Location: Moundsville
Top Things to do in Moundsville
Top 10 Things to do in Moundsville, United States
Moundsville is a city in Marshall County, West Virginia, along the Ohio River. It is part of the Wheeling, West Virginia metropolitan area. The population was 9,318 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Marshall County. The city was named for the nearby ancient Grave Creek Mound, constructed 250 to 100 BC by indigenous people of the Adena culture.
Restaurants in Moundsville
1. Archive of the Afterlife: The National Museum of the Paranormal
Overall Ratings
5 based on 133 reviews
The Archive is blend of History, the Afterlife and some random Oddities. From haunted artifacts to historically important relics the Archive offers a diverse collection for our visitors to observe and sense. The museum's collection is constantly growing and evolving to offer the visitor a unique experience. NOTE: WINTER HOURS (December 1st. until April 1st.) THE ARCHIVE WILL BE OPEN FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS ONLY! FROM 1PM - 5PM. WEATHER PENDING. MAJOR HOLIDAY PENDING. THANK YOU, MGT. CALL AHEAD if you wish.
Reviewed By Grunt5419 - Fort Worth, Texas
We were recently in Moundsville, West Virginia for a class and had some free time the day before. We decided to stop in and check out this awesome museum. Once you walk through the door you immediately feel the energy surrounding everything on display in the museum, it is truly unlike anything you've ever experienced. Mr. Hummel was very welcoming, and very engaging when we asked about some of the items in his museum. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the town's, the West Virginia Penitentiary, and every item in his museum's history, which made the experience just that much better.
In the museum you'll find that he has a little piece of almost every paranormal event or happening from around the world. I don't want to give away too much information, because there is no way to describe in words what you will see, and feel, inside the museum. From the pictures, to the artifacts in the museum they are all full of energy, positive and negative, from the events they were involved in. There are many things in the museum that you will see that you will immediately feel the impact of their past, be it physically or mentally, in very powerful ways.
In summary, if you are ever in the area, it is worth the time to stop and visit the museum. Mr. Hummel truly runs an amazing spectacle that everyone, whether you believe in the paranormal or not, needs to experience and see. We went in thinking we'd spend a short time, and ended up fascinated with everything he has on display and spending a couple of hours looking around and talking with Mr. Hummel.
You will absolutely not regret taking the time to visit this truly unique gem of history and the paranormal!!
2. Cockayne Farmstead
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
The Cockayne Farmstead, built in the 1850's, became a world renowned farm producing some of the world's best Merino wool. Today, the house remains virtually unchanged from the turn of the century and is open to the public to tour the house and its original collections of over 3,000 objects. The grounds, which can also be explored, include an ancient Native American mound, gardens, and an outdoor classroom on the native wonders of West Virginia.
Reviewed By Linda C - Longwood, Florida
I recently returned to West Va. to visit family and visited this lovely old farm house that was built in the 1850s and enlarged in the 1890s when it was an internationally renowned Merino wool producing farm...it continued on as any other farm would have until a member of the family returned from fighting in the Pacific during World War II. He returned a changed man and retreated into two rooms to the rear of the house and the rest of it remained in limbo (unchanged from the 1890 restoration) as he sold off some of the farm and later lost a majority of the rest to the city to build a high school---the current school sets just across the street from the current museum.
The current museum includes a welcome center in a house that once belonged to family members and contains information and is where you go to arrange a tour of the house.
An mound to the rear and between the welcome center and the homestead, has been authenticated as a prehistoric, earthen, mound and adds to the uniqueness of the property.
The Cockayne Homestead building where you see where the veteran Sam Cockayne lived in two rooms to the rear of the house. The house which has been cleaned of coal dust otherwise remains little changed since Sam lived there, complete with 19 c family artifacts including furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, jewelry, crockery and original artwork as well as historic document. And you are told of future efforts that are planned to paint the house (they're still working on funds for that) and what additional restoration is planned. The house has peeling walls and lost wall paper, but it is a great place to see how it really was in this building preserved by the last of the Cockaynes' efforts to avoid any more changes.
There is a tour of the farm house and see the mound and sites where exploration and digs were done--including the pits under the old outhouses. You learn of the family including 5 extremely talented sisters and the history of the wool trade carried out on the grounds. I particularly liked the clothing that was displayed giving a nice compliment to the rooms.
3. West Virginia Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Built in 1866 and in operation until 1995, this prison offers 90-minute guided tours of the facility from April 1, through November 30. Day tours, Paranormal events, October's haunted house, Elizabethtown Festival, are just a few of the events that take place at the facility on an annual basis.
Reviewed By Jinger D
This was an amazing stop! So much history and unique stories surround this 152 year old retired state penitentiary. The grounds keepers and maintenance staff keep everything looking fresh and new... on the outside! The tour, given by insightful and polite guides, will show you right away the long years and bloody history inside these walls. With a well stocked gift shop, you can even take home a pair of children’s handcuffs. A memorable and awe inspiring stop, stop by and say hello to Ol’ Sparky!
4. Grand Vue Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Grand Vue Park's features include: 12 miles of Mulit-Use Trails An Aquatic Center 2,100' Zip Line Ride and 8 dual line Canopy Tour An 11 element Team Building Challenge Course Executive Par-3 Golf Course Family and Championship Disc Golf Courses 10 Geocaches and a Land Navigation Course Snack Shop A nature themed Miniature Golf Course A state of the art PlaygroundGrand Vue Park's lodging options include 3 different styles of cabins, sleeping 8,12 and 17 guests. All cabins include free wi-fi, linens, dishes and cookware and fireplaces. Some cabins include washers and dyers and dishwashers. Select cabins are pet-friendly with a deposit. Rental options include: A mulit-purpose Banquet Hall including seating for 200, a portable dance floor and AV equipment and a full catering kitchen. One large shelter with electric,a kitchen, restrooms and grills and 3 small shelters with electric and grills A small birthday party room with seating for 20 people The Pool Clubroom with seating up to 200 people with a kitchen and an ice maker. An Aquatic Center for evening pool parties. An amphitheater with lawn seating for up to 2,000 people and on stage electric and nearby restrooms. Grand Vue Park also offers many events and programs throughout the year.
Reviewed By KYgirlSLP - Richmond, Kentucky
We rented White Oak cabin this past weekend for my daughter's birthday party. The cabin was beautiful. The view was stunning. Our hot tub was hot and ready to go. Prior to coming we stopped by so we could see the cabin. The executive director showed us around the cabin and made sure we could find the Overlook. The staff was very kind and available to us throughout the weekend. I highly recommend this cabin to anyone else!
5. Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
Overall Ratings
4 based on 122 reviews
This historic site features a mysterious 69-foot-high Native American burial mound that was built between 250 and 150 B.C.
Reviewed By Richard D - Hershey, Pennsylvania
This is one of the reasons that the saying "the best things in life are free". Well, this is free and great. Mounds that date to 150 to 250 B.C. The walk to the top- 69 feet puts chills on my arms. We went for the Penitentiary and this was a special surprise. Must see if in the area. Very informative.
6. Palace of Gold
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Take a step outside of the ordinary and visit the Palace of Gold, just twenty minutes from Highway 70 in WV. Originally designed as a home for the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness this unique Palace stands alone as one of the top religious wonders to see in the USA. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of the community and about the love and devotion that built this majestic place. Marvel at the intricate marble work, stained glass, crystal chandeliers and of course gold! Relax by the lotus pond or take a stroll through our extensive gardens. The trip doesn't stop there, the Palace is just one part of the greater New Vrindaban community which features a vegetarian restaurant, lodging and guest cabins, gift shops, peacocks and much more. Finally take in the Radha Vrindaban Chandra Temple, a traditional Vedic temple with golden altars and a 40ft high stained glass roof. Come and spend some time with us, we are here to serve you.
Reviewed By ruth C
The director of Independence Hall Museum in Wheeling West Virginia suggested that we visit the Palace although she herself had never gone there. We took the SR2 and US 250 south from Wheeling to Mountville. There we turned left on 250 and drove up the incredibly steep and winding road for what seemed forever (but was actually a bit more than 10 miles) until we reached a sign on the left-hand side of the road for New Vrindaban. From there it was 4 miles to the Palace. Since we arrived after 4PM we only had time for the tour of the memorial and didn't get to visit the community and the Krishna Temple. Our tour guide, a Krishna follower gave us a complete tour of the Palace and interesting commentary about what it meant to be a follower of Krishna. The memorial is opulent inside and in need of repair outside. Apparently the site was built hastily and did not use green rebar thus the cement covering it could not stand the drastic temperature changes from summer to winter and caused the cement decorations to crumble. They are now being repaired.
I would recommend visiting this incredibly ambitious project not only for its structural beauty but for the stupendous natural setting in which it is situated. God's work is clearly present here.
7. Marx Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By mltuomisto - Newmarket, Canada
I just returned from another weekend trip to the Pittsburgh area and decided to take a side trip to West Virginia as I had never been. My plan was to visit Wheeling but I never got there. I found this amazing toy museum in Moundsville and it worth the drive if you have never been. They have over 3,000 original Marx toys and give a fascinating tour. They even had a handful of Flintstones toys (my passion) so that was a big bonus for me. The museum is full of childhood memories.
8. Fostoria Glass Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By jrhammer - COOS BAY
Not sure what would be involved in this museum, we were pleasantly surprised it was informative and interesting. Beautiful older house redone to house the museum on 2 levels (so there are stairs!) I inherited some pieces that I was happy to find in the museum and even picked up a deck of cards for my collection with many pieces. All in all I enjoyed the hour we spent there for the cost of $10 (+-)
9. New Vrindaban Temple
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 10 reviews
New Vrindaban Sri Sri Radha Vrindabana Chandra Temple, is a wonderful and beautiful vacation site. This decorative display includes large wooden pillars, stained glass skylights, Their Lordships (deities), authentic Radha Krsna paintings, and other attractive features. The Palace of Gold is just up the hill and there is accommodation onsite. Restaurant onsite and open during April-December.
Reviewed By LAURIE S - Buckhannon, West Virginia
Well off the beaten path and property is truly geared for krishna followers. If you're not in the know of this religious sect, there is no background info provided. Temple and grounds are free; the palace has an admission charge which to us was overpriced even in the off season. Palace tour lasts abt 15 min. Staff on the reclusive side.
10. The Strand Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jesse M
The 1920s Strand Theatre has been beautifully restored into it's former self. I attended the showing of the Missoula Children's Theatre performance that was impressed by the production quality. Hats off to the community members and children that put on this stellar play. Highly recommend visiting this venue if you are in town!
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