Need an offbeat escape with eerie attractions and ancient history? Head to Moundsville! Set along the Ohio River in northern West Virginia, Moundsville is known for its haunted prison tours, mysterious Native American burial mound, and small-town charm. Whether you’re diving into Appalachian history or exploring local legends, this riverside town offers a unique, affordable adventure.
Moundsville, WV Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Take a guided tour of the West Virginia Penitentiary – Walk the halls of this massive Gothic prison, known for ghost stories and paranormal activity.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex – Learn about the Adena people and climb one of North America's largest conical burial mounds.
- For Shoppers: Browse local antiques and artisan goods – Check out quaint shops downtown for collectibles, crafts, and regional treats.
- For Couples: Watch a sunset over the Ohio River – Enjoy peaceful riverside moments or picnic at Riverfront Park.
- For Families: Explore the Delf Norona Museum – A kid-friendly museum with exhibits on archaeology, Indigenous cultures, and early settlers.
When I like to visit Moundsville, WV
The best time to visit Moundsville is from May through October, when mild weather makes for pleasant walking tours and riverside strolls. Fall is especially beautiful with changing leaves and Halloween-themed events. Winter is quiet, but perfect for a spooky prison tour or museum visit indoors.
My tips for getting to Moundsville, WV
- If you are traveling by car: Moundsville is located off WV-2, about 15 minutes south of Wheeling and 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, PA.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), approximately 1.5 hours away by car.
- By Bus: Regional bus services connect Wheeling and nearby towns; rideshare or car rental is best for direct access to Moundsville.
Where I like to stay in Moundsville, WV
- Recommended for Families: Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville – Clean and modern hotel with free breakfast and convenient access to local attractions.
- For Couples: The Grand Vue Park Cabins – Enjoy rustic cabins with sweeping views, ziplining, and hiking trails nearby.
- For a Budget Stay: Valley Motel – Simple, budget-friendly lodging close to downtown and the penitentiary.
Best Things to Do in Moundsville, WV
1. West Virginia Penitentiary
"Explore eerie prison cells and discover chilling paranormal tales."
The West Virginia Penitentiary is a prison located in Moundsville, West Virginia, located in a magnificent, spooky gothic-style building. The prison operated from 1876 to 1995. The building is today open as a tourist attraction and training facility. The Penitentiary building has characteristic Gothic features such as castellated stone walls with turrets and battlements. The stone walls are five feet thick at the base, with five feet deep foundation. The first building constructed - the North Wagon Gate - was made with hand-cut sandstone from a local site. The state used prison labor for the construction. Besides the North Wagon Gate, there were north and south cellblock areas. South Hall had 224 cells and North Hall had a kitchen, dining area, hospital, and chapel. When it officially opened, the prison had 251 male inmates. Today there are tours for tourists and the Elizabethtown Festival is held on the prison grounds every May to remember historic Moundsville.
818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041
2. Grave Creek Mound
"Walk around ancient burial grounds and admire prehistoric Native American history."
The Grave Creek Mound is a 62 feet high and 240 feet diameter conical mound located in the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia. It is one of the largest conical-type burial mounds in the United States. The builders of the site were members of the Adena culture. They constructed it in about 250–150 BC, moving more than 60,000 tons of dirt. Present-day town of Moundsville has grown around the mound near the banks of the Ohio River. The first recorded excavation of the mound was conducted by local amateurs Abelard Tomlinson and Thomas Biggs in took place in 1838. Delf Norona Museum was constructed at the site in 1978 . The museum protects and displays artifacts collected at the mound and interprets the ancient Adena Culture.
801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, Phone: 304-843-4128
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Palace of Gold
If you think like me:
"Admire intricate architecture and explore this unusual spiritual retreat."
Only twenty minutes from Highway 70 near the town of Moundsville, West Virginia, on a secluded hilltop, stands a glittery palace straight out of a Bollywood production. The Palace of Gold was originally designed as a home for the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is open for tourists who can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the community. The intricate marble work, stained glass, crystal chandeliers and lot of gold make the palace a popular spot to visit. In contrast, just behind the palace is a relaxing lotus pond surrounded by lush gardens. The Palace is a part of the greater New Vrindaban community that includes a vegetarian restaurant, lodging and guest cabins, gift shops and much more. The Radha Vrindaban Chandra Temple located next to the palace is a traditional Vedic temple with golden altars and a 40-foot high stained glass roof.
3759 McCrearys Ridge Rd , Moundsville, WV 26041
4. Fostoria Glass Museum
"Discover vintage glassware and admire exquisite handcrafted pieces."
Founded in 1887, the Fostoria Glass Company moved to its Moundsville location in 1892 and became one of the "most prolific and versatile" producers of glass in US, employing more than 1000 people. They produced stemware, lamps, blown and etched pressed wares, crystal dinner services and more. They supplied American presidents with glass products with the official government seal. The factory closed in 1986 and the site has been demolished. The Fostoria Glass Society of America, Inc. a nonprofit corporation was formed to acquire and share detailed information about Fostoria Glass, and to establish and maintain a museum for housing and displaying Fostoria glass. The museum is located in a small private 1903 home purchased by Fosteria Glass to be made into a museum. The Fostoria Glass Museum showcases a large collection of Fostoria Glass products.
511 Tomlinson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, Phone: 304-845-9188
Where to Eat:
5. Vocelli Pizza
My top 5:
"Savor freshly baked pizzas and enjoy quick, affordable Italian flavors."
Vocelli Pizza is an East Coast-based chain with approximately 2,000 employees and more than 100 stores serving pizzas, Italian sandwiches, salads. and more. Vocelli uses their signature pizza sauce that is fresh-packed, made from tomatoes that are brought from the farm fields of California and canned right away, with no preservatives. The dough is made from the best spring wheat and mixed with extra virgin olive oil. The 100 percent mozzarella is a fresh, not frozen, all natural and made in Wisconsin cheese. Besides pizzas, Vocelli’s sell famous Vocelli rolls, fresh salads, pastas, subs and more.
1211 1st St, Moundsville, WV 26041, Phone: 304-843-0000
More Places to Eat in Moundsville, WV
- Recommended for Families: Ruttenbucks Bar & Grill – Great for casual meals, live music, and outdoor seating with a river view.
- For Comfort Food: Bob’s Lunch – Beloved local diner offering hearty breakfasts, daily specials, and old-fashioned charm.
- For a Casual Meal: Quality Bake Shoppe – Pick up fresh donuts, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches at this cozy bakery café.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Paranormal Fans: Dungeon of Horrors (October) – A haunted house experience held inside the West Virginia Penitentiary.
- For History Lovers: Archaeology Day at Grave Creek (September) – Family-friendly activities, artifact displays, and guest speakers.
- For Community Fun: Moundsville Christmas Parade (December) – A festive small-town celebration with floats, music, and Santa sightings.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Moundsville, WV:
- For Culture: Wheeling, WV (15–20 min) – Visit Oglebay Park, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, and Centre Market shopping district.
- For Scenic Drives: Ohio Valley Byway – Cruise through river towns and farmland with stops for antiques and photo ops.
- For Outdoor Fun: Grand Vue Park (10 min) – Zipline, hike, or rent a cabin in this hilltop nature destination with panoramic views.
- For Museums: The Marx Toy Museum (Glen Dale) (5–10 min) – Nostalgic toy exhibits and collectibles from the region’s manufacturing past.
- For Wine Tasting: Black Sheep Vineyard (near Adena, OH) (45–60 min) – Sample Ohio wines in a rustic barn setting with seasonal live music.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Where is Moundsville located?
- Moundsville is a city in Marshall County, West Virginia, on the Ohio River. It is part of the Wheeling metropolitan area.
- What is Grave Creek Mound?
- Grave Creek Mound is an ancient 62 feet high mound built by the Adena culture, which the city grew around.
- What is the West Virginia Penitentiary?
- The West Virginia Penitentiary is a prison located in a magnificent, spooky gothic-style building, operating from 1876 to 1995.
- What is the Palace of Gold?
- The Palace of Gold is a sparkling, lavishly decorated palace that was originally designed as a home for the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
- What does the Fostoria Glass Museum showcase?
- The Fostoria Glass Museum tells the story of the Fostoria Glass Company, founded in 1887, which was once the largest glass company in the country.
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