Mercer Street Historic District
Walk a preserved downtown of period storefronts, local shops and welcoming cafes.
Mercer County · Southern Highlands
Things to Do in Princeton WV
A friendly southern West Virginia town with a restored historic downtown, a beloved city park and quick access to Pipestem and Camp Creek. Princeton makes an easy, affordable base for exploring the southern highlands.
Quick Info
- County
- Mercer County
- Best For
- Small-town charm, state parks, history
- Best Time to Visit
- May through October
- Time Needed
- Half day to 1 day
- Getting There
- Just off I-77 in southern West Virginia, about 15 minutes from Bluefield and 1 hour 45 minutes from Charleston.
A Quiet Base in the Southern Highlands
Princeton grew around the railroad and coal trade, and its downtown still wears that history well. The Mercer Street Historic District is lined with handsome early-1900s buildings now home to shops, cafes and a performing arts center.
What makes Princeton special is its location. Some of southern West Virginia’s best state parks — Pipestem, Camp Creek and Pinnacle Rock — are a short drive away, along with the college town of Athens and the larger city of Bluefield.
Whether you are passing through on I-77 or settling in for a long weekend, Princeton is a convenient, welcoming stop.
Best Things to Do
Top Princeton Experiences
Glenwood Park
A leafy 90-acre park with a pool, playgrounds, picnic shelters and a recreation center.
Chuck Mathena Center
A 1,000-seat performing arts venue hosting concerts, theater and community events.
Concord University & Athens
Visit the hilltop campus and the small historic town of Athens next door.
Pipestem Resort State Park
A dramatic gorge park with an aerial tramway, lodge, golf and trails, 20 minutes away.
Camp Creek State Park
Waterfalls, forest trails and a campground tucked into the mountains nearby.
Princeton Railroad Museum
Railroad artifacts and local history that tell the story of the town’s origins.
Pinnacle Rock State Park
Climb the stone stairs to a sandstone overlook with wide mountain views.
Top Attractions
- Mercer Street Historic District — the walkable heart of Princeton.
- Glenwood Park — the city’s green gathering place.
- Chuck Mathena Center — the region’s premier performance venue.
- Concord University — historic hilltop campus in Athens.
- Pipestem Resort State Park — gorge scenery and the aerial tram.
- Camp Creek State Park — waterfalls and quiet forest.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Pipestem, Camp Creek and Pinnacle Rock offer trails for every energy level.
Golf
Pipestem’s scenic course and Glenwood-area links are local favorites.
Fishing
Stocked mountain streams and Camp Creek’s waters draw anglers.
Aerial Tramway
Pipestem’s tram descends a 1,000-foot gorge to a riverside lodge.
Swimming
Glenwood Park’s pool and state park swimming areas are summer favorites.
Camping
Camp Creek and Pipestem both offer campgrounds and cabins nearby.
Historic Attractions
The Mercer Street Historic District is the town’s architectural showpiece, with buildings dating to the railroad boom.
The Princeton Railroad Museum honors the trains that built the community, and the Glenwood Park area preserves early civic landmarks.
Mercer County’s coal history is also on display in nearby Bramwell and Bluefield, both short drives from Princeton.
Restaurants
Downtown Mercer Street Cafes
Local coffee shops and lunch counters in the historic district.
Family Diners
Comfort food and breakfast plates at longtime neighborhood restaurants.
Italian & Pizza
Handmade pizza and pasta spots popular with locals and Concord students.
Barbecue
Slow-smoked plates and Southern sides along the I-77 corridor.
Mexican & Global
A handful of international options round out the local dining scene.
Pipestem Dining
The state park’s restaurants offer a scenic meal in the gorge.
Places to Stay
- Comfort Inn & Suites — convenient I-77 location with easy parking.
- Holiday Inn Express — modern rooms close to dining and the interstate.
- Quality Inn — budget-friendly and central.
- Pipestem Resort State Park lodge — a gorge-view base 20 minutes away.
- Camp Creek cabins — rustic forest lodging nearby.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Athens and Concord University — about 10 minutes.
- Bluefield — about 20 minutes.
- Pipestem Resort State Park — about 20 minutes.
- Camp Creek State Park — about 15 minutes.
- Winterplace Ski Resort — about 40 minutes.
- New River Gorge — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for state park trails and downtown strolls. Summer is ideal for park pools, picnics and the aerial tram.
Winter is quiet, but nearby Winterplace makes it a fine base for a ski weekend.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: coffee and a walking tour of the Mercer Street Historic District.
- Late morning: browse the Princeton Railroad Museum.
- Lunch: a downtown cafe or a nearby family diner.
- Afternoon: drive to Camp Creek State Park for a waterfall hike.
- Evening: catch a show at the Chuck Mathena Center or dinner in Athens.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: explore downtown and Glenwood Park, then spend the afternoon at Camp Creek State Park and the evening at a Chuck Mathena Center performance.
Day 2: head to Pipestem for the aerial tramway and a gorge hike, then detour to Pinnacle Rock or Bluefield on the way home.
Princeton on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Princeton WV known for?
Its restored Mercer Street Historic District, Glenwood Park and proximity to Pipestem and Camp Creek state parks.
Is Princeton WV worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a base for exploring southern West Virginia’s state parks and nearby Bluefield.
How far is Princeton from Pipestem?
Pipestem Resort State Park is about 20 minutes from downtown Princeton.
What is there to do in Princeton on a rainy day?
Visit the Princeton Railroad Museum, browse downtown shops and catch a show at the Chuck Mathena Center.
When is the best time to visit Princeton WV?
Late spring through fall for park recreation, with October offering the best fall foliage.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Princeton guide is written to help you explore the southern highlands with confidence.
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