A reconstructed Palladian mansion on an island in the Ohio River gives Wood an unusual historical perspective. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park can be reached by paddlewheel riverboat from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg. As seasonal operations may vary, check the schedule before your visit. Tours of the grounds and mansion are offered at the park during its May opening through the last weekend in October. Carriage rides are also among the experiences on offer.
Island History and Historic Rooms
Island history is just one part of the cultural offerings. Henderson Hall preserves original furnishings that document life on the frontier from the 18th century through the days of the oil boom in the 20th century; an operating blacksmith shop is also part of the site. The Henderson Hall Historic District includes the house, grounds, and Henderson family cemetery. It is designated a historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The architecture also tells the story of different eras. The Julia-Ann Square Historic District encompasses about 126 homes in the Second Empire, 19th-century eclectic, and Queen Anne styles, dating from around 1850 to 1910. The historic walking tour covers a distinct area: it visits 54 homes, a historic church, and one of the area’s first cemeteries. The district’s broader range and the specific stops on the tour are presented side by side, without implying that the two figures describe the same thing. The Wood County Courthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Traces of the Oil Boom and Civil War History
The oil boom connects the history of Volcano with Wood County’s development. Mountwood Park is located on land that was once part of the 19th-century oil boom town of Volcano. After more oil fields were discovered near Volcano, Wood County quickly became a major oil market; an oil pipeline connected Volcano with Parkersburg. The Volcano Museum at Mountwood Park displays artifacts and information about Volcano’s history.
The Volcano Museum is open from May 1 through October 31 on Saturdays, Sundays, and during special events from 1 to 4 p.m. The Oil & Gas Museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit, as these details may change.
Another historic site is Fort Boreman Historical Park. Union Civil War trenches and interpretive signs are part of the site; it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. From here, views extend over Parkersburg and toward the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River. The visible rivers and preserved traces of the Civil War give visitors two distinct historical points of reference.
River Landscapes and Trails
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects native wildlife habitats along the river and in its floodplain. The visitor center area has short hiking trails as well as access for fishing and canoeing or kayaking. As details about the facilities may change, it is worth checking visitor information in advance.
There are also trails of varying lengths for hiking and cycling. Mountwood Park has a nearly 30-mile singletrack network for hiking and cycling. The North Bend Rail Trail stretches 72 miles from Interstate 77 near Parkersburg in Wood County to Wolf Summit in Harrison County. It is designated for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding only. Both trails therefore allow hiking and cycling; horseback riding is an additional option on the North Bend Rail Trail, and its stated length is considerably greater.
The visitor experience in Wood County ranges from the banks of the Ohio River to the mountain corridor along Interstate 77. Other places that appeal to a range of interests include Veterans Memorial Park: a day-use park on a wooded hill with picnic and playground facilities, as well as catch-and-release fishing opportunities. Access is seasonal, so keep this in mind when planning. The Smoot Theatre offers live entertainment year-round, though the program may change.
Discover more destinations: Parkersburg, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Wyoming County, Marion, Hardy County, Logan, Mineral County.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
