Looking for Appalachian charm, riverfront culture, and small-city surprises? Head to Huntington! Nestled along the Ohio River in western West Virginia, Huntington is a college town with rich railroad history, a growing arts scene, and easygoing hospitality. Whether you’re visiting Marshall University, exploring museums, or relaxing in scenic parks, Huntington offers an inviting blend of tradition and creativity.
Huntington, WV Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour the Huntington Railroad Museum – Learn about the city’s legacy as a 19th-century rail hub and see vintage train cars.
- For Families: Spend a day at Camden Park – Ride rollercoasters and enjoy classic amusement park fun just minutes from downtown.
- For Art Lovers: Visit the Huntington Museum of Art – Explore galleries, sculpture gardens, and rotating exhibits in a peaceful hillside setting.
- For Nature Fans: Walk or bike the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH) – This urban trail system connects parks, downtown spots, and neighborhoods.
- For College Town Vibes: Stroll the Marshall University campus – Visit the Memorial Fountain, student galleries, and enjoy the Thundering Herd spirit.
Best Time to Visit Huntington, WV
The best time to visit Huntington is in the spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). Enjoy blooming gardens, festivals, and crisp riverfront weather. Summers are warm and lively, while winters are quiet and cozy with occasional snow.
How to Get to Huntington, WV
- By Car: Huntington sits at the junction of I-64 and U.S. Route 60—easily accessible from Charleston, Lexington, and Cincinnati.
- By Air: Tri-State Airport (HTS) offers regional flights and is about 15 minutes from downtown Huntington.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal Line stops in Huntington with service to Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York City.
Where to Stay in Huntington, WV
- Recommended for Families: Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntington Downtown – Conveniently located with a restaurant, indoor pool, and walking distance to Pullman Square.
- For Couples: Chessie Room at Heritage Station – A boutique guest suite in a restored train depot surrounded by shops and galleries.
- For Budget Travelers: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Clean, comfortable, and close to Marshall University and local attractions.
Best Things to Do in Huntington, WV
1. For dog walkers: Ritter Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Ritter Park is located on the southside of Huntington and is considered the heart of the city by many locals. It’s also been called the Crown Jewel by park officials. The Park stretches over 75 acres and offers visitors a handful of recreational amenities. Ritter Park has a walking trail made of crushed limestone which makes it suitable for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. There are also 11 refurbished tennis courts, an award-winning rose garden, and a dog park. In addition to these features, there are a few playgrounds, several picnic areas, and an outdoor community amphitheater that hosts shows and concerts during the year.
1310 8th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-696-5540
2. For families: Heritage Farm Museum and Village
Heritage Farm Museum and Village were co-founded in 1973 by Mike and Henriella Perry. It’s an open-air museum that teaches guests about Appalachian history and culture. In fact, the museum features an 1850’s Appalachian home that exhibits how the early settlers lived. Also, there’s a real-life display that showcases the evolution of transportation throughout the past few centuries. And finally, the schoolhouse museum documents how classrooms were typically run by one teacher who had a class of children ages 6 to 13. The visitor’s center at Heritage Farm Museum has a small cafe that sells lunch fare.
3300 Harvey Rd, Huntington, WV 25704, Phone: 571-258-3800
3. For shoppers and diners: Pullman Square
Pullman Square is an outdoor shopping and dining center located in downtown Huntington. Residents and visitors can shop at stores like Chico’s or the Appalachian Boarding Company, grab a coffee at Starbucks, eat lunch at Black Sheep Burritos & Brews, or simply stop by for a decadent scoop of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. Pullman Square also has a movie theater called Marquee Cinemas 16. Other stores include Game Stop, Edible Arrangements, The Pottery Place, and M&M Nails and Spa. Towards the end of Spring, and through mid Fall there’s a Saturday farmers market that comes to Pullman Square.
220 Ninth Street, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-522-3203
Attractions for Couples
4. For art lovers: Huntington Museum of Art
The Huntington Museum of Art opened in 1952 under its previous name, Huntington Galleries. Not only is the museum an art and cultural center, but it also advocates for local art, nature, and education. Its mission is to acquire and display art pieces, provide a valuable museum experience and education, and preserve nature trails. To fulfill its mission, the Huntington Museum of Art offers classes and workshops to the public. There’s a workshop that teaches students how to build with clay and a workshop that discusses the basic techniques of paining with watercolors. Finally, there’s an intensive photography workshop that covers a broad range of topics.
2033 McCoy Rd, Huntington, WV, Phone: 304-529-2701
5. For tech enthusiasts: Museum of Radio and Technology
The Museum of Radio and Technology provides an up-close and personal experience with electronic communication and the rapid progression of technology. Admission is free for all guests, but donations are graciously accepted. Some of the highlights of visiting the museum include tours of the 1920s to 1930s radio shop and the 1940s to 1950s showroom. The radio shop gives a glimpse into how music was played before the electrical era. There are hands-on elements in this tour such as working with a "crystal radio." And the showroom captures what a radio and television store looked like during the 40s and 50s.
1640 Florence Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-525-8890
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. For families: Harris Riverfront Park
Harris Riverfront Park is a local waterfront park that offers views of the Ohio River. It features an amphitheater that overlooks the river and hosts many summer concerts, and other live events. It also can be rented for a wedding or a private party. In addition to the amphitheater, a child’s playground and a skate park were added to Harris Riverfront Park in 2014. For leisurely recreation, walkers can take a stroll on the Paul Ambrose Trail that leads to a larger exercise area. Finally, the park provides lots of seating areas underneath tall trees that provide ample shade.
10th St &, Veterans Memorial Blvd, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-696-5954
For Younger Couples:
7. For theater lovers: Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center
Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center was built in 1928 by Thomas Lamb. He was one of the country’s most well-known and admired theatre architects. Thomas designed the arts center in Spanish Baroque style. The theater is not just admired in the town of Huntington, but it’s a famous landmark throughout West Virginia.
Its remarkable features include a four-story dressing room tower, a "fly-system" stage, a motion picture screen, and high end theater organ. There are 2,633 seats for patrons to enjoy a night of local film productions and festivals. The venue is also used for weddings, charity benefits, and corporate conferences.
Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-696-6656
8. For sports fans: Joan C. Edwards Stadium
Joan C. Edwards Stadium is a football stadium that’s primarily used by the Marshall Thundering Herd football team of Marshall University. The stadium holds 38,227 spectators and features 20 indoor suites and 300 wheelchair-accessible spaces. The football field is covered in 90,000 square feet of artificial turf. In addition, Joan C. Edwards Stadium includes a press-box for the announcers and other game-day personnel, plus 14 concession areas to buy snacks, meals, and beverages. In 1989, the Board of Regents dedicated $30 million for a new stadium. The stadium was completed in time for the opening game of the 1991 season.
2001 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25703
9. For nostalgic fun lovers: Camden Park
Camden Park is an amusement park that sits on a 26-acre campus. The location was formerly designated as a picnic area by the Interstate Railway Company. It was often used by trolley passengers as a place to relax before catching the next trolley or switching trolley lines. Today, Camden Park features more than 30 thrilling rides and entertaining games for children, teenagers, and adults. Some popular rides are The Rattler, Big Dipper, and Log Flume. Rides for children and their parents include the Lil’ Dipper, the Flying Scooter, and the Train ride. For the little kids, there are rides and games inside Kiddle Land.
5000 Waverly Rd, Huntington, WV 25704, Phone: 304-429-4321
10. For history buffs: Heritage Station
Heritage Station is a food and shopping center that was converted from the old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station. This historic railroad complex is the home to many eclectic shops, small businesses, and tasty local restaurants. For food options, there’s a bistro, wine and cheese bar, coffee shop, a craft beer tavern, and more. Additionally, there’s a yoga studio, vintage clothing store, and the Red Caboose, which is an art gallery, crafts, and souvenir shop. There’s also a visitors bureau where tourists and other visitors can stop by with questions about Heritage Station or general questions about the area.
210 Eleventh Street, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-696-5954
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