Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Walk across a pioneering 1849 span that was once the longest in the world.
Ohio County · Northern Panhandle
Things to Do in Wheeling WV
West Virginia’s first capital and a former Victorian-era boomtown, Wheeling rewards visitors with grand architecture, a landmark suspension bridge, the sprawling Oglebay resort and a rejuvenated riverfront. Here is what to see and do.
Quick Info
- County
- Ohio County
- Best For
- Architecture, history, resorts, family fun
- Best Time to Visit
- May through October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- Along I-70 on the Ohio River, about 1 hour from Pittsburgh and 2 hours from Columbus.
The Victorian Gateway to West Virginia
Wheeling sits on a bend of the Ohio River in the Northern Panhandle, and its history is written in brick and stone. Once the state’s first capital and a manufacturing powerhouse, it retains one of the finest collections of Victorian architecture in the country.
Downtown, the 1849 Wheeling Suspension Bridge still spans the river, the Capitol Theatre glows with restored detail, and Centre Market anchors a lively district of shops and eateries. Just north, Oglebay Resort adds 1,700 acres of park, gardens, trails and a zoo.
With its heritage trail, riverfront parks and growing arts scene, Wheeling is a rewarding stop for history lovers and families alike.
Best Things to Do
Top Wheeling Experiences
Oglebay Resort
1,700 acres of gardens, trails, golf, a zoo and the Good Zoo train.
Centre Market
Two historic market houses with local foods, shops and a famous fish market.
Capitol Theatre
A beautifully restored 1928 movie palace hosting concerts and shows.
Wheeling Heritage Trail
A paved riverside path for walking, running and biking through the city.
West Virginia Independence Hall
The birthplace of West Virginia statehood, now a museum and landmark.
Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum
A nostalgia-filled collection of toys, dolls and model trains for all ages.
Wheeling Island
Greyhound racing, gaming and river views just across the suspension bridge.
Top Attractions
- Wheeling Suspension Bridge — a National Historic Landmark over the Ohio River.
- Oglebay Resort — gardens, trails, golf and the Good Zoo.
- Centre Market — a historic market district full of character.
- Capitol Theatre — live entertainment in a restored palace.
- West Virginia Independence Hall — statehood history.
- Victorian architecture — a self-guided walk through the historic districts.
Outdoor Activities
Trails at Oglebay
Miles of walking and biking paths wind through the resort’s woodlands.
Golf
Oglebay’s championship courses are a regional draw for golfers.
Riverfront Biking
The Heritage Trail links parks and neighborhoods along the Ohio River.
Boating & Fishing
The Ohio River is popular for boating, bass and catfish.
Skiing & Tubing
Oglebay’s winter activities include a seasonal slope for sledding and tubing.
Festivals
Riverfront concerts and seasonal events fill the parks through summer.
Historic Attractions
Wheeling’s Victorian architecture is the city’s signature, with mansions and rowhouses lining the streets of the Centre Market and North Wheeling districts.
West Virginia Independence Hall interprets the 1861 conventions that led to statehood, and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge remains a marvel of early engineering.
The Capitol Theatre, Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum and the old Centre Market houses round out a rich historic itinerary.
Restaurants
Coleman’s Fish Market
A Centre Market institution famous for fresh fish sandwiches.
Later Alligator
Creative sandwiches and comfort food in downtown Wheeling.
River City Ale Works
A brewpub with a broad menu in a historic downtown building.
Sarah’s on Main
A cozy spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch downtown.
DeFelice Brothers Pizza
A local favorite for pizza and Italian classics.
Oglebay Dining
Resort restaurants with valley views for a special meal.
Places to Stay
- Oglebay Resort & Wilson Lodge — the area’s premier year-round resort.
- Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack — riverfront gaming and rooms.
- Hampton Inn Wheeling — dependable and close to the interstate.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites — modern rooms near Oglebay.
- Downtown boutique inns — smaller stays in the historic core.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Oglebay Resort — about 10 minutes.
- Moundsville and the Grave Creek Mound — about 20 minutes.
- Washington, Pennsylvania — about 40 minutes.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — about 1 hour.
- Columbus, Ohio — about 2 hours.
- Ohio’s Amish Country — about 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for walking tours, gardens and riverfront strolls. Summer brings concerts, festivals and family fun at Oglebay.
Winter is festive, with Oglebay’s Festival of Lights and holiday events drawing visitors from across the region.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: walk the Wheeling Suspension Bridge and explore West Virginia Independence Hall.
- Late morning: browse Centre Market and grab lunch at Coleman’s.
- Afternoon: drive to Oglebay for gardens, trails and the Good Zoo.
- Late afternoon: bike or walk a stretch of the Wheeling Heritage Trail.
- Evening: dinner downtown and a show at the Capitol Theatre.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: the historic downtown, suspension bridge and Centre Market, then an evening performance at the Capitol Theatre.
Day 2: a full day at Oglebay for gardens, golf or the zoo, then a side trip to Moundsville’s Grave Creek Mound and nearby attractions.
Wheeling on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wheeling WV known for?
Victorian architecture, the 1849 Wheeling Suspension Bridge, Oglebay Resort and its role as West Virginia’s first capital.
Is Wheeling worth visiting?
Yes. It combines deep history, great architecture, riverfront trails and the family-friendly Oglebay resort.
What is there to do at Oglebay?
Gardens, trails, golf, the Good Zoo, seasonal festivals and the famous winter Festival of Lights.
How far is Wheeling from Pittsburgh?
About 60 miles, roughly 1 hour west on I-70.
When is the best time to visit Wheeling?
Late spring through fall for outdoor activities, or December for Oglebay’s Festival of Lights.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Wheeling guide is written to help you plan a memorable Northern Panhandle trip.
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