“One of the South’s best small towns.” A “Top 15 college town in the country” and “top sports city.” The “Most Exciting Place in West Virginia for Nightlife, Music, and Art.” “The Tastiest Town.” Morgantown, West Virginia has racked up the accolades. There’s nothing stereotypical about this college town. The pace is relaxed, the people are friendly, and activities abound for the entire family. Whether you’re spending a day in Morgantown or a week, here are five free attractions you don’t want to miss.
Thanks to the Visit Mountaineer Country CVB and West Virginia Tourism for partnering with us. All opinions are our own.
Free Family-Friendly Attractions in Morgantown, West Virginia
Coopers Rock State Forest- This 12,447-acre forest, located twelve miles from Morgantown, is a favorite with families, sports enthusiasts, campers, and families. Named for a fugitive who hid in the mountains, the forest has over 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Families can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the original stone shelters built by the CCC in the 1930s. After lunch, the kids can try their luck finding one of the 14 geocaching sites or trying their hand at bouldering, a scaled-down version of rock climbing. Younger kids can explore the playgrounds.
Coopers Rock Overlook- Only a short ½ mile walk from the central parking lot, this overlook provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Cheat River. The path is also wheelchair accessible, allowing all visitors to admire the breathtaking scenery.
*Read this post for a complete list of sites and activities at Coopers Rock State Forest and Overlook.
West Virginia University Tomchin Planetarium & Observatory- Have a budding astronomer in the family? The WVU Planetarium offers free educational shows for children and adults. The show begins with a current sky show, detailing which constellations, planets, and other astronomical interests are visible. This is followed by a brief astronomy lesson and an engaging film. Afterward, guests are encouraged to visit the new observatory on clear nights for a look through the 14” Celestron Telescope. Doors open 15 minutes before showtime. A program schedule can be found here.
The Caperton Rail-Trail is a 6-mile riverfront asphalt trail winding through downtown Morgantown and nearby Star City. This handicapped-accessible path is usable in all seasons, providing walking, biking, and inline skating in Spring, Summer, and Fall, and cross-country skiing in Winter. Along the way, you’ll find quaint shops, restaurants, the Tug Boat Depot Playground, and stunning mountain scenery.
The Tug Boat Depot, built only a few feet from the Monongahela River, is located along the Caperton Rail-Trail. This playground, designed for toddlers to 12-year-olds, includes plenty of hands-on activities. Kids can climb the towers, swing with friends on a massive tire swing, or make music. The structures and flooring are made from recycled plastic, providing a safe play space. A fence surrounding the playground, along with only one entrance, makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids at all times.
Want to Grab a Quick Bite to Eat?
Iron Horse Tavern- is a hip gastropub featuring craft beer, specialty cocktails, and fine pub fare. Their downtown location, where we visited, has a nice ambiance with exposed brick walls and chic décor. Special diets are welcome. There’s plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Plus, all of their beef and chicken are 100% hormone-free. I tried the Brussels Sprouts, a delicious concoction of sprouts, caramelized onion, shaved parmesan cheese, and a balsamic glaze reduction. These are available with or without bacon and were tasty both ways! My main dish, the Pecan-Encrusted Salmon, was topped with a bourbon maple glaze and served with quinoa and seasonal veggies. It was perfectly cooked and the sauce added a sweet touch. I would definitely order it again. On a side note, the portions are huge. One meal could easily be shared.
Terra Café- This local farm-to-table café uses only the freshest ingredients in their menu and it shows. They’ve won the USA Today 10 Best Choice Awards and awards for their pastries and macaroni and cheese. Food allergies and special diets are no problem. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. I tried the Thai Peanut Wrap (available with chicken or tofu) and selected the Baby Beet Salad as my side. I was a little iffy about the salad when I placed my order. In my experience beets can either be done well or badly. This one was delicious. I finished the entire meal, which is something I never do at a restaurant. Several children in our party tried the macaroni and cheese and voted it the best of our trip. Be sure to save room for one of their made from scratch pastries. They look as delicious as they taste.
Need a place to stay?
Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place-Located beside the Monongahela River and at the entrance to the Rail-Trail, this recently remodeled hotel won the 2019 TripAdvisor Seal of Excellence. They offer 207 guest rooms and suites, available with one king bed or two queen beds. Room amenities include free high-speed Wi-fi, workspaces, and refrigerators in each room, multiple outlets for device connection, and a chaise or couch. Guests can get their exercise in the fitness room or the indoor pool.
The Marriott offers several onsite dining options. Bourbon Prime, their in-house restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service options. If you prefer a snack, there’s a Starbucks and a convenience/sundry store.
Where to Find the Attractions:
- Coopers Rock State Forest and Coopers Rock Overlook are located at 61 County Line Drive, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia.
- WVU Tomchin Planetarium & Observatory is located in White Hall. The address is 135 Willey Street, Morgantown, West Virginia.
- The Tug Boat Depot is located at 370 Broadway Avenue, Morgantown, West Virginia.
- The Monongahela River Front Rail-Trail begins at 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Where to Find the Restaurants and Hotel:
- Terra Café is located at 425 Industrial Avenue, Morgantown, West Virginia.
- The Iron Horse Tavern is located at 140 High Street #5413 in Morgantown, West Virginia or 525 Granville Square, Morgantown.
- The Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place is located at 2 Waterfront Place, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Have you visited Morgantown, West Virginia? Let us know your favorite activity. Want to know more about Morgantown and all their attractions? Check out the Visit Mountaineer Country page.
Want to Learn More About West Virginia? Check out These Posts:
Oglebay Resort-Wheeling, WV
The Good Zoo, Wheeling, West Virginia
Pingback: Explore Historic Charleston, West Virginia -
Pingback: The Clay Center, Charleston, West Virginia - Simply Southern Mom
I visited West Virginia many years ago when I attended grad school in Western PA. This sounds like an interesting area to visit with plenty to do.
I didn’t know how beautiful Morgantown is and how many things there are to do! This is one place I would love to drive through one day.
West Virginia has some really amazing things to see. I would just love to go and see the sights.
Wow, there is so much to do for families there. I am definitely adding this to our list. I’ve been to Virginia but, not here. Thanks for the reccos!
I love these posts. We visit WV often and finding new things to do is awesome. Pinning.
This town looks beautiful. It would be easy to spend a few great family days there.
Too many fun things to do in West Virginia, huh? We only drove through West Virginia on our way to Washington, DC before. Would love to explore the area someday.
These are all remarkable activities not to miss! I like the idea that it’s predominantly outdoors. Morgantown is awesome!
I have heard of Morgantown but haven’t been there. Your post makes me want to come and see all the fun things to do, and they are free??? Even better.
Morgantown looks like a family-friendly place to visit! We love finding free things to do on vacation.
Morgantown looks like a perfectly delightful place to visit!! I love small towns like this, they’re always filled with hidden treasures!! Thanks for sharing this post…I think you’re going to see an influx of visitors soon!
This is a great list of things to do in Morgantown. I will have to check them out if I get to that area.
Wow! Morgantown is such a wonderful place to visit! The view is so stunning it could make my heart skip a beat! And the food! They all look so delicious.
I have never been to WV but I’d love to visit one day. It sounds like there is so much for families to see and do here!!
We need to get here one day. We’ve never been to West Virginia before. That Rock Overlook is gorgeous.
Those sites are truly awesome and a good reason to travel to Morgantown and the vicinity. I would love to see that planetarium and observatory which seems so special for the whole family.
It is amazing the different things you can find that are free when you go looking. These all sound like incredible things to go and see, I would love to check out the Planetarium & Observatory.
I’ve never visited Morgantown, West Virginia before. It looks like such a great place to explore. I love all of your photos.
I didn’t realize there was so many fun things to do in Morgantown. I’d love to spend the weekend and shop, eat and relax. The food looks amazing.
Pingback: Coopers Rock State Forest, WV - Simply Southern Mom