Ready to chase river views, roadside gems, and a whole lot of adventure? This stretch of scenic road follows the Ohio River south through West Virginia’s northernmost tip, brimming with historic charm, quirky stops, great food, and family fun!

Tomlinson Run State Park

A wooden swing labeled almost heaven stands in a forest with autumn leaves. Nearby, a wooden cutout of West Virginia also reads almost heaven among colorful trees and dappled sunlight.

Tomlinson Run State Park has over 1,300 acres to explore at the top of West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Paddle across the calm waters of Tomlinson Run Lake in a kayak, rowboat, or paddleboard – or just lounge lakeside with a picnic. You’ll find a balance of wild, wooded hiking trails and creature comforts like yurts, cozy campsites, and a seasonal swimming pool. There’s also miniature golf, volleyball courts and 11 hidden geocaching sites.

Oglebay Park Resort

Aerial view of a lush, green landscape with rolling hills, scattered trees, a large building, winding paths, and a lake with a fountain on the right side under a clear sky.

In Wheeling, Oglebay Park Resort offers visitors 2,000 acres of year-round fun with its top-tier overnight accommodations, four golf courses, recreational activities, museums, expansive dining options and even a zoo (over 68 species, including cheetahs)! Grab a bite at the Trace Chophouse, take a stroll around the lake, and learn about West Virginia’s history of glassblowing at the Glass Museum.

Oglebay Falls

A small waterfall cascades over a rocky ledge into a shallow stream surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. A large stone sits in the water in the foreground.

Waterfall lovers, this one’s for you. Just off Falls Drive, Oglebay Falls is the perfect detour to stretch your legs and maybe get your feet wet. Cross the shallow stream, follow the wooden steps, and you’ll be face-to-face with a picturesque double-drop waterfall surrounded by mossy rocks and forest. If you’re brave (and wearing water shoes), you can even wade behind the falls for a misty photo op.

Wheeling Heritage Port

A riverfront park with green lawns and walkways lines the water’s edge, with red brick buildings and other city structures in the background, set against tree-covered hills under a cloudy sky.

Located right on the river in downtown Wheeling, this breezy waterfront park is perfect for a sunny stroll along the Ohio River or a photo on the Almost Heaven swing. Check out the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the world’s largest of its kind until 1851. The amphitheater hosts concerts and movies throughout the year (check the schedule), and you don’t want to miss the city’s annual Fourth of July festivities.

West Virginia Independence Hall

Elegant, historic courtroom with ornate ceiling, tall golden columns, wood-paneled walls, American flags, judge’s bench, empty wooden chairs in the center, and large arched windows letting in natural light.

This historic site in downtown Wheeling hosted the 1863 convention that led to the creation of the state, making it the only one to split from the Confederacy during the Civil War. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions, original Civil War battle flags, and a beautifully restored courtroom.

Coleman’s Fish Market

A couple holding hands and smiling walks outside Centre Market, a historic building with white columns and the year 1853 displayed above the entrance, on a sunny day with autumn trees in the background.

Craving a crispy classic? Head to Wheeling Centre Market and find Coleman’s Fish Market, a hidden gem that’s been slinging legendary fish sandwiches since 1914. This no-frills spot serves golden-fried fish on white bread (the way locals love it). Nestled inside the historic 1853 market building designed by Thomas Pope, you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, good vibes, and serious seafood. Don’t skip the coleslaw or clam chowder, they’re local favorites for a reason.

Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum

A detailed model train display showcases trains, tracks, buildings, and greenery with a backdrop of framed black-and-white photographs on the wall behind it. Sunlight streams in from a window to the right.

Part retro playground, part interactive museum, this stop in Wheeling is a hit for all ages. Located in a vintage schoolhouse, the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum is packed with model train displays, pinball machines, classic board games, and one of the largest interactive dollhouses in the U.S. Want to turn your visit into an overnight stay? Book a night in the fully restored B&O railroad caboose on site!

Grand Vue Park

People cross a suspension bridge high above the ground in a lush, green forest canopy adventure park. Safety ropes and harnesses are visible, with wooden platforms at each end of the bridge.

Perched high above Moundsville, Grand Vue Park is where heart-pounding adventure meets breathtaking Appalachian views. Soar through the treetops on the park’s signature zipline canopy tour, then test your balance on the high ropes course. Prefer to keep things grounded? Wander the scenic hiking trails that wind through the hills below. Cap it all off with a stay in a treetop villa (the valley views pair perfectly with your morning coffee).

West Virginia Penitentiary 

A large, old stone building with castle-like towers and arched entrances, surrounded by a fence, sits under a cloudy, moody sky.

The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville is one of the state’s most chilling attractions. This gothic fortress housed inmates from 1876 to 1995, and today it offers everything from guided history tours to full-on paranormal investigations. Want to really test your nerve? Book an overnight ghost hunt, or try your hand at one of the themed escape rooms. Daytime tours are available if you’d rather leave the ghosts to someone else.

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A woman with long hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. Shes wearing a blazer and patterned top. The background is an outdoor setting with trees in soft focus. The image is in black and white.

Hanna Kroeger

Hanna Muth is a former music teacher turned freelance writer and instructional designer based in Orlando, Florida. When she’s not creating content for clients, she’s either cooking, playing her violin, or taking long walks around Disney World with her husband.

Favorite Place to Vacation:
Anywhere in Europe

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