop and an ice cream parlor all in one corner store.
Where to Stay in Wheeling
Oglebay
Oglebay is THE place to stay if you are looking for an all-in-one hotel and resort in Wheeling, WV. With 2,000 acres of year-round recreational activities, and a hotel with a tropical-themed indoor pool, spa and arcade, you can stay and play in the same place! On the resort campus, you’ll also find a zoo, an aerial ropes challenge course, an arboretum, swan boats, golf and miniature golf, and lots more.
The Good Zoo
This small but fun-for-kids zoo on the Oglebay resort campus has indoor and outdoor opportunities to visit with animals. One of the highlights of the zoo are the animal encounters: You can meet and feed the resident sloth and tamarin monkeys in their own habitat!
Aerial Ropes Challenge Course
Perfect for adventurous kids and adults, the Aerial Ropes Challenge Course at Oglebay offers a combination of rope walks, obstacles and climbs.
Golf + Mini Golf + Swan Boats + Arboretum + Lots More!
Golfers will love the 18-hole, Par 3 and driving ranges at Oglebay. For young kids, there’s also a fun miniature putt-putt course near the playground.
Skyline Kitchen + Bar
Oglebay has a great restaurant on the property — Skyline Kitchen + Bar — which was recently added in the summer of 2024. You’ll find family favorites like pizza and burgers, plus soups, salads and steaks. For the ultimate indulgence, try Skyline’s 10-scoop sundae, which includes a whole slice of apple pie, a giant cookie, a brownie, Nutella, whipped cream, almond slices and cherries!
Second Stop: Morgantown, WV
A little over an hour away from Wheeling is Morgantown, home to West Virginia University. This college town has lots of things to do and see (and eat!), and school spirit is around every corner.
What to Do in Morgantown, WV
West Virginia Botanic Garden
Free and open to the public, the West Virginia Botanic Garden is 85-acres of natural beauty in Morgantown. Enjoy the garden’s four miles of trails and boardwalks that will take you through forests, gardens and wetlands. Families with young children will want to visit the Children’s Nature Garden, an area specially designed for kids to interact with nature.
West Virginia University Planetarium
Located on the West Virginia University campus, the West Virginia University Planetarium offers public planetarium showings every other Friday. Be sure to book your ticket online in advance! After the show, guests are invited to the rooftop telescope for live viewing of the night sky.
WVU Outdoor Education Center
WVU Outdoor Education Center is where you’ll find outdoor adventure activities in Morgantown. Zipline canopy tours and aerial trekking adventures are two of the more popular activities.
Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf
One thing you’ll learn quickly about West Virginia is that cryptids are a big thing here! Mothman, Bigfoot, the Flatwoods Monster and many other folklore figures abound at Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf. This indoor 13-hole putt-putt course highlights the rich storytelling of Appalachia, with each hole on the course assigned to a specific cryptid or ghost story. You can learn about cryptids as you try for a hole in one!
Coopers Rock State Forest
About 15 minutes outside of Morgantown is Coopers Rock State Forest, a great place to go picnicking, fishing, camping and exploring along the more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the woods. Just steps from the parking lot is the overlook, where on a clear day, you can see beautiful views of the Cheat River Gorge.
Where to Eat in Morgantown
Iron Horse Tavern
Located in downtown Morgantown, Iron Horse Tavern specializes in unique pub food, West Virginia beer on tap, and also does brunch on Sundays. They have a big kids’ menu with all of the kid favorites!
Von Blaze
Von Blaze offers lunch and dinner during the week, but their brunch is on a whole other level! Brunch menu offerings include Dutch babies, dulce de leche French toast, Turkish eggs and many other delicious items.
Dockside Grille
Enjoy views of Cheat Lake from a patio table at Dockside Grille, a family-friendly restaurant located right on the marina. The menu features items from the land and sea, as well as kid-approved mac & cheese and burgers. Don’t forget to say hello to the turtles swimming and sunning in a tank by the hostess stand!
Durar Coffee
Experience the flavors of Yemen at Durar Coffee in downtown Morgantown. Grab a cup of Yemeni coffee, or choose from one of the many desserts they offer, like a traditional honey-drizzled Honeycomb or a slice of pistachio cake.
Where to Stay
Mountain Creek Cabins
You’re in Appalachia, so why not enjoy the mountains by staying in a cabin in the woods? Located about 20 minutes from Morgantown, Mountain Creek Cabins in Bruceton Mills offers cabins with amazing amenities, like private hot tubs at each cabin, a free laundry room, good wifi, full kitchens in each cabin, and beautiful views of a creek that runs through the property. Some of the cabins are also pet friendly!
