Located in central Appalachia, Morgantown, West Virginia, is a true hidden treasure. It’s a college town with roads as winding as a serpent on a hot rock and beer that pours like water. Surrounded by the beautiful grandeur of West Virginia’s hills and woodlands, Morgantown is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You may explore the countryside on foot, on two wheels, or in a kayak. Let’s not overlook the city’s vibrant nightlife, though. The city of Morgantown is home to a wide variety of nightlife options, including numerous pubs, restaurants, and clubs frequented by locals and visitors alike. Beer pong with the freshmen might be fun, but if you get too involved, you might wake up with a horrible hangover. The natives, by the way, are exceptionally warm and welcoming. They’ll make you feel right at home, and they might even have you over for a barbecue and a round of cornhole. But you’d better bring your A-game because these people are serious about their cornhole.
Morgantown is a place full of surprises. Visiting a little college town in West Virginia might not sound appealing at first, but once you experience the community’s warmth and hospitality, you won’t want to leave. So, drop by, have a drink, and take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Morgantown!
15. West Virginia University
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Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research institution. West Virginia University (WVU) was founded in 1867 and serves as the system’s flagship university. WVU’s 15 different colleges and schools combine to offer more than 200 different majors and specializations at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The West Virginia Mountaineers are the lone Division I Football Bowl Subdivision team in the state. West Virginia University also houses a four-year technical college known as the West Virginia University Institute of Technology. The West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, the West Virginia Water Research Institute, and the National Research Center on Coal and Energy are just a few examples of WVU’s commitment to research and innovation.
14. Monongahela River
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From its beginnings in the Allegheny Mountains, the Monongahela River travels roughly 130 miles until meeting up with the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the main water source for the city of Morgantown in West Virginia and is a tributary of the Ohio River. Besides being a famous spot for kayaking and canoeing, the river is also utilized for fishing, boating, and swimming. Bald eagles, ospreys, and beavers are just some of the wildlife that calls the Monongahela River home.
13. Morgantown Mall
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The Morgantown Mall is a major shopping center in Morgantown, West Virginia. There are more than a hundred stores and restaurants, making this the largest shopping center in the state. The mall has several stores, including JCPenney, Macy’s, and Sears as anchors as well as a food court, movie theater, and specialty shops. The mall plays host to a wide variety of events throughout the year. Locals and visitors alike frequent the Morgantown Mall in search of the perfect gift or souvenir.
12. Cheat Lake
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This city is home to a big lake known as Cheat Lake. As the largest lake in the state, it attracts many visitors looking to fish, go boating, or participate in any number of other water-based pastimes. Cheat River, a branch of the Monongahela, flows all around the lake’s periphery.
Many species of birds and mammals, such as ospreys, beavers, and bald eagles, make their homes around the lake. Many people come to the lake to swim, kayak, and canoe. Several campgrounds serve the area around the lake, making it a popular destination for campers.
11. Coopers Rock State Forest
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State forest Coopers Rock covers 12,713 acres in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, close to the city of Morgantown. Colonel John Cooper, an early settler from the 18th century, is rumored to have taken refuge in a big rock shelter in the forest when fleeing from hostile Native American tribes.
Many species of birds and mammals, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a wide range of other songbirds, make their home in the forest. Several outdoor pursuits, such as walking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking, are available in this forest. Several picturesque lookouts in the forest provide breathtaking panoramas of the forest and the surrounding landscape.
10. Hazel Rub McQuain Riverfront Park
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Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, the park is home to a boat launch, picnic spots, playground equipment, and walking routes, among other recreational amenities. Deer, foxes, and other birds are just some of the animals you might see in the park. In the early 1970s, a local benefactor called Hazel Ruby McQuain provided the land that is now Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. Tourists and locals alike go to the park because of the tranquility and beauty it provides in the midst of the metropolis.
9. Morgantown Brewing Company
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One such establishment is the Morgantown Brewing Company, which may be found in the city’s namesake. The brewery has been open since 2014, and it has a strong commitment to providing premium, handcrafted beers. There is a wide range of beers available from the brewery, from easy-drinking lagers to robust IPAs. Aside from their regular lineup, the brewery frequently rotates in limited-release and specialty beers, as well as taps from other breweries. The brewery also hosts events and tours in its beer garden and taproom, where guests may sample the brews while listening to live music.
8. Morgantown Escape Room
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A live-action, interactive escape game, Morgantown Escape Room may be found in Morgantown, West Virginia. Participants have a limited amount of time to use their brains, communication skills, and collaboration to escape a themed room. There are a variety of options, from a haunted house to a bank heist, and the game’s intensity may be scaled to fit any group’s needs. A group outing to an escape room is a fantastic way to have fun and put your problem-solving skills to the test with friends, family, or even coworkers.
7. Morgantown Farmers Market
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This West Virginia city is home to a thriving and busy farmers market known as the Morgantown Farmers Market. From May till October, you can visit the market every Saturday between the hours of 8 AM and 1 PM. All sorts of farm-fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other items made by local craftsmen can be found there.
You can also enjoy live music, food demonstrations, and other events at the market. Finding fresh, local food and giving back to the community is easy at the Morgantown Farmers Market.
6. Morgantown Ice Arena
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The indoor ice skating arena here is known as the Morgantown Ice Arena. The public can use the rink, which is owned and administered by the city of Morgantown, to go ice skating, play ice hockey, or practice their figure skating skills.
Two NHL-sized ice rinks, a pro shop, a snack bar, and a party room are just some of the amenities at this facility. Public skating, hockey tournaments, figure skating competitions, and other activities are also hosted at the arena. Both locals and tourists frequent the rink since it’s a wonderful place to spend the day skating and having a good time.
5. Mountaineer Field
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West Virginia University’s home football stadium is known as Mountaineer Field and is located in Morgantown, WV. The West Virginia Mountaineers football team calls this stadium home, and it can fit up to 60,000 fans. The stadium first welcomed fans in 1924, and since then, it has undergone numerous extensions and upgrades. Its distinctive horseshoe-shaped seating bowl and grassy hillside in the north end zone have made it a popular venue. The rowdy crowd has earned “The Rock” as another nickname for the stadium.
4. Morgantown History Museum
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Morgantown is home to the Morgantown History Museum. Its mission is to collect, archive, and interpret artifacts relevant to the city’s and region’s past. Established in 1975, the museum occupies the former Morgantown Bank building. The city’s Native American roots, industrialization, and Civil War contributions are all covered in the museum’s many displays. The museum also hosts informative lectures and other events regularly.
3. Valley Worlds of Fun
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In Morgantown, West Virginia, you may enjoy a day at Valley Worlds of Fun. For its guests, the park offers a wide range of rides, shows, and other activities. There are numerous roller coasters, water rides, and rides suitable for families to enjoy at this park. It also features a wide selection of retail outlets and entertainment venues. Spend the day at Valley Worlds of Fun with your loved ones.
2. Chestnut Ridge Park
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Morgantown, West Virginia, is home to Chestnut Ridge Park. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and picnicking are just some of the many popular outdoor activities available at this renowned destination. Deer, wild turkeys, and many different species of birds are just some of the fauna that calls this area home. There is a disc golf course, a playground, and a lake at this park. The park welcomes visitors of all ages, for no cost, all through the year.
1. Star City Brewing Company
(image via Facebook)
There is a craft brewery called Star City Brewing Company in Morgantown, WV. The brewery has been open since 2014, and it has a strong commitment to providing premium, handcrafted beers. There is a wide range of beers available from the brewery, from easy-drinking lagers to robust IPAs.
Aside from the regular lineup of brews, Star City frequently rotates in limited-release and specialty beers, as well as taps from other breweries. The brewery also hosts events and tours in its beer garden and taproom, where guests may sample the brews while listening to live music.
Summary
As you can see, Morgantown has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking to do more in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Morgantown, West Virginia.
These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.
