Sitting majestically on the beautiful Ohio River, Wheeling is a historic city in West Virginia. This beautiful place was once the state capital and is now a place of historical landmarks, traditional heritage mixed with a touch of modern style, frilly homes, and Victorian beauty. Wheeling is a great place to spend some time off all the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. The city is teeming with several places to see and experience, including fabulous eateries, hiking trails, antique vintage shops, cafes, beautifully designed houses, and breweries. Enjoy exploring the largest suspension bridge in the world, places for exciting outdoor activities, several annual festivals, and more. If you are planning a visit, here are the most enjoyable things to do in Wheeling, West Virginia.
1. Get your craving fixed at Avenue Eats
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Avenue Eats on Thursday, October 29, 2020
For a casual dining experience, why not visit this neighborhood eatery? Avenue Eats is loved by the locals and serves some of the best burgers you’ll ever sink your teeth into! Their burger meat is fresh and ground daily with options for signature flavors like smoked gouda with spinach, breakfast (bacon, eggs, and aioli), sauteed mushrooms with baby Swiss cheese, and of course, the classic sharp cheddar with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a kaiser bun. Their other “playful” burgers are the brie and grilled pear, bacon and blue, and black bean sliders. Burger lovers are going to have a feast at Avenue Eats for sure!
Avenue Eats
Address: 476 Warden Run Road, Wheeling, WV 26003
Website: Avenue Eats
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
2. See the incredible wildlife at Oglebay Good Zoo
Dedicated to the memory of a late town icon, the Oglebay Good Zoo is a great place to visit in West Virginia. As you stroll, observe the many species of animals on display. With over 20 rare and endangered animal species that call this place home, it is the only accredited zoo in the city. See the cheetahs, lemurs, pandas, otters, and other exotic animals in the wild side, and observe donkeys, goats and llamas play in the domestic animal area of this exciting zoo. Oglebay Park Lake Dam is also just a 15-minute walk from here.
Oglebay Good Zoo
Address: 345 Zoo Circle, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Oglebay Good Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7.45 - 11.45 USD
3. Enjoy a pedal boat trip at Wheeling Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Wheeling Park on Thursday, July 2, 2020
Looking for fun and inexpensive activities with your family? Wheeling Park is a great and historical place of fun in West Virginia. This magnificent park features indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a miniature golf course and several areas for picnics for your recreational fantasies. The park also offers you a chance to go on a pedal boat trip on its onsite lake and a fantastic ice rink. With several areas for games and outdoor fun, visiting this public park is a must during your time in Wheeling. If you’re with your fur babies, another place to visit is Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park, which is 10 minutes away from here!
Wheeling Park
Address: 1801 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Wheeling Park
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: from 2 USD
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4. Try your luck in gambling at Wheeling Island
If you are looking for a place in West Virginia dedicated solely for entertainment and recreational activities, then you should look no further than Wheeling Island. This remarkable place is your number one venue for non-stop gaming action and entertainment. With the very best slot games, live entertainment – music or acts, table games, casinos, and luxurious accommodations, Wheeling Island is the best place for a refreshing getaway in the city. Spend some time in this place and enjoy the most exceptional gambling experience.
Wheeling Island
Address: 1 S Stone St Wheeling, West Virginia
Website: Wheeling Island
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Tour the historic West Virginia Independence Hall
Established in 1859 as a federal custom house, the West Virginia Independence Hall is a landmark with great historical significance in the city. This iconic building is located on Market Street and was the site of some important meetings and deliberations that shaped the state to what it is today. It was in this place that West Virginia was created as a state in the country. The hall was restored with period rooms that display exhibitions, depicting the history and architectural importance of the state. There is even an onsite museum that brings you the full history of the region. Visitors are allowed to tour the West Virginia Independence Hall, free of charge.
West Virginia Independence Hall
Address: 1528 Market Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: West Virginia Independence Hall
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. Walk across the Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is an iconic display of art and engineering. The very first bridge to span the iconic Ohio River, this suspension bridge was built in the 1850s and was used to transport goods up and down the river. The bride was rebuilt after a tornado destroyed it in 1856, and still maintains its original massive towers and vintage structure. Grab the chance to take a stroll down one of the oldest and most magnificent bridges in the whole country.
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Address: Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Rekindle your childhood memories at Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum on Saturday, June 5, 2021
Hunting for a fun activity with the little ones? The Kruger Street, Toy and Train Museum, is a beautiful building filled with toys and vintage trains in the heart of the city. If you are in Wheeling with your kids, you must give them a chance to experience the fun-filled atmosphere of this fantastic place. Filled with hundreds of toys, small rooms, a games room, pinball machines, a training room and many more, there is something for everyone here. Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, enjoy the opportunity of seeing the toys you grew up playing with and relive your favorite childhood memories again.
Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
Address: 144 Kruger St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 10 USD
8. Stroll by the waterside at Heritage Port
Heritage Port is a waterfront park that joins Wheeling with the Ohio River. The port was opened in 2002 and boasts of exciting features like an amphitheater, a plaza for entry, and a river-edge walkway for jogging and leisure strolls, as well as mooring facilities. Located in a site that previously housed the Wharf Garage, this 3-acre (1.2 hectares) park is a place that exhibits Wheeling’s natural, cultural and historical legacy. The parks play host to several events and festivals year. It’s a great place to unwind and take a stroll in the city.
Heritage Port
Address: Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Heritage Port
9. Pamper yourself at The West Spa at Oglebay
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Without a doubt, one of the best places to get a full massage in Wheeling is the luxurious West Spa in Oglebay. Located in Wilson lodge, the West Spa offers you the highest quality spa services with the most excellent products and equipment. With a very polite, professional, and friendly staff, get ready to enjoy the very best massage therapy service ever. To top it up, the spa is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities and a place for drinks, so waiting time flies by without you knowing. So if you want to give your body a treat while in the city, this beautiful and clean spa is where to go.
The West Spa at Oglebay
Address: 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: The West Spa at Oglebay
Price: 130 - 185 USD
10. Check out glass art at Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Oglebay Institute on Friday, December 11, 2020
A well-built and peaceful museum in Oglebay, the Glass Museum is an intricate part of the Oglebay Institute. This museum specializes in glass: its manufacturing history and the various types of glass produced in the city. Watch the glassblower carry out his stunning craft with precision and expertise. Also, enjoy informative insights on the unique glass pieces on display. Visitors are even allowed to purchase any glassware design that they fancy at the on-site mini-shop.
Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
Address:1330 Oglebay Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 - 15 USD
11. Enjoy stunning views from Mount Wood Overlook
Mount Wood Overlook is a mystical place to visit and it’s also located across the street from Mount Wood Castle and Cemetery. Local legend has it that this mysterious-looking overlook was supposed to be a castle built by a local doctor for his wife in the early 1990s. However, the building was not completed, leaving only a foundation-like structure perched on an elevation, and overlooking the city. A trip to this place offers you stunning views of the city as well as the opportunity to see evidence of the city’s abundant wealth and fascinating heritage of past times.
Mount Wood Overlook
Address: Mt Wood Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
12. Shop till you drop at Wheeling City Centre Market
Looking for where to shop in the city? The Wheeling City Centre Market is the answer to all your shopping needs. This historic market was built in 1853, even before the state was founded. It is an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience the real commercial life of the city. Explore the unique mix of shops, stores, and quality dining outlets available in this market to meet all your dining, shopping, and art exploration desires. With full local business owners, a visit to this market also gives you the chance to interact with the people and discover more of its heritage.
Wheeling City Centre Market
Address: 2200 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Wheeling City Centre Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
13. Watch a football game at Oglebay Pine Room & Athletic Fields
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Do you love the game of football? Would you like to watch an exciting football game, or even take part in one? Then you should visit the Oglebay Pine Room Field. Also known as “Athletic Fields,” this sprawling piece of land covered with green grass is a favorite location for many sporting activities in the city like football, soccer, and softball. It is a place where you can stretch out, run around, or have fun watching a competitive game on play on the field.
Oglebay Pine Room & Athletic Fields
Address: Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Oglebay Pine Room & Athletic Fields
14. Catch a hockey match at Wesbanco Arena
Located in along the banks of the Ohio River, WesBanco Arena is an interactive sports arena in the city. This pristine sports place has played hosts to several hundred patrons over the years and is the current home to one of the most popular professional sports teams in the minor league - The Wheeling Nailers Hockey Organization. The Wesbanco Arena is also used to host many events, and sporting meets in the city. It’s a great place to watch and cheer the home hockey team as they take on opponents from other towns.
Wesbanco Arena
Address: 2 14th St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Wesbanco Arena
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:50pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
15. Get an insight into sustainable measures at Schrader Environmental Education Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Eastern painted turtle
Posted by Schrader Environmental Education Center on Monday, May 3, 2021
A place dedicated to building a sustainable environment in the entire city, the Schrader Environmental Education Center is part of Oglebay Institute, and one of the oldest cultural organizations in West Virginia. Observe and learn more about materials constructed from recycled products to make essential items in the city, including the Wheeling newspaper, plastic bottles, bus and tractor tires, and recycled aluminum cans. It is a great place to see the importance of recycling and how it can be used to make society better.
Schrader Environmental Education Center
Address: 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Schrader Environmental Education Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
16. Enjoy a live art performance at Capitol Theatre
This theater is a beautiful and historic place in the city. Enjoy a theater production, a live country music performance, or even a concert from the stage of this full entertainment complex in the heart of the city. The Capitol Theater has hosted several great artists and musicians over the years and continues to do so. It is a must-see destination on your visit to Wheeling, especially if you love live performances.
Capitol Theatre
Address: 1015 Main St, Wheeling, WV 26003, United States
Website: Capitol Theatre
17. Pick up a skill at Oglebay Institute Stifel Fine Arts Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Oglebay Institute on Thursday, March 18, 2021
Open to all ages and skill abilities, the Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center is a lovely place to spend some time in Wheeling. The art center is more than an art gallery with local and beyond-the-bother collections, it also offers creative classes and multiple resources. Visitors can try their hands at creating unique works and even get their artworks displayed in the center’s gallery. It is a place all lovers of art should experience.
Oglebay Institute Stifel Fine Arts Center
Address: 1330 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Oglebay Institute Stifel Fine Arts Center
Price: 5 USD
18. Walk down the North Wheeling Historic District
Located along a high bluff above the Ohio River, North Main Street is one of the historic districts in the region. The North Wheeling landmark district is filled with impressive mid-to-late 19th-century Victorian-style houses and residences. With some buildings built as far back as the 1800s, this district offers visitors a chance to see the fantastic homes and their incredible architectural designs. Even though some of the houses have been renovated, they still maintain their historical value and original architectural structure.
North Wheeling Historic District
Address: 638 Main St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
19. Check out the exciting exhibits at Art Works Around Town
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by ArtWorks Around Town on Thursday, May 6, 2021
Set in a majestic building with great architecture is a beautiful gallery of local art and artisans - Art Works Around Town gallery. This unique place has a relaxing ambiance and specializes on showcasing the excellent artworks of indigenous artists for all to see. The art exhibits in this remarkable place are all explained by friendly staffs on the ground. The gallery also displays books and is open for everyone regardless of their ages. If you are a fan of handmade art an in Wheeling, this place is a must-see.
Art Works Around Town
Address: 2200 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Art Works Around Town
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
20. Enjoy a family picnic at Bethlehem Community Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the most beautiful community parks in the city, Bethlehem Community Park is a lovely and safe place to visit. This large family park features several large shelters for gatherings and gets together gatherings, covered picnic areas, open fields for playing, baseball fields, basketball court and playground areas. Extras include a grill area, big parking spaces and clean restrooms. The park area is private and serene, giving you all you need for a peaceful time with family or friends outdoors. Safety is taken seriously here, so you have nothing to worry about.
Bethlehem Community Park
Address: 52 Oak Dr Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Bethlehem Community Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
21. Tour the grand Eckhart House
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Eckhart House is a historic house in Wheeling WV. Built in the early 1800s, this house is now a place where people can visit, drink tea and take a tour around the pristine Victorian-styled property. The hosts are friendly and tell you all you need to know about the house, the city, and the State at large. The guy on the ground is a good talker, so get ready to be fascinated by his short informative talks. There is a cozy gift shop within the property where you can buy scarves, jewelry, Victorian cards, candles, lotions, great teas, and much more.
Eckhart House
Address: 810 Main St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Eckhart House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
22. Savor delicious meals at Later Alligator
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When thinking of where to get the best authentic local, French, and American dishes around, Later Alligator is where you should go. This famous family restaurant doesn’t just offer you the most exquisite French and American dining experience but also mixes different delicious international flavors and cooking styles to give you an unbeatable dining time-out. Located in a great place with a relaxing ambiance, the food here is fantastic. You can’t miss trying out their French Dip, or the delicious salmon crepe with spinach. The restaurant also has vegan options, and with its wine, beer, and cocktail drinks, it is a great place to dine in the city.
Later Alligator
Address: 2145 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Later Alligator
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm
23. Check out unique items at Antiques On the Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Looking for a place to get the most beautiful vintage pieces as souvenirs of your trip to Wheeling? Look no further than Antiques On the Market. This incredible indoor mall is filled with several unique items. Find the best quality things you need, ranging from everyday items to collectibles, home décor items, clothes, glass, antiques of course, and several other items. This place is open every day of the week, and it is located in a serene area. Check it out and shop till you drop.
Antiques On the Market
Address:2265 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Antiques On the Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)
24. Catch the local crowd cheer for their favorite teams at Wild Wild West Sports Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by West Sports Bar on Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Stay in touch with your inner sports fan as you enjoy watching your favorite team play while you sip a beer at this incredible sports bar. A place dedicated for sports lovers, the Wild Wild West Sports Bar features a big screen and 25 other televisions scattered around its ambient interior. This full-service restaurant and bar also offer you good quality food and of course chilled drinks just how you like it. It’s a great place for friends and sports lovers to relax, hang out, and interact with other sports lovers in the city.
Wild Wild West Sports Bar
Address: 100 Kensington Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Wild Wild West Sports Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 4pm - 11pm; Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
25. Knock down 9 pins at Rose Bowl Lanes Inc
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thinking of something else to do in the city? Something other than going to the park: something more unique and fun? Then Rose Bowl Lanes is just the place you should go to. Getaway from all the stress of the hard week put on your bowling shoes, gather your friends, and head straight to this place for some premium bowling action. With secure parking, great customers services and children friendly facilities (in case you’d prefer to go with family), Rose Bowl Lanes is an off-the-beaten-path fun experience.
Rose Bowl Lanes Inc
Address: 89 Edgington Ln, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Rose Bowl Lanes Inc
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm
26. Watch a popular flick at Towngate Theatre & Cinema
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Your getaway time is not complete without a trip to see a movie. Towngate Theater and Cinema is located in Wheeling’s Historic center Market District and features a movie theater and a play center. This movie theater was originally a church but has gone through several renovations since then, to make it the fantastic place it is today. It also acts as a creative and educational center for all lovers of stage plays, and it’s open to all ages. With its friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service, you are bound to have an enjoyable experience.
Towngate Theatre & Cinema
Address: 2118 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Towngate Theatre & Cinema
27. Indulge in a pamper sesh at Frederick's Day Spa Salon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thinking of full body care? Fredericks Day Spa Salon has you covered. Fredericks is a full-service spa and salon that offers you complete body care services like hair care and removal, waxing, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. This magnificent place has an exclusive face care option - the Murad Facials that will make you look and feel radiant and beautiful. Frederick’s Day Spa Salon also offers several beauty products, as well as jewelry and handbags on sale. This spot is popular among West Virginians, too!
Frederick's Day Spa Salon
Address: 109 Edgington Ln, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: Frederick’s Day Spa Salon
Opening hours: Tue: 9am - 8pm; Wed: 10am - 6:30pm; Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 6:30pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
28. Have fun at The Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Visiting Wheeling with your kids? Then a trip to this place should be the first thing on your getaway’s bucket list. The Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley (CMOV) is a fun-filled indoor play and learning area for children between the ages of 3 and 12. This exciting museum offers your kids a chance to learn the local history, art, and even get to try their hands on making things. The museum goes farther than just displaying interesting items; it also helps the children learn, imagine, think, and interact with other kids from around the globe.
The Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley
Address: 1000 Main St, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
Website: The Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 2 - 4 USD
Experience Wheeling at its charming best
This incredible city is a place of culture, history, and commercial activities. It is an exciting place to visit with an endless list of things to do. It is no surprise that the city is a popular destination for tourists. As you plan a visit, set your mind to the endless fun it offers. Don’t forget to visit other attractions in or near Wheeling, too, such as Schenk Lake.
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