Morgantown should be at the top of your list if you like cute and beautiful small towns. Here is a list of the best Things to do in Morgantown WV.
It’s a great place to go hiking, do water sports, or just enjoy the beautiful nature around you.
Morgantown is a real beauty, with tourist spots that bring in thousands of people every year.
This West Virginia city is also home to one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. It has a lively college town feel.
This city has something for everyone to enjoy. Want to know more about what it has to offer?
Early on, coal mining and making steel were important, but now the busy college campus is the centre of town life. Along with great museums and a nice arboretum, WVU also has a proud sporting history that you can learn about. So, you have to see one of the Mountaineers teams play because their fans are so passionate and create an atmosphere you’ll never forget. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
Aside from all the fun things to do on campus, the most appealing thing about Morgantown is the beautiful nature all around it. Morgantown is a great place to go on an adventure because there are so many trails and riverside walks to enjoy and so many beautiful lakes and forests close by.
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Trail Caperton
The Caperton Trail is a great place to walk, run, or ride a bike. It goes through the city centre and some of the countryside. The waterfront path is very popular with both locals and tourists. It goes through a number of downtown parks and connects a number of neighbourhoods and natural areas.
The beautiful trail was built on an old railroad track and runs along the Monongahela River. There are quiet, peaceful parts of the trail near industrial areas and the busy West Virginia University campus. Along the route, there are some nice restaurants and cafes by the river. The route also goes through Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, which is a busy place in the middle of downtown. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
Along with the Mon River and Deckers Creek trails, which connect to each other, the multipurpose path has about fifty miles of beautiful natural areas to explore.
Museum of Morgantown’s past
The Morgantown History Museum is a must if you want to learn more about the city’s interesting past. It is at the southern end of downtown Morgantown and is full of artefacts and exhibits. It is close to many of the city’s other top tourist spots.
The museum opened in 2011, and its fascinating collection now goes all the way back to prehistoric times and all the way up to the present day. Some of the exhibits are about the first settlers and the Native Americans who lived in the area. Others are about the Civil War or about the comedian Don Knotts, who was born in Morgantown. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
The museum is very interesting to look around because it has so many different displays and dioramas. There are old mining tools and equipment on display, as well as historic photos, textiles, and toys.
A statue of Don Knotts
Just a few blocks north of the museum is a great statue of Don Knotts, the city’s most famous son and a famous actor and comedian. It is now a very popular place to take pictures or selfies with the bronze statue. It is on High Street in front of the Metropolitan Theater.
It was shown for the first time in 2016, and it shows Don Knotts wearing the service cap he wore as Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. He was born and raised in Morgantown, where he did ventriloquist and comedy shows at church and school before joining the US Army and moving to Hollywood.
You can take a picture with the bigger-than-life character, and there is also a star on the sidewalk with Knotts’ name and picture on it. This is a tribute to the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that he got in 2000.
Mountaineer Field
Watch the university football team play at Mountaineer Field to get a real sense of what life is like in the college town. Every game day, more than 60,000 passionate fans fill the huge arena on campus to capacity. Hours before the game, there are huge tailgating parties.
Even though it is now called Milan Puskar Stadium, Mountaineer Field is still the name of the beautiful green playing surface. All of the seats and suites in the U-shaped bowl have great views of the field and the big video scoreboard, and there are a lot of places to buy food and drinks.
When the Mountaineers win, the rowdy crowd sings John Denver’s hit song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to cheer the team on. If you want to hear even more music, there are many Things to do in Morgantown WV during the warm summer months.
The Art Museum of WVU
West Virginia University is the first thing on our list of Things to do in Morgantown WV. The Art Museum of WVU, which has been around since 1883 and is one of the oldest art museums in the country, is at the university.
The museum has more than 4,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints that are always on display. There are also temporary exhibits that change at the museum.
The Nath Sculpture Garden in front of the building and in the courtyard will catch your eye as soon as you get there. The works of art give you an idea of what’s inside.
You can schedule solo tours or tours with a group, but you have to do this in advance. During your tour, a docent who knows a lot about the art on display will tell you stories and answer any questions you have.
History Museum of Morgantown
If you want to find out more about Morgantown’s history, you should go to the Morgantown History Museum.
The Morgantown History Museum is in the downtown area of Morgantown that is known for its history. The museum is in a house from the 1800s that was once owned by one of the people who started the town.
Through a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum tells the story of Morgantown. It has more than 10,000 items in its collection, such as furniture, clothes, documents, and photos.
The museum tells Morgantown’s story from the time before people lived there to the present day. Exhibits are spread out over three floors in a number of rooms. The staff loves telling people about the history of the town and is happy to answer any questions you have. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
Spark! Center for Imagination and Science
The Spark! Imagination & Science Center is a fun and educational place to take kids if you are travelling with them. Here, kids can work together to build something new and solve problems. The centre has displays about physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy, among other things.
The Spark! Imagination & Science Center is for kids of all ages, but the hands-on area is only for kids who are at least 5 years old. The shows at the planetarium are meant to teach and entertain people of all ages. The centre also has a lot of activities and programmes for kids and their families. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
The centre also has birthday party packages if your child is having a birthday. The package includes a reserved space for your group as well as access to all of the center’s exhibits and amenities.
Cheer up at the Morgantown Brewing Company
The Morgantown Brewing Company is a popular place in the city that sees a lot of tourists every day.
The brewery is also the oldest one in Morgantown.
Most of the people who come here do so to try their unique craft beers.
There are eight choices on the menu, and you’ll want to try them all.
You can also get burgers and sandwiches to go with your beer.
Go to the Earl L. Core Arboretum
The famous Earl L. Core Arboretum is a great place to get some fresh air and see a lot of green plants.
Professor Earl L. Core built this huge park on almost 91 acres because he cared about the good people of Morgantown.
It is one of Morgantown’s largest green spaces and gets a lot of tourists.
The forest is very big, and there are some beautiful places to see inside it.
You can go hiking and explore the area to get the most out of this beautiful place.
Go to the West Virginia Botanic Garden to see some green things.
The West Virginia Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to see plants that are native to the well-known Appalachian region.
The large botanical garden is spread out over almost 82 acres.
Some of the best views of the Tibbs Run Reservoir can be seen from there.
Since it first opened to the public, the garden has been a popular place for both locals and visitors.
There are also many hiking trails here, which makes it an even more appealing place to visit.
Dine at Pies & Pints
Looking for a place to relax after a long day of sight-seeing?
In Morgantown, there is no better way to unwind than with a hot slice of pizza and a cold pint of beer.
Pies & Pints is one of the most Things to do in Morgantown WV in the city. It serves gourmet pizza and beer made in the area.
It is only five minutes from the West Virginia University campus, so many students choose to stay there.
Trail to Cheat Lake
The Cheat Lake Trail is another great Things to do in Morgantown WV surrounded by nature and see some beautiful sights. It is just 20 minutes northeast of town and goes along the lake’s beautiful shores, with lots of interesting plants, animals, and viewpoints.
The 4.5-mile-long path is mostly flat and paved. It runs along the sparkling shoreline and is backed by both dense woods and large open green spaces. It was built in 2000 and follows what used to be a railroad corridor that ran along the eastern banks of the reservoir.
Now, people who like being outside come to walk, jog, and ride their bikes along the trail while taking in the beautiful scenery and views. People can use the playground, picnic areas, and fishing platform at the northern end of Cheat Lake Park.
WVU Coliseum
The WVU Coliseum is another major attraction on the college campus. It is right next to the arboretum. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams play their fast-paced, crazy games in this huge concrete arena.
The circular sports stadium on the Evansdale Campus has a dome that makes it easy to spot. It first opened in 1970. The arena is loud and lively because of its high ceiling and steep stands that drop down to the court below. This is what makes games so much fun to go to. There are many Things to do in Morgantown WV.
The WVU Mountaineers basketball teams aren’t the only ones who play at the Coliseum. There are also wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics matches there, as well as the occasional concert and college graduation ceremony. Students can use the squash courts, dance studio, and lecture rooms inside its huge building.
Park at Dorsey’s Knob
Even though Dorsey’s Knob Park is only a ten-minute drive south of the city centre, it feels like a world away from the busyness of downtown. From the top of the big hill, you can see Morgantown, the Monongahela River, and the Appalachian Mountains in the distance.
The beautiful Sky Rock sticks out from the top of Dorsey’s Knob, which is the highest point in the area at 1,398 feet. You can climb up the side of the big boulder and look out over the rolling hills and farms of West Virginia, or you can walk around the park’s many trails.
A challenging 18-hole disc golf course with challenging downhill and uphill shots is right next to a playground and picnic areas that are spread out over the hillside.
Farmers Market
The Morgantown Farmers Market is a busy, colourful place with a lot of stands and stalls that both locals and tourists can look through. Its summer season takes place every Saturday morning from May to November and has a great selection of tasty farm-to-table foods.
Since 2002, the market has been held at the downtown covered metal market place, where about forty local farmers and vendors sell fresh food and great handmade goods. From meats and cheeses to fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, everything is for sale.
As you shop for freshly baked bread and pastries, you can enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere, listen to live music, or watch cooking demonstrations. The market is open from November to April, but only every other Saturday morning.
The University of West Virginia
West Virginia University is the centre of town life, so it’s almost impossible not to stop by its huge campus at some point. It has a lot of beautiful buildings and green spaces, as well as places to visit like the arboretum, art museum, and Coliseum.
The well-known research school is just northwest of downtown. It has grown to cover a huge area along the Monongahela River. It was founded in 1867 and has more than a dozen different colleges. Its beautiful campus is full of trees and has top-notch sports facilities and museums.
You can walk around and watch one of the Mountaineers teams play, or you can go to the annual FallFest and hear great music. Akon, 50 Cent, Kelly Clarkson, and Ludacris, among others, have all performed for the university’s large student body over the years.
Coopers Rock State Forest has the best view
In Mountaineer Country, the overlook at Coopers Rock is a popular place to take a picture that will stand out and to ask your sweetheart to marry you. Coopers Rock State Forest is a great place to hike, rock climb, camp, mountain bike, have a picnic, fish, and more. It has almost 13,000 acres and 50 miles of trails. The best part is that you can drive here from downtown in just 20 minutes.
This park pulls at your heartstrings, especially when you walk along one of its 21 nature and hiking trails, hang by your fingertips while bouldering, or rappel down a limestone cliff. At the WVU Outdoor Education Center, this is a great chance to try ziplining. People who want to paddle, swim, or fish can use a 36-mile water trail on the Cheat River in Coopers Rock State Forest.
The Henry Clay Iron Furnace is a short, one-mile walk through the forest. At the bottom of the trail, you can see the stack of the old furnace that used steam power. This relic of making iron from limestone seems out of place in a temperate rainforest. Almost 200 years ago, the furnace had 200 workers and helped support a town with a school, general store, and church. Today, the site is a reminder of the industrial age in the United States.
Take a selfie at the statue of Don Knotts
The historic downtown and natural areas of Morgantown are beautiful places for families to take pictures. The most popular place to take a selfie is right next to comedian Don Knotts. You can act as silly as you want next to the statue of Don Knotts. If you know Don, he won’t care in the least.
Don Knotts was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, before he moved to New York and Hollywood, where he became a famous actor. He won five Emmy Awards for his most famous role as the deputy sheriff on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s. The life-size bronze statue of Morgantown’s most well-known and funny person stands in front of the Metropolitan Theater on High Street.
West Virginia Botanic Garden
Take a day when you’re in West Virginia to walk through the West Virginia Botanic Garden. The garden is right outside of downtown Morgantown. You can walk a 4.5-mile trail through beautiful scenery to get there.
There are different Things to do in Morgantown WV in the garden, such as a butterfly garden, a herb garden, and a garden with native plants. There are also birds and other animals that live in the garden.
At the Botanic Garden, there’s always a party going on. The garden has a wide range of events, such as concerts, workshops, and festivals, all through the year. There are a lot of late nights where good food and good music are available.
The WVU Zipline Canopy Tour
At the WVU Outdoor Education Center, you can do something else that will get your heart racing. The WVU Zipline Canopy Tour is a great way to get a different view of the forest. There are four zip lines, seven platforms in the trees, a sky bridge, and a rappel to get off the course at the end of the canopy tour. The tour takes you through the tops of the trees and shows you beautiful views of the forest.
The tour is made for people over the age of 10, so most families can enjoy it. The aerial adventure lasts about 3 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the treetops.
The Mon River Rail Trail
The Mon River Rail Trail, which includes the Caperton Trail, is a larger network of Things to do in Morgantown WV. The Mon River Rail Trail is a network of trails that connect together and follow an old railroad line.
The trail is more than 29 miles long and goes through some of West Virginia’s most beautiful places. Hikers like the course because it has a surface that is good for both walking and running.
West Virginia’s Mon River Rail Trail is a great way to see the state. You walk through forests, meadows, and mountains on the trail. You’ll be able to get to the Monongahela River, where you can swim and paddle.
The Wharf District
When you’re in Morgantown, you should definitely go to the Wharf District. Along the Monongahela River, the Wharf District is a lively place to live. There are restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses in the area.
In the area, you can also find a hotel and an amphitheatre. The Morgantown Brewing Company, a local brewery that makes a range of craft beers, is also in the Wharf District. You can take a tour of the brewery, and they hold events and tastings there often. Mountain State Brewing is another brewery in West Virginia that you should check out.
If you don’t want to drink alcohol, the Birch River Cafe is a great place to get coffee and baked goods. The cafe also lets dogs in and has a patio with a view of the river.
Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium
Mountaineer Field is a place that sports fans will want to see at Milan Puskar Stadium. The West Virginia Mountaineers football team plays there. They are a Division I FBS team in the Big 12 conference.
Over 60,000 people can fit in the stadium, so it can get loud! The WVU Marching Band is also based at the stadium, and they play at every home game.
During football season, if you’re in Morgantown, don’t miss a game. The Mountaineers have a long history in football, and they always play hard. One of the best things to do in Morgantown, WV, is to watch a game here.
One Last Thing
The city that used to be known only for hosting football games has grown a lot in the last few decades and is now a popular Things to do in Morgantown WV.
Take a day trip Things to do in Morgantown WV, to see how many things there are to see and do there.