The weather is warming up here in Parkersburg, and it’s about time to plan your outdoor adventures! Check out these parks in the Greater Parkersburg area.

Fort Boreman Historical Park – Named after West Virginia’s first governor, Parkersburg citizen Arthur I. Boreman, Fort Boreman is a smaller park but a photographer’s dream with a beautiful overlook showcasing downtown Parkersburg, Belpre and the Ohio River.

Fort Boreman has a walking trail and a few shelters to rent. The park is open year-round from dawn ‘til dusk.

Parkersburg City Park – The Parkersburg City Park is great for families of all ages. With tennis, horseshoe and basketball courts, a baseball field, walking and bicycle trails, playground, public pool, eleven shelters and more, the City Park is widely used by a variety of local residents.

This park is also home to many of Parkersburg’s festivals including Multi-Cultural Festival on June 21 – 23, 2024, West Virginia State Honey Festival, August 24 – 25, 2024 and Harvest Moon Festival, Sept. 21-22, 2024. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Mountwood Park – Located 12 miles east of Parkersburg, Mountwood offers over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, a 50-acre lake, wooded picnic areas, ATV trails and much, much more! There’s something for everyone at Mountwood Park.

On September 27-29, Mountwood is hosting Volcano Days, an antique engine show and festival highlighting the history of Volcano, West Virginia. The park is open from dawn ‘til dusk.

North Bend State Park – Found in the Mid-Ohio Valley’s rolling hills, lakes and streams, North Bend State Park offers a multitude of activities from biking, hiking & boating, camping, fishing, swimming and more.

The State Park also has rentable cabins, and there’s the beautiful North Bend Lodge home to the North Bend Restaurant and a gift shop. Open from dusk until dawn.

This month is the 30^th Annual Blue Grass Festival at North Bend! On May 10-11, come down to the park for a musician every hour, local artisan vendors and delicious food trucks.

McDonough Wildlife Refuge – McDonough is a beautiful stop with miles of hiking trails, duck marshes, comfort stations, an outlook and two rentable picnic shelters. The park is open from dawn ‘til dusk.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park – Parkersburg’s most popular tourist destination is the historic Blennerhassett Island. Board the Island Belle sternwheeler boat at the beautiful riverfront Point Park and take a 20-minute ride to the island. While on the island, you can enjoy a narrated wagon ride and a guided tour of the recreated Blennerhassett Mansion. Browse through a gift shop and enjoy hiking through the island as you learn all about its fascinating history.

For true history lovers, plan to stop at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History before going to the island. Blennerhassett Island is always closed on Mondays, but hours vary by season. It operates from May until October.

On October 11 & 12, be sure to stop by for Mansion by Candlelight! A historic evening where attendees are transported to the year 1805 for an autumn evening without electricity.

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