Huntington is a riverside town nestled on the banks of the Ohio River.
It is known for its vast natural beauty, incredible museums, inspiring art galleries, scenic train rides, vibrant culture, and numerous picturesque parks.
The city is also home to tranquil lakes, vast forests, enchanting rivers, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife.
At Huntington, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, and kayaking.
It is an ideal holiday destination that combines art and culture, nature exploration, and entertainment.
Why not check out the best things to do in Huntington (WV)
Fun Things to Do in Huntington (WV)
1. Enjoy a Scenic Ride on a Train Journey
Enjoy an exciting Autumn Colors Express train ride from Huntington to Hinton.
Departing from the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, the train winds along the fascinating New River Gorge offers breathtaking wilderness views.
This excursion has been a tradition of this region since 1966 and is always held in October.
It’s a full-day journey by historic railway carriages with amazing views of a charming river, a picturesque waterfall, dense foliage, an abandoned city, a beautiful dam, and much more.
Delicious meals are also served on the train during the journey.
Get tickets for this fantastic train ride while you’re in Huntington and enjoy a unique experience.
2. Try Holding Some Brushes at Paint & Sip Studio
Paint & Sip Studio, located in downtown Huntington, offers its customers the unique experience of learning to paint while sipping their favorite beverage.
Two-hour classes are taught by local artists, allowing customers to try different painting techniques.
They accommodate patrons of any skill level. Bring your friends, bring a drink and enjoy painting.
They also organize parties, benefit events, and team-building events.
3. Escape the LOST Escape Room
Escape rooms are one of the most unique experiences you will ever have.
You can test your wits, problem-solving skills, and general knowledge against time to escape from the locked room within the time limit.
If you want to challenge yourself and your friends, you can use logic and imagination and check out one of the many escape rooms at The LOST Escape Room in Huntington, West Virginia.
Here, you can participate in the game room “The Lost Queen,” where you must solve the mystery of Queen Nefertiti, who has disappeared from all historical records.
They have an excellent game master who is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and will help you immerse yourself in the role-playing aspect to make the experience worth trying, so be sure to add this activity to your travel bucket list!
Things to Do in Huntington (WV) At Night
1. Don’t Miss a Show at Keith Albee Performing Arts Center
Established in 1928, this historic theater is an important part of the city’s local culture.
He has hosted the premieres of major Hollywood films such as Rain Man, Remagen Bridge, and We Are Marshall.
Some big names in the film industry have also graced this theater.
They include Matthew McConaughey, Dustin Hoffman, Barry Levinson, and Matthew Fox.
The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center presents comedies, plays, orchestras, musicals, concerts, film screenings, and opera performances.
In addition, the theater also hosts weddings, meetings, fundraisers, and conferences.
It’s a great place for a great evening’s entertainment.
2. Spend Some Time at Quicksilver Arcade Bar & Kitchen
This is the perfect place to experience Huntington’s nightlife, and it is the largest arcade bar in the state.
It has a wide variety of arcade games you can enjoy while sipping delicious drinks.
They also include other games such as skeeball, air hockey, giant Jenga, and more.
Don’t miss their amazing craft beer and delicious food. Games are free for all patrons who purchase drinks.
3. Don’t Miss the Concerts and Shows at Mountain Health Arena
Managed by ASM Global, Mountain Health Arena is a beautiful venue that brings community members from cities of America, such as New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, to participate in various events such as conferences, concerts, and workshops throughout the year.
The Mountain Health Arena Features a huge arena with over 7,500 seats and a recently upgraded convention center; the property is the perfect place to host and watch upcoming events.
This is a fantastic local spot. It is a perfectly good size and has that “local” feel without all the traffic, drinking problems, parking problems, and crowds.
It is definitely big enough to make the noise of the arena without seeming empty or small—you could say this is Huntington’s Goldilocks Arena.
You never have to worry about your ears bleeding at this venue, as there is a good mix between those on stage and those listening and enjoying the show.
The lighting here is perfect for what it’s meant to be, matching and complementing the tones/vibes of whatever show happens on any night.
Things to Do in Huntington (WV) For Couples
1. Visit the Pumpkin House
Just located along the banks of the Ohio River, this historic home is known for its spectacular pumpkin displays during the C-K Autumnfest.
This festival takes place every last weekend in October.
It has been one of the city’s traditions for over 30 years.
The Pumpkin House, home of former Mayor Ken, is decorated with 3,000 brightly lit jack-o’-lanterns during the festival season.
At this time, events include beauty pageants, live parades, cooking competitions, car shows, arts and crafts fairs, music concerts, and scarecrow competitions.
Visit this place in October to see the stunning displays, participate in the festivities, and enjoy the delicious food at the stalls.
Located 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Huntington, it’s about a 17-minute drive.
2. Picnic at Barboursville Park
Spread over 750 acres, this enchanting park features a beautiful lake surrounded by vast greenery and picturesque hills.
Enjoy spectacular sunset views – a kaleidoscope of crimson, yellow, and purple in the sky.
The park has several soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, ponds, playgrounds, wading pools, hiking trails, picnic areas, grills, archery, a disc golf course, and an amphitheater.
You can have a lovely picnic by the lake and admire the stunning beauty of nature, or you can take a refreshing hike on the green trails that wind through the park’s picturesque landscape.
Cool off in a pad, or try fishing in the lake.
Enjoy a movie experience in the open air in the amphitheater with your loved ones.
The lake is home to many waterfowl and fish; kids usually find this interesting, too.
The park hosts several events throughout the year, including rodeos, outdoor movies, and sports tournaments.
Barboursville Park is a 25-minute drive from Huntington.
3. Have Some Good Meal at Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House
Although Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House first opened its doors in 1938, it didn’t start as a spaghetti house until 1944.
Owners Jim and Sally Tweel spent the first six years selling hamburgers, milkshakes, and ice cream cones.
An Italian man named Roberto Elmoro came up with the idea to turn the business into steaks and spaghetti.
Jim and Sally expanded their space and used Elmore’s original recipe to start the restaurant.
Today, patrons walk through the divine aroma of freshly made spaghetti and see walls covered in pictures of famous guests such as Muhammad Ali and John F. Kennedy.
Things to Do in Huntington (WV) For Kids
1. Take Them to Camden Park
It is a popular amusement park that dates back to the early 20th century and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
It offers exciting attractions, a scenic lake, an arcade, carnival games, a miniature golf course, a petting farm, restaurants, snack bars, and more.
Facilities include a miniature train ride, yo-yom ride, log ride, merry-go-round, water ride, haunted house, and roller coasters.
Enjoy the thrill rides, ride a pedal boat on Swan Lake, try mini golf, pet the farm animals, play fun arcade games, and eat delicious food.
You can even camp in the park on weekends.
Various events are held yearly, such as music concerts, children’s festivals, and the annual Halloween Spooktacular.
2. Let the Kids Play at Beech Fork State Park
Beech Fork State Park is perfect for a side trip from Huntington, a 25-minute drive from town.
The 3,100-acre park features nearly 300 campsites, miles of hiking trails, a large and tranquil lake, picnic areas, boat ramps, a swimming pool, barbecue grills, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and sports fields.
It provides countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, geocaching, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
The park has many wildlife, including waterfowl, deer, and rabbits.
About 100 of their campsites are on the waterfront and offer spectacular views.
The campsites allow for both primitive and advanced camping.
Explore the wilderness by camping here overnight or enjoy a delicious picnic by the lake.
Appreciate the beauty of nature while hiking the trails and kayaking on the charming lake.
3. Check Out Pullman Square
Pullman Square is located just downtown Huntington, an outdoor shopping and dining center.
Here at Pullman Square, residents and visitors can shop at stores like Chico’s or Appalachian Boarding Company, grab a coffee at Starbucks, or grab lunch at Black Sheep Burritos & Brews.
Stop by for a mouthwatering scoop of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery and maybe a movie theater at Marquee Cinemas 16.
Other stores include Game Stop, Edible Arrangements, The Pottery Place, and M&M Nails and Spa.
In late spring and mid-fall, Pullman Square hosts a Saturday farmers market.
Indoor Activities to Do in Huntington (WV) For Adults (Indoor Activities)
1. Appreciate the Art at the Huntington Museum of Art
Founded in the mid-20th century, this renowned fine arts museum comprises ten gallery spaces, an auditorium, a science library, a plant conservatory, sculpture courts, several artist studios, nature trails, and an aquarium.
In addition to regional and American art, it exhibits outstanding works from Europe, China, Japan, Syria, Iran, and Egypt.
The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, glass art, historic firearms, and carpets.
The museum hosts many rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
See inspiring and thought-provoking artworks in the galleries and explore the conservatory garden with its unique and fascinating tropical plants.
2. Take a Step Back in Time at Madie Carroll House
The historic home, built in the early 1800s, was transported from Ohio to Huntington by boat.
It used to serve as an inn and place of worship before the first Catholic church in town was built.
It was also home to several generations of the Carroll family until 1984.
Today, it is a museum displaying numerous historical Civil War artifacts, including American flags, military uniforms, and more.
The house was also maintained to match exactly how it would have looked if the family still lived there.
It displays Carroll family items, such as original cutlery, furniture, home decor, kitchen equipment, organs, and more.
Various events are held here, including Heritage Day, Christmas celebrations, and Easter egg hunts.
Visit this place and learn about its history through various fascinating exhibits.
3. Learn a Thing or Two About Broadcasting History at the Museum of Radio & Technology
Here, the focus is on the history of electronics and broadcasting.
It has a collection of many vintage artifacts, including antique radios, televisions, tape recorders, giant hard drives, record players, transmitters, tuners, cameras, photographs, toys, control boards, manuals, and desktop computers.
The radio history exhibit looks like a 1920s radio shop and service.
The museum has many vintage radios and transistors from the early 20th century, WWII, and the 1950s.
An exhibit highlighting the history of broadcasting features a collection of microphones, a disc jockey studio from the 1950s, television cameras, transmitters, and more.
The Hall of Fame commemorates well-known and talented television stations from West Virginia.
The Radio Service exhibit includes test equipment, electronic toys, and a technical school.
You can also learn about the development of computers and laptops through the exhibits.
Take a tour of the museum and explore its fascinating history.
Romantic Things to Do in Huntington (WV)
1. Make a Trip to Ritter Park
Ritter Park is the oldest and one of the city’s most popular parks, dating back to 1913. Tourists and residents visit it.
Ritter Park features a landscaped rose garden, a children’s playground, Four Pole Creek, picnic areas, nature trails, grills, an amphitheater, tennis courts, and a sledding hill.
It offers a wonderful view in all four seasons.
Hike the green trails parallel to the beautiful stream and enjoy nature, play tennis, view the brightly colored roses in the garden, prepare hamburgers on the grill, and end your day with a beautiful picnic in the picturesque background.
This park also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, games, tennis tournaments, Easter egg hunts, antique shows, and art and music festivals.
It’s also a popular wedding venue thanks to its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.
You can spend your day sitting on one of the benches or under a tree and enjoying a good book.
2. Farm Museum & Village
The famous Heritage Farm Museum & Village is one of Huntington’s top tourist attractions.
It focuses on the history of the Appalachia region.
It includes seven museums, a petting zoo, a nature center, hiking trails, an artisan center, a church, a blacksmith shop, several inns, a tree house, and canopy bridges.
Several museums highlight people’s daily lives in the Appalachia region during the 19th century.
Their exhibits include a model railroad, clothing, cutlery, tools, kitchen equipment, wagons, model airplanes, a display of general merchandise models, dolls, buggies, an art print shop, and other historical artifacts.
In addition, various museum exhibits also focus on the region’s transportation history, arts and crafts, and trade and commerce.
The children’s museum offers a wide range of hands-on activities that allow children to experience life in the region during previous centuries.
Hike the green paths to the tree house, which offers breathtaking views of the vast greenery, and enjoy spotting squirrels and beautiful birds along the way.
Critter Corner has many farm animals, including llamas, goats, chickens, ducks, piglets, cows, donkeys, peacocks, dogs, and rabbits.
You can approach them, feed them, and pet them.
Look at the forge and watch the traditional steel tool-making process.
See the Conway Homestead Site, a 19th-century church, craftsman center, and one of the area’s first schoolhouses.
Don’t miss the free wagon rides offered here.
Various events, such as musical performances, cooking competitions, Christmas markets, and more, are held at this place throughout the year.
3. Try Shopping at the Red Caboose
This famous artisan center in downtown Huntington sells everything local, ranging from jewelry, glass art, body care products, ceramics, clothing, pottery, fiber art, photography, and home décor to furniture, candles, bags, postcards, and even honey and syrups.
We should not leave out fascinating books by various regional authors, all sourced from local producers, businesses, and artists.
Visit this place to see extraordinary works and shop for souvenirs.
Free Things to Do in Huntington (WV)
1. Take a Stroll Along the Harris Riverfront Park
This scenic riverside park is a fantastic place to enjoy enchanting views of beautiful sunsets, the Robert C. Byrd Bridge, and the tranquil Ohio River.
The park has picnic areas, beautiful trees, an amphitheater, a skate park, a playground, hiking trails, and a boat ramp.
Enjoy a refreshing walk along the river or sit on one of the benches and admire the beauty of nature.
You can have a picnic against the stunning backdrop or read a good book in a peaceful atmosphere under a tree.
This place is also popular for various events such as weddings, music concerts, and parties.
The park has many waterfowl and other creatures, including blue herons, turtles, Canada geese, kingfishers, ducks, and sandpipers.
Visit this park to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
2. See the Collis P. Huntington Statue
The statue of Collis Potter Huntington was created in 1924 by legendary artist Gutzon Borglum. Gutzon demonstrated his talented artistic skills when he helped carve the faces of four presidents into South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore.
A statue of Collis P. Huntington stands at the Chesapeake & Ohio depot, honoring Mr. Huntington for founding the town.
Several decades after Collis’ death, a bronze statue stands eight feet tall, completed and publicly unveiled to the city.
3. Get Some Snack Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs
Stewart’s Original Hot Dogs began as a drive-in restaurant in 1932.
Husband and wife John Louis and Gertrude Mandt opened the business with a small menu of just two items – Stewart’s root beer and popcorn.
Sales were not very high during the first few days of business, but that quickly changed, as did the variety of offerings.
The restaurant sells hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, BBQ items, sandwiches, Bratwurst, and more.
Side dishes include baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad.
And the desserts, cookies, and ice cream are simple but delicious.
Cheap Things to Do in Huntington (WV)
1. Go Sky Diving at WV Skydivers
WV Skydivers is an amazing place to unleash your inner thrill seeker and maybe even learn to master some incredible aerial stunts.
But that is not all; you will jump out of airplanes from heights up to 11,000 feet.
If it’s your first time, it could be hard, but once you overcome the initial fear, it’s easy to see why people absolutely love this type of extreme diving activity.
So whether you’re an experienced skydiver or new to the world of skydiving, they have your best interests at heart, from arranging a tandem jump for beginners to helping experienced divers train for their next big jump.
WV Skydivers is the perfect destination for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in the heart of Appalachia, located just minutes from Ashland, KY, Ironton, OH, and Huntington, WV.
2. Watch a Game at Joan C. Edwards Stadium
This is a football stadium primarily used by the Marshall Thundering Herd football team of Marshall University.
The stadium has a capacity of 38,227 spectators, 20 indoor suites, and 300 wheelchair-accessible spaces.
The soccer field is covered with 90,000 square feet of artificial turf.
In addition, Joan C. Edwards Stadium features a press box for announcers and other game personnel and 14 concession areas where you can purchase snacks, food, and beverages.
In 1989, the Board of Regents donated $30 million to a new stadium.
3. Visit the Touma Museum of Medicine
Founded by Dr. Joe Touma, a retired doctor whose specialty was otology, the study of the ear’s anatomy and understanding of how ear diseases occur.
Before the museum’s opening, Dr. Joe had medical devices and instruments for 40 years.
His early pieces included ear tubes and instruments to detect hearing loss.
He then began collecting medical devices that related to the nose and throat.
He also found historical medical books on ENT – ear, nose, and throat.
Using his discoveries as inspiration, Touma invented 14 of his medical instruments.
Cool Places to Visit in Huntington (WV)
1. Heritage Station
Now a food and shopping center, Heritage Station was converted from the old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station.
This historic railroad complex has many eclectic shops, small businesses, and delicious local restaurants.
You can dine at the bistro, wine and cheese bar, coffee shop, craft beer pub, and more.
There is also a yoga studio, a vintage clothing store, the Red Caboose, an art gallery, a crafts store, and a gift shop.
There is also a visitor’s office where tourists and other visitors can stop by with questions about the Heritage Station or general questions about the area.
2. Wild Ramp
Wild Ramp is Huntington’s year-round farmers market.
The non-profit organization aims to grow the economy and support neighboring communities by providing local food, artisan goods, and other sustainable food products.
In addition, Wild Ramp’s long-term vision is to become a self-sufficient market for food grown in the region.
The year-round market connects local farmers and consumers and provides educational support on the benefits of buying and eating local food.
In addition to the brick-and-mortar location, a mobile farmers market serves the communities of Huntington.
3. La Famiglia
La Famiglia is a family-run Italian restaurant whose dishes incorporate 100-year-old recipes from the southwestern Calabria region of Italy.
These recipes have been carefully passed down through generations of different owners and chefs.
Popular appetizers such as meatballs and wood-fired pizza are prepared with an aromatic pasta sauce to greet guests upon arrival.
Other delicious dishes include Diavola sausage and Calabria lasagna.
There are also several white and red wines to go with the meal.
End the dinner on a sweet note with desserts such as cannoli with sweet ricotta or affogato with homemade gelato and hot Italian espresso poured on top.
Conclusion
For a travel experience that offers adventure and rest opportunities, look no further than this vibrant city.
Follow this list of the best things to do in Huntington (WV), and have a fantastic time!
