Kingwood combines historic sites with recreational activities, which are subject to seasonal schedules and current trail status. The Kingwood Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994; a two-mile section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail is open at Kingwood Trailhead Park. Other offerings include a summer pool program, annual events, and additional destinations. When planning, it's helpful to keep these distinctions in mind: check seasonal offerings, dates, and trail status in advance.
Historic Sites and Local Culture
The McGrew House makes several construction phases visible in a single building. The northern section dates from the 1840s and is in the Federalist style. The southern section, added later, combines the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles. This makes it possible to distinguish an earlier and a later construction phase in the same house. Together with the Kingwood Historic District's listing on the National Register, this creates a clear focus for anyone interested in the area's history and architecture.
Maplewood Cemetery is another historic landmark: it was established in 1870 and includes 19th-century gravestones. A different kind of discovery awaits at the Historic James C. McGrew Arbor. There you'll find five trees designated as “State Champions,” as well as rare exotic trees. Tree designations may change.
The McGrew House hosts events each year, including the Farmers Market, Spring Pie Sale, WV Day, and Fall Flower Sale. The annual event tradition also includes the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, hosted by the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department. If you'd like to time your trip to coincide with a particular event, check the dates for your planned travel period.
Rail Trail and Recreational Activities
Kingwood Trailhead Park is located at 147 Sisler Street. A two-mile section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail is open from there; it runs near residential areas and woodland. The larger corridor is still under construction. For planning purposes, it's important not to mistake the open section for a completed corridor. Check the current trail status before your trip.
The Kingwood Pool offers daily swimming, lap swimming, and night swimming every summer. Private pool parties are also available seasonally. Since summer operations may change, it's recommended that you check the latest seasonal information in advance if you're planning your visit around it.
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo is home to more than 100 animals from around the world. They include chimpanzees, grizzly bears, orange-and-white tigers, spotted and black leopards, ring-tailed lemurs, and baboons. The number and variety of animals may change over time.
Preston County Country Club has an 18-hole golf course along the Cheat River. Course conditions and operations may change; if a round of golf is part of your plans, check current conditions in advance. Kingwood brings together a range of interests: historic architecture and events, a limited open section of the Rail Trail, and seasonal and sporting activities. Which of these are options for your trip also depends on when you visit Kingwood.
Discover more destinations: Terra Alta, Tunnelton.
For the main travel overview: Preston County.
