25 Best Things to Do in Huntington, WV

Huntington is a riverside city nestled on the banks of the Ohio River.

It is well-known for its sprawling natural beauty, incredible museums, inspiring art galleries, scenic train journeys, vibrant culture, and numerous picturesque parks.

The city is also home to serene lakes, sprawling forests, mesmerizing rivers, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife.

Here, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and kayaking.

It's an ideal holiday destination offering a perfect mix of art and culture, nature exploration, and entertainment.

Here's an all-in-one list of the best things to do in Huntington, West Virginia:

Admire Thought-Provoking Art at the Huntington Museum of Art

Founded in the mid-20th century, this renowned visual arts museum comprises 10 gallery spaces, an auditorium, a research library, a plant conservatory, sculpture courts, multiple art studios, nature trails, and an aquarium.

In addition to regional and American art, it also exhibits outstanding artistic works from Europe, China, Japan, Syria, Iran, and Egypt.

The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, glass art, historic firearms, and rugs.

The museum hosts many rotating exhibitions all year round.

Check out thought-provoking and inspiring pieces of art at the galleries and explore the conservatory garden that features a collection of unique and fascinating tropical plants.

Appreciate Nature's Beauty at Ritter Park

Dating back to 1913, this is the oldest and one of the most popular parks of this city.

It's frequented by tourists and locals alike.

Ritter Park features a manicured rose garden, playground, the Four Pole Creek, picnic areas, nature trails, grills, an amphitheater, multiple tennis courts, and a sledding hill.

It offers spectacular views during all four seasons.

Hike along the verdant trails that run parallel to the beautiful creek and appreciate nature, play a game of tennis, view the brilliantly colored roses in the garden, make some burgers on the grills, and end your day with a lovely picnic against the scenic backdrops.

This park also hosts several events throughout the year, including musical concerts, plays, tennis tournaments, Easter egg hunts, antique car shows, and art and music festivals.

Owing to its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere, this is also a popular wedding venue.

You can spend your day sitting on one of the benches or under a tree and enjoying a good book.

Explore History at Heritage Farm Museum & Village

The renowned Heritage Farm Museum & Village is one of Huntington's prime tourist attractions.

It centers on the history of the Appalachia region.

It encompasses seven museums, a petting zoo, a nature center, hiking trails, an artisan center, a church, a blacksmith shop, multiple inns, a treehouse, and canopy bridges.

The multiple museums highlight the everyday life of the people in the Appalachia region during the 19th century.

Their displays include a model railroad, clothing, cutlery, tools, kitchen equipment, wagons, model aircraft, a model general store exhibit, dolls, carriages, an artisan print shop, and other historical artifacts.

Additionally, the various exhibits at the museums also focus on the region's transportation history, arts and crafts, and trade and commerce.

Here, the children's museum features a wide range of hands-on activities that allow them to experience life in the region during the previous centuries.

Hike on the verdant trails to reach the treehouse that offers captivating views of sprawling greenery and enjoy watching squirrels and beautiful birds along the way.

The Critter Corner is home to numerous farm animals, including llamas, goats, chickens, ducks, piglets, cows, donkeys, peacocks, dogs, and rabbits.

You can get close to, feed, and pet them.

Check out the blacksmith shop and watch the traditional process of making various tools out of steel.

You can stay overnight at one of the many inns located on the site.

Tour the Conway Homestead Site, the 19th-century church, artisan center, and one of the first school buildings of the area.

Don't miss out on the free wagon rides offered here.

Various events are held at this site throughout the year, such as musical performances, cooking competitions, Christmas markets, and more.

Enjoy the View on a Scenic Train Journey

Enjoy an exciting train journey on the Autumn Colors Express train from Huntington to Hinton.

Setting off from the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, the train winds along the mesmerizing New River Gorge, offering captivating wilderness views.

This excursion has been a tradition of this region since 1966 and takes place every October.

It is a day-long journey on vintage rail cars featuring stunning views of the enchanting river, a picturesque waterfall, dense foliage, an abandoned town, a beautiful dam, and plenty more.

Delicious meals are served on the train during the trip, too.

Get your tickets to this fantastic train journey when you're in Huntington and enjoy an unparalleled experience.

Take a Riverside Stroll at Harris Riverfront Park

This picturesque riverside park is a fantastic spot to feast your eyes on mesmerizing views of gorgeous sunsets, the Robert C. Byrd Bridge, and the serene Ohio River.

The park features picnic areas, beautiful trees, an amphitheater, a skate park, a playground, hiking trails, and a boat ramp.

Enjoy a refreshing riverside stroll or sit on one of the benches and appreciate nature's beauty.

You can set up a picnic against the stunning backdrops or read a good book in the tranquil atmosphere under a tree's shade.

This place also happens to be a popular venue for various events, such as weddings, musical concerts, and parties.

The park is home to numerous waterfowls and other creatures, including great blue herons, turtles, Canada goose, kingfishers, ducks, and spotted sandpipers.

Visit this park to relax and enjoy the scenic views.

Travel Back in Time at the Madie Carroll House

Constructed in the early 19th century, this historic house was transported from Ohio to Huntington by boat.

It formerly served as an inn and a place of worship before the city's first Catholic Church 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 US flags, military uniforms, and more.

The house has also been maintained to accurately represent what it would have looked like if the family was still residing there.

It exhibits the Carroll family's belongings, such as original cutlery, furniture, home décor, kitchen equipment, a pump organ, and more.

Various events are organized here, including Heritage Day, Christmas celebrations, and Easter egg hunts.

Visit this place and learn about its history through the various fascinating displays.

Learn about Broadcasting History at the Museum of Radio & Technology

This popular museum focuses on the history of electronics and broadcasting.

It has a collection of numerous historical artifacts, including antique radios, television sets, tape recorders, giant hard drives, turntables, transmitters, tuners, cameras, photographs, toys, control boards, manuals, and desktop computers.

The radio history exhibit is made to look like a 1920s radio store and service shop.

You can find a multitude of vintage radios and transistors belonging to the early 20th century, the Second World War period, and the 1950s.

The exhibit highlighting broadcasting history showcases a collection of microphones, a 1950s disc jockey studio, TV cameras, transmitters, and more.

The Hall of Fame commemorates West Virginia's well-known and talented broadcasters.

The Radio Service exhibit features test equipment, electronic toys, and a tech school.

You can also learn about the evolution of computers and laptops through the exhibits.

Tour the museum and explore fascinating history.

Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Camden Park

This is a popular theme park that dates back to the early 20th century and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

It features exhilarating rides, a picturesque lake, an arcade, carnival games, a miniature golf course, a petting farm, restaurants, snack bars, and more.

The facilities include miniature train rides, yo-yo rides, log rides, carousels, water rides, a haunted house, and rollercoasters.

Enjoy the thrilling rides, paddle boat on the Swan Lake, try mini-golf, pet the animals at the farm, play fun games at the arcade, and gorge on mouth-watering food.

You can even camp in the park during weekends.

Various events are organized here throughout the year, such as musical concerts, children's festivals, and the annual Halloween Spooktacular.

Grab your family and friends and spend a fun-filled and exciting day at Camden Park.

Watch a Show at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center

Founded in 1928, this historic theater is a significant part of the city's local culture.

It has hosted premieres for major Hollywood movies, such as Rain Man, The Bridge at Remagen, and We Are Marshall.

Some big names in the film industry have also graced this theater.

These include Matthew McConaughey, Dustin Hoffman, Barry Levinson, and Matthew Fox.

The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center presents comedies, plays, orchestras, musicals, concerts, movie screenings, and opera performances.

In addition, the theater also hosts weddings, reunions, fundraisers, and conferences.

It is an excellent place for a wonderful evening's entertainment.

Go Shopping at The Red Caboose

Located in downtown Huntington, this famous artisan center sells all things local.

They offer jewelry, glass art, body care products, pottery, clothing, ceramics, fiber art, photographs, home décor, furniture, honey, syrups, candles, bags, postcards, and more.

All products are sourced from local producers, businesses, and artists.

You can also find fascinating books written by various regional authors here.

Visit this place to check out the extraordinary works and shop for souvenirs.

Unleash Your Inner Artist at Paint & Sip Studio

Located in downtown Huntington, Paint & Sip Studio provides its patrons with the unique experience of learning to paint while sipping on your favorite drink.

Local artists lead the two-hour classes, giving customers a chance to try different painting techniques.

They accommodate patrons of any skill level.

Grab your friends, bring your drinks, and enjoy painting.

They also organize parties, fundraisers, and team-building events.

Grab a Beer and Play Cool Games at Quicksilver Arcade Bar & Kitchen

This is a perfect place to experience Huntington's nightlife and is the largest arcade bar in the state.

It features a vast array of arcade games that you can enjoy playing while sipping on delicious drinks.

They also feature other games, such as skeeball, air hockey, giant Jenga, and more.

Don't miss out on their amazing craft beer and mouth-watering food.

The games are free for all patrons who purchase drinks.

Watch FAME Concerts and WWE Shows at Mountain Health Arena

ASM Global manages the Mountain Health Arena, located at 1 Center Plaza, Huntington, West Virginia.

The beautiful venue brings community members from all over New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to attend a diverse range of events throughout the year, such as conferences, concerts, and workshops.

Featuring a massive arena that seats over 7,500 and a recently upgraded convention center, this property is the perfect place to host and see upcoming events.

This is a fantastic local venue with perfectly good size, and it definitely has that "local" feel without all of the traffic, drinking issue, parking problem, and crowds.

Definitely big enough to have that arena noise without seeming empty or small— you could say that this is the Goldilocks arena of Huntington.

In this place, you never have to worry about your ears bleeding because there is a good mixture between those on stage and those listening and enjoying the show.

The lighting here is just absolutely perfect for what it is meant for, matching and complementing the tones/vibes of whatever performance happens to be happening on any given night.

Discover the Truth about Nefertiti and Escape The LOST Escape Room

Escape rooms are definitely one of the most unique experiences you'll ever have.

You can test your wits, problem-solving skills, and general knowledge against the clock to escape from a locked room within a set time limit.

If you want to challenge yourself and your friends, you can do a little bit of logic and imagination and check out one of the many escape rooms at The LOST Escape Room in Huntington, West Virginia.

Here, you can take part in the “The Lost Queen” game room, where you have to solve the mystery of Queen Nefertiti, who vanished from all historical records.

They have an excellent game master who's extremely friendly and knowledgeable and help you immerse yourself in the role-play aspect to make the experience well worth trying, so be sure to add this activity to your travel list!

Feel the Thrill at WV Skydivers

WV Skydivers is an awesome place to unleash the thrillseeker inside you and possibly even learn how to master some incredible aerial moves.

But that's not all; you'll be jumping off of airplanes from heights up to 11,000 feet.

It's hard to believe it initially, but once you get over that initial fear, it’s easy to see why people are absolutely in love with this type of extreme sky diving activity.

So if you're an experienced skydiver or new to the world of jumping, they have your interests at heart, from arranging a tandem jump for first-timers to helping expert divers train for their next big jump.

WV Skydivers is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the heart of Appalachia, located just minutes from Ashland, KY, Ironton, OH, and Huntington, WV.

Bowl with Friends at Strike Zone Bowling Center

Strike Zone Bowling Center is the first headquarters of Galactic Bowling!

The center becomes a glow-in-the-dark spectacle, packed with bright lasers flashing, great music, and giant screens showing music videos.

They accommodate special events and leagues for players of all skill levels; the facility is always smoke-free.

Take advantage of their family fun deal and spend quality time bowling with your family while also enjoying some great food.

Browse the menu selection at their snack, which includes cheeseburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, pizza, fries, and beverages!

Hand Pick Healthy Food at the Wild Ramp

The Wild Ramp is an all-year-long, indoor, nonprofit farmers market aiming to develop and promote a thriving local cuisine, food supply, and artisan sector.

They want to provide local farmers, the public, and other stakeholders the chance, resources, and space to collaborate on expanding and sustaining their regional food industry.

The market began as a grassroots initiative to fight the local obesity problem by offering fresh, local food available to everyone.

It comprises a wide range of products produced, cultivated, and distributed by more than 100 regional farmers, food suppliers, and craftsmen.

They have extended their marketplace and launched additional initiatives such as The Harvest Kitchen and SNAP Stretch as they have progressed.

Prepare to be Amused at Pullman Square

Pullman Square is the center of upscale cuisine, shopping, and amusement and is situated in midtown Huntington.

A movie theater, workplaces, eateries, and about 20 retailers made up the complex when it first opened in 2004.

This tourist destination has several stores, including The Pottery Place, Chico's, GNC, GameStop, The Inner Geek, and more.

Choose from nearby restaurants, such as Roosters, Square Slice Pizzeria, Black Sheep Burritos & Brews, and others, after spending hours wandering around and shopping.

There is entertainment here for everyone, whether traveling alone, on a trip or perhaps bonding with your family.

Savor Delicious Seafood at Jewel City Seafood Restaurant & Market

Jewel City Seafood, which started as a seafood shop, has grown to become among the best and most well-known restaurants in the Huntington, West Virginia, region.

Being a family-run business, they recognize the value of providing excellent meals and personal service.

Head Chef Brian Bader, who studied culinary arts, created many of the products on their menu.

Let their skilled cooks demonstrate how to correctly prepare fish for you.

They are confident that you'll find something that suits your palette among their seafood specialties and day selections.

Experience an extraordinarily large range of seafood when you dine at Jewel City Seafood.

Watch Your Kids Bounce and Have a Great Time at Pump Up The Fun

Pump Up The Fun is the Tri-Premier State's Indoor Inflatable Facility and the ideal location for your upcoming party!

Kids from around will be eager to bounce on their massive indoor inflatables, and parents will appreciate how simple it is to schedule a party at Pump Up The Fun.

Their trained crew handles everything, and their various party selections feature Theme Packages that include plates, cups, napkins, balloons, table coverings, and more.

An exclusive party at Pump Up The Fun is the most convenient way to celebrate a birthday today.

Visit Pump Up The Fun for a variety of reasons, like signing up for their next Summer Day Camp, organizing a fundraiser for your organization, inviting the scout troop, or throwing your coming office party!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Experience Local Culture at Kenova's Pumpkin House

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this historic house is renowned for its spectacular pumpkin displays during the C-K Autumnfest.

This festival takes place every last weekend of October.

It's been one of the city's traditions for over 30 years.

Home to a former mayor of Kenova, the Pumpkin House is decorated with 3,000 brightly-lit jack-o'-lanterns during the festival season.

The events organized during this time include beauty pageants, vibrant parades, cooking competitions, car shows, arts and craft fairs, musical concerts, and scarecrow competitions.

Visit this place in October, check out the stunning displays, be a part of the festivities, and gorge on delicious food at the stalls.

Located 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Huntington, it is roughly a 17-minutes drive away.

Have a Lakeside Picnic at Barboursville Park

Encompassing over 750 acres, this enchanting park features a magnificent lake surrounded by vast spreading greenery and picturesque hills.

Feast your eyes on gorgeous sunset views—a kaleidoscope of crimson, yellow, and purple across the skies.

The park has multiple soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, ponds, playground, a splash pad, hiking trails, picnic areas, grills, archery range, disc golf course, and an amphitheater.

Have a lovely lakeside picnic while admiring nature's astounding beauty, or go on an invigorating hike on the verdant trails that meander through the scenic landscapes of the park.

Cool off in the splash pad, or try your hand at fishing in the lake.

Sit on one of the benches and read a good novel in the tranquil atmosphere or enjoy an open-air movie experience at the amphitheater with your loved ones.

The lake is home to many waterfowls and fish.

Throughout the year, numerous events are hosted here, including rodeos, outdoor movies, and sports tournaments.

Barboursville Park is a 25-minute car ride away from Huntington.

Go Camping at Beech Fork State Park

Perfect for a side trip from Huntington, Beech Fork State Park is a 25-minute drive away from the city.

The 3,100-acre park features nearly 300 campsites, miles of hiking trails, a large and serene lake, picnic areas, boat ramps, a swimming pool, barbeque grills, tennis court, volleyball court, 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 is home to numerous wildlife, including waterfowls, deer, rabbits, and others.

About 100 of their campsites are waterfront, offering spectacular views.

The campgrounds accommodate both primitive and developed camping.

Feast your eyes on the grand vistas of the lake and verdant hills.

Explore the wilderness by camping here at night or relish a delicious picnic by the lake.

Appreciate nature's beauty while hiking on the trails and kayaking on the mesmerizing lake.

Final Thoughts

For a travel experience that offers both adventure and opportunities for rest and relaxation, look no further than this vibrant city.

Follow this list of the best things to do in Huntington and have a fantastic time!