102 Things To Do in Morgantown, WV (2024)

Home » 102 Things To Do in Greater Morgantown, WV

This list will get you started enjoying some of what Greater Morgantown has to offer. Be sure to download or print it before heading out on your adventure.

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Arts Food and Drinks History Kid-Friendly Activities Outdoor Adventures Recreation Shopping Sports

Arts

  1. Check out the performance schedule for the historic Met Theatre.
  2. Paint your own pottery at the WOW Factory.
  3. Stroll through the current art exhibit at the Mesaros Galleries at the WVU Creative Arts Center.
  4. Discover Arts Walk in the fall when handmade works of art are on display in downtown Morgantown and the Wharf District.
  5. Take your photo with the life-sized, bronze statues of basketball greats Jerry West and “Hot Rod” Hundley, at the WVU Coliseum.
  6. Get a taste of Broadway with the WV Public Theatre.
  7. Create a custom piece of pottery at Zenclay.
  8. Check out the featured artist at the MAC Benedum Gallery.
  9. Get your ticket to entertainment from the WVU Art Series.
  10. Enjoy a local performance by Morgantown’s Community Theater groups.
  11. Enjoy music in the park all summer long at Chestnut Ridge Park Summer Concert Series.
  12. Celebrate America in Morgantown with music, a parade, contests and ending with a fabulous fireworks display over the Monongahela River.
  13. Tour the Art Museum of WVU, 5,400 s.f. of exhibition space housing 3,000 pieces, including paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramic and folk art.

View moreplaces for local artists.

Food and Drinks

  1. Tee up for a round of golf on two top-rated courses at Lakeview Golf Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham by Cheat Lake.
  2. Enjoy extraordinarymenusalfresco along the Mon River and Rail-Trail.
  3. Get your fill of buckwheat cakes, sausage, firemen’s parades and the midway at the annual four-dayPreston County Buckwheat Festivalstarts the last Thursday in September.
  4. Enjoy a wine tasting and tour atForks-of-Cheat Winery.
  5. Try cool brews at one of our localbrew pubsfor a taste of local ales.
  6. Be seen at the historic hot spot,Mario’s Fishbowl…from the frosty fishbowls of beer to the delicious sandwiches and award-winning chicken wings.
  7. Taste the good stuff! Downtown Morgantown and the historic Wharf District merchants celebrateChocolate Lovers’ Dayeach April.
  8. Sample craft beers and food in Downtown Morgantown each Fall!
  9. Try the state delicacy, the pepperoni roll, at one of these popular locations (voted by locals!).
  10. Stop in at theBlue Moose Cafefor live entertainment.

View moreplaces to eat near Morgantown.

History

  1. Stop in at theGreatest Generation WWII Museum.
  2. Reflect from one of six pews inside “Our Lady of the Pines,” the smallest church in 48 states.
  3. Climb to the site of a strategic Civil War battle,Cannon Hill, Rowlesburg.
  4. Remember Pearl Harbor at theUSS WV Mastand memorial, Oglebay Plaza, WVU.
  5. Tour theArt Museum of WVU, 5,400 s.f. of exhibition space housing 3,000 pieces, including paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramic and folk art.
  6. Drop by “Eleanor’s Little Village;” historicArthurdaleis the first of FDR’s “New Deal” towns.
  7. Discover the story behind the “Whiskey Stone” at the 1775 Forks-of-Cheat Baptist Church Cemetery.
  8. Drive toCool Springs, a roadside attraction on U.S. Rt. 50 that includes an old steam engine, old-fashioned cooking, and a true general store.
  9. See a great example of grist and roller equipment at the restored 1864Easton Roller Mill Museum.
  10. Step back to another time and visit the13 communitiesthat were put together as coal camps when the boom attracted men from 19 countries to work the local mines.
  11. Discover tools, medicines, and furnishings of a typical 19th-century drugstore at theCook-Hayman Pharmacy Museumat the WVU School of Pharmacy.
  12. Witness the Civil War reenactment in May atRowlesburg.
  13. Drive acrossDent’s Run Covered Bridge(c. 1889) in Morgantown.
  14. DiscoverPreston County’s Historical Society Museum, containing 25,000+ artifacts housed in the former Terra Alta Bank Building built in 1892.
  15. Walk the Rail-Trail and stop by theJFK Memorial.

View morehistoric memorials and landmarksnear Morgantown.

Kid-Friendly Activities

  1. VisitHovatter’s Wildlife Zoo, home to 30 species of native and exotic animals.
  2. Go ice skating at Morgantown Ice Arena,White Park.
  3. Trycosmic bowlingat Suburban Lanes.
  4. Bring the little ones toKids’ Dayin downtown Morgantown and the Wharf District in July.
  5. Take the kids toSpark! Imagination and Science Centerat the Mountaineer Mall.
  6. Watch the star show at theWVU Tomchin Planetarium & Observatory.
  7. Schedule WVU facilities and campus tours with theWVU Visitors Resource Center.
  8. Browse the valuable, insightful WV Collection at theWest Virginia University Library.
  9. Cool off in a publicpool.
  10. Become enlightened at theFestival of Ideas; each February through April a diverse cast of internationally noted innovators, thought leaders, and experts visit the WVU campus.
  11. Don’t miss the chance to participate in one of WVU’s Alumni Traditions.
  12. Make plans to be in downtown Morgantown for the WVUhomecoming parade.
  13. Enjoy some quality family time together on a scenic trip through the flat waters of the Big Sandy River withPadlz Canoe and Kayak Rentals.

Read more aboutkid-friendly activities near Morgantown.

Outdoor Adventures

  1. Whitewater rafting on theCheat River, Class II – V rapids!
  2. HikeCoopers Rock State ForestTyrone Trail Loopto see Virgin Hemlock.
  3. Relieve stress and throw an axeor two at Mountain Man Axe Throwing.
  4. Explore 91-acres of theWVU Core Arboretumwith 45 flower species and 70 bird species.
  5. Take the self-guidedAudio Walking Tourin downtown Morgantown.
  6. Rent abiketo take on the Rail-Trail.
  7. Participate in the Big Bear XC Classic or Ragnar Trail Appalachians events that take place at Big Bear Lake and Camplands each year.
  8. Look for the 50 species of wildflowers atCathedral State Park.
  9. Climb the 30-foot boulders inRock Cityat Coopers Rock.
  10. Witness a spectacular range of birds and mammals atCranesville Swamp.
  11. Take a zip line canopy tour at theWVU Research Forest!
  12. Hike through the forest to the historicHenry Clay Iron Furnace, a 30-foot pyramidal stone structure (c. 1834) is all that remains of the state’s smelting industry.
  13. ClimbSky Rockat Dorsey’s Knob for a 360-degree panoramic view of the area – and play a round of disc golf.
  14. Visit the Suri Alpaca and Wensleydale Sheep at theCrimson Shamrock Ranchin Eglon.
  15. Take a tour of theWVU Animal Science Farm.
  16. Rent a boat, kayak or jet ski for a day on Cheat Lake atSunset Beach Marina.
  17. Tour thein Rowlesburg.
  18. Hike to theCoopers Rockoverlook, a 1,200-foot drop to the mile-wide gorge below.
  19. Walk through nature and enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens along trails that weave from bright meadows into cool, shaded woodlands at theWest Virginia Botanic Garden.
  20. Celebrate fall at theWV Chestnut Festivalin Rowlesburg.
  21. Explore the trails, have a picnic, or take on the four sets of cascading waterfalls at Valley Falls State Park.
  22. Pitch your tent atSands Springs Campground, just minutes from Coopers Rock.
  23. Fish the bass, walleye and catfish in the backwaters ofCheat Lakefrom the Rail-Trail.
  24. Enjoy the ancient sport ofIrish Road Bowlingat Coopers Rock in May.
  25. Spelunkers, go wild caving withCheat River Outfitters.
  26. Join in the annualCheat River Festival, a celebration in May to advance watershed projects, includes music, arts, and food.

View moreoutdoor activitiesto participate in near Morgantown.

Recreation

  1. Ride on thePersonal Rapid Transitsystem (PRT).
  2. Tee up at one of seven 18-holegolf courses.
  3. Take your best friend toStanley’s Spot Dog Park.
  4. Check out theactivities and events at Mylan Park, Mountaineer Country’s recreational crown jewel.
  5. Watch downtown Morgantown turn tons of snow into a pre-season ski and snowboardcompetitionin October.
  6. Spend a weekendin September at theWV Wine & Jazz Festival.
  7. Skateboardat Marilla Skate Park.
  8. Take in a movie! There are 27 commercialscreensin Morgantown!
  9. Relax and get a massage at one of Morgantown’s renownedspas.
  10. Gomountain bikingat Big Bear Lake.
  11. Take in a cutting horse show ortractor pullat the WVU Farm in Reedsville.

View morefun things to do.

  1. Goantique-ing!
  2. Shop‘til you drop at University Town Centre, Suncrest Towne Centre and the Morgantown Mall.
  3. Visit the specialty shops atSeneca Center, a restored glass factory.
  4. JoinAllegheny Treenware“spooners” in their wood shop.
  5. Stroll through theOld Stone Housefor unique gifts.
  6. Buy fresh, local produce at theFarmers Market.
  7. Buy a West Virginia Universitysouvenirat a campus store, Mountaineer Zone, Mountaineer Nation or The Book Exchange.
  8. Create one-of-a-kind jewelry at theSilver Pennies Jewelry Design Co.

View moreplaces to shop near Morgantown.

Sports

  1. Tailgateat Milan Puskar Stadium during the WVU Mountaineer Football season.
  2. Grab a seat at the Monongalia County Ballpark and watch America’s favorite pastime with theWV Black Bears, a minor league baseball team in the New York Penn League and an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
  3. Join runners from around the country for theMorgantown Marathon in the Fall.
102 Things To Do in Morgantown, WV (2024)

FAQs

What is special about Morgantown, WV? ›

Morgantown is a city in and the county seat of Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States, situated along the Monongahela River. The most populous city in North Central West Virginia and the third-most populous city in the state, Morgantown is best known as the home of West Virginia University.

Where do WVU students hang out? ›

The Student Lounge on the second floor of the Downtown Library is a student sanctuary and multi-use space focused on student success. If you seek a place to get involved, feel connected, or just hang out, come visit us at the lounge. Everyone is welcome!

What does Morgantown, WV have to offer? ›

Trace the shore of the Monongahela River by kayak, bike, or walking thanks to the Rail Trail that cuts through the Morgantown. Explore the historic downtown campus of West Virginia University and pick up a souvenir from a locally-owned boutique. Find luxury at the spa and adventure at the arboretum.

What time is the Morgantown trick or treat? ›

Trick-or-Treat in Morgantown city limits will take place on October 31, 2021 from 6-8 p.m.

Who is the most famous person from Morgantown West Virginia? ›

Mr. Don Knotts, who played the well-known role of Deputy Barney Fife on the Andy Griffith Show, is a native of Morgantown, WV. The actor-comedian is considered one of the most loved actors of his time.

What is WVU famous for? ›

WVU hosts the world's first institute devoted to studying human memory and was ranked in the top 2.5% of 19,788 universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings.

What percent of WVU is girls? ›

West Virginia University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,059 (fall 2022), with a gender distribution of 52% male students and 48% female students. In sports, West Virginia University is part of the NCAA I.

Is Morgantown a party town? ›

Morgantown, WV. A significant nightlife presence is concentrated in Downtown Morgantown. Multiple bars offer evening happy hour drink and dinner specials, as well as nightly live music, karaoke, trivia and drink specials.

Is WVU a dry campus? ›

Consumption and or possession of alcohol is prohibited in Residence Halls or on Residence Hall property. This includes individuals who are 21 years of age or older.

Is Morgantown expensive? ›

The cost of living in Morgantown, WV is 2% lower than the state average and 11% lower than the national average. Morgantown, WV housing is 25% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 7% less pricey.

Is it worth visiting Morgantown? ›

Morgantown's green surroundings lend it to be one of the best locations for outdoor activities, with attractions like the Mon River Rail-Trail, West Virginia Botanic Gardens and city parks close to home!

What time is the Cherry Valley trick-or-treat? ›

Cherry Valley: Oct. 31, 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.

What time is the West Allis trick-or-treat? ›

City of West Allis' trick or treat hours for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4 – 7 p.m. remain scheduled, however, this activity is considered high-risk for transmission of the coronavirus.

What time is valparaiso trick-or-treat? ›

Downtown Trick or Treat 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wear your spookiest or silliest costume and go door-to-door in Valparaiso's downtown to get some tasty treats from our restaurants and retailers. Free Hayrides provided by the Valparaiso Parks Department!

Why is Morgantown WV paying people to move there? ›

West Virginia's new remote worker program will pay you $12,000 to move there. The Mountain State's new initiative, Ascend WV, wants to help outdoor enthusiasts put down roots — and has major incentives for remote workers.

What are some cool facts about WVU? ›

The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres. The Morgantown campus has 245 buildings (11 on the National Register of Historic Places) on 1,892 acres. The WVU Morgantown campus is in a town named “No. 1 Small City in America” by BizJournals.com for its exceptional quality of life.

What is the most famous thing about West Virginia? ›

West Virginia is known for its scenic mountain beauty, unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities and the friendliest folks in the country.

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