Glen Dale West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Glen Dale, West Virginia.
1. Cockayne Farmstead
HISTORIC MERINO WOOL FARM
The Cockayne Farmstead is a historic property built in the 1850s that became world-renowned for producing some of the finest Merino wool. Visitors can explore this preserved homestead to learn about rural farming life in the 19th century and the significant contributions the farm made to agricultural development in the region. The farmstead offers guided tours that provide insight into agricultural practices, family history, and the economic importance of wool production during this era.
2. Grand Vue Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Grand Vue Park is a premier outdoor recreation destination located near Glen Dale offering panoramic views of the Ohio Valley. The park features zip lining, aerial adventures, hiking trails, disc golf, and cabin accommodations for visitors seeking a longer stay. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained grounds and variety of outdoor activities available throughout all four seasons.
3. Glen Dale City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Glen Dale City Park offers residents and visitors a full-sized swimming pool, basketball court, and playground equipment for family enjoyment. The park includes picnic tables and an outdoor shelter with a full kitchen and restroom facilities that can accommodate up to 150 people. This community gathering place also houses the city's veteran's memorial, making it both a recreational facility and a place of remembrance.
4. The Strand Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Strand Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue that has been entertaining audiences since the early 20th century. Visitors can enjoy films, live performances, and cultural events in this architectural gem that captures the golden age of American cinema. The theatre serves as a cultural hub for the region, preserving both architectural history and providing contemporary entertainment options.
5. Disc Golf Farm
CHALLENGING COURSE EXPERIENCE
Disc Golf Farm offers enthusiasts of the sport a well-designed course with varied terrain and challenging holes. Players can enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside while testing their skills at this popular recreational facility. The course attracts both beginners and experienced players, providing a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere for disc golf enthusiasts.
6. St. Jude Park
SPORTS AND PICNIC GROUNDS
St. Jude Park is a privately owned recreational area frequented by Glen Dale residents for its excellent sports facilities and picnic grounds. The park features multiple baseball and softball fields, football practice areas, and comprehensive picnic facilities including a full kitchen. Families appreciate the well-maintained grounds and variety of recreational options available throughout the year.
7. 3rd Street Playground
NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN'S PARK
The 3rd Street Playground serves as a charming neighborhood park for the northern part of Glen Dale. This small but well-equipped play area provides local children with accessible recreational opportunities close to home. The playground offers families a safe, convenient space for outdoor play and community connection.
8. West Virginia Penitentiary
GOTHIC PRISON HISTORY
The West Virginia Penitentiary is a formidable Gothic-style prison that operated from 1876 to 1995 and now offers fascinating tours of its imposing architecture and troubled history. Visitors can explore the cellblocks, dining hall, and execution chamber while learning about the facility's notorious inmates and reported paranormal activity. The penitentiary hosts regular historical tours as well as special events including the popular Halloween season ghost hunts.
9. Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex features one of the largest conical burial mounds built by the prehistoric Adena culture, dating back to approximately 250-150 BCE. Visitors can climb to the top of the 69-foot-high mound via a stairway and explore the adjacent museum showcasing archaeological findings and Native American history. The complex offers educational programs and exhibits that provide insights into the sophisticated society that constructed this remarkable earthwork over 2,000 years ago.
10. Prabhupada's Palace of Gold
ORNATE SPIRITUAL SANCTUARY
Prabhupada's Palace of Gold is an ornate and unexpected marble palace constructed as a memorial shrine by devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The palace features gold-leafed domes, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, and intricate woodcarvings that required years of dedicated craftsmanship to complete. Visitors can tour the palace, explore the beautiful rose gardens, and learn about Vedic culture at this spiritual sanctuary tucked away in the hills of West Virginia.
11. Fostoria Glass Museum
VINTAGE GLASSWARE COLLECTION
The Fostoria Glass Museum celebrates the renowned Fostoria Glass Company that operated in the Ohio Valley from 1891 to 1986, producing highly collectible American glassware. The museum displays thousands of pieces showcasing the company's diverse patterns, colors, and techniques that made Fostoria a household name in fine dining and decorative glass. Visitors can admire rare specimens, learn about the glassmaking process, and even purchase vintage pieces to add to their own collections.
12. Oglebay Park
PREMIER RESORT AND GARDENS
Oglebay Park is a sprawling 1,700-acre public park and resort featuring golf courses, museums, gardens, a zoo, and the spectacular Winter Festival of Lights during the holiday season. Visitors can stay at Wilson Lodge or rental cottages while enjoying recreational activities ranging from swimming and tennis to hiking and horseback riding. The park's Mansion Museum and Glass Museum preserve local history, while the Good Zoo and botanical gardens provide educational entertainment for nature lovers of all ages.
13. Capitol Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Capitol Theatre is a magnificent 1928 vaudeville and movie palace now serving as the largest performing arts venue in the Northern Panhandle. The restored theater hosts Broadway shows, symphony performances, concerts, and the famous Wheeling Jamboree, America's second-longest running country music radio broadcast. Visitors can admire the ornate interior featuring gilded detailing, crystal chandeliers, and plush seating while enjoying world-class entertainment in this historic cultural landmark.
14. Wheeling Suspension Bridge
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge stands as the oldest operational suspension bridge in the United States, spanning the Ohio River since its completion in 1849. This National Historic Landmark was designed by Charles Ellet Jr. and represented a groundbreaking engineering achievement that helped connect the eastern United States with western territories. Pedestrians can walk across this iconic structure for spectacular views of the river and Wheeling Island while appreciating its historical significance to American transportation development.
15. Ohio Valley Trail
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PATH
The Ohio Valley Trail offers cyclists, runners, and walkers a scenic path along the Ohio River connecting communities in the Northern Panhandle. This multi-use trail provides beautiful waterfront views, access to local parks, and a safe corridor for non-motorized transportation between towns. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained surface, river vistas, and opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Ohio Valley while getting exercise.