Nestled deep in the northern West Virginia mountains is a hidden treasure. It’s not gold, silver, or gems, although many people have probably searched for them. Instead, it’s Oglebay Park & Oglebay Resort, the only self-funded municipal park in the US. Sprawling across 2000 acres, this park beckons families to explore their many offerings.

Thanks to the West Virginia Tourism Department for allowing us to explore their state. As always, all opinions are our own.

A Guide to Oglebay Resort

Oglebay Park History

The creation of Oglebay reads like something from a novel. The first 400 acres were awarded to Silas Zane in the land grant of 1740. After the property left the Zane family’s hands in 1812, it passed through several owners before being purchased by Edward Oglebay in 1900. At the time, the property had shrunk to 25 acres. Thanks to his astute management he expanded the property, doubling it to over twice its’ original size. When he died in 1926, he deeded the property to the city of Wheeling with a provision requiring it to be available to the public. The park opened in 1928.

View From the Stables

Where to Stay at Oglebay Resort

Guests can find all the comforts of home in one of the 271 rooms, suites, and chalets available at the Wilson Lodge. For the budget-conscious, the Kline Wing has two floors of value rooms, all of which include LCD TVs, Keurig Coffee Makers, and high-speed internet. Room options include one king bed, one queen bed, or two full-sized beds.

Deluxe rooms, including granite countertops and two double or one king bed, can be found in the original section of the Wilson Lodge. The newly renovated two-floor West Wing features Preferred Rooms. Guests can expect upgraded amenities, refrigerators, private balconies or patios, and easy access to elevators. These rooms are available with two queen beds or one king bed.

West Wing Preferred Room 

The Lakeside addition includes Preferred rooms with two queen beds or one king bed, plus the added bonus of a wet bar. All rooms with a king bed are equipped with a sleeper sofa. The Lakeside Preferred Suites feature a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, gas fireplace, and a half-bath, along with all the amenities of a preferred room. The rooms are available with two queen beds or one king bed.

For those preferring a more private option or room for a larger group, 54 rustic, standard, deluxe, and premium cottages are available. Rustic Cottages include 4 bedrooms, along with a full kitchen, and wood-burning fireplaces. These cottages are not too rustic, as amenities include high-speed internet and flat-screen televisions. Standard cottages provide 4 to 6 bedrooms, as well as the amenities included in the Rustic Cottages.

The Deluxe Cottages and the Premium Cottages were newly-renovated in 2019. Deluxe Cottages are available in two, four, and six-bedroom floor plans, while premium cottages are available in four and eight-bedroom floor plans. Both provide spacious common areas. Premium cottages include gourmet kitchens.

Hosting a conference, family reunion, or just want to splurge? Oglebay resort offers Estate Homes and a Chalet. Estate Homes are 4600 square feet, have multiple common areas, a state of the art kitchen, and 6 bedrooms. All bedrooms include a private bath. The Chalet has 7 bedrooms, all with private baths, a living room, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a dining room, an activity room, and a private deck. These homes are located in semi-secluded areas of the resort and provide private parking.

This Deck on the West Wing is perfect for relaxing or making s’mores over one of the fire pits.

Additional Guest Amenities Include:

*Complimentary Wi-Fi
*Use of the Outdoor Pool (Seasonal/ located at Oglebay’s Crispin Center)
*Use of Wilson Lodge indoor pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi
*Use of Wilson Lodge Fitness Center
*Use of Wilson Lodge Business Center
*Use of Wilson Lodge Game Room

View from the Outside of The Glassworks Grill and the Ihlenfeld Dining Room.

Dining at Oglebay Resort

Feeling hungry? There’s no need to leave the property! Oglebay Resort offers 7 dining options, ranging from sit-down meals to snacks.

If you want your daily caffeine fix or a light breakfast, stop by Sarita’s Coffee Bar for coffee drinks, bakery items, and grab-n-go snacks. When the sweet tooth strikes, Farmhouse Sweets & Treats is prepared. They offer candies, custom gift baskets, regional foods, and locally produced Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream.

After you finish a round of golf, Speidel Grill, located on the 18th hole of the James Golf Course, dishes up burgers and more. Dine in the outdoor seating to take advantage of the mountain views. Or visit Route 88 Brew & BBQ, located on Route 88 at the Par 3 Driving Range. Enjoy Barbecue favorites and craft beers in the rustic dining room or patio. *Be sure to try the Carolina BBQ sauce, a sweet and spicy mixture with an ample amount of brown sugar.

Spend an evening overlooking the Terrace Gardens at the Garden Bistro. *Ask for outdoor seating, weather permitting, and watch the sunset over the gardens. This farm-to-table restaurant uses locally sourced produce, meat, eggs, and bread. I recommend the juicy Bistro Burger, cooked to order and topped with sherry glazed sweet onions, gruyere cheese, garden greens, and garlic aioli. You’ll want to save room for one of their luscious desserts. These homemade creations are made fresh, plus the selection changes daily. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Casual dining and comfort food. That’s what the Glassworks Grill is all about. Located in the Wilson Lodge, this restaurant serves favorites with a twist; artisan pizzas, gourmet burgers, seasonal salads, and more. If you’re in the mood for burgers, you can’t go wrong with the Oglebay Burger. Cooked to order and topped with bacon jam, and gorgonzola cheese, it’s a delicious upscale twist to a regular burger. Crispy onion rings are served on the side. This is another place where you must save room for dessert. The rich, moist, chocolate cake is the perfect ending to a meal.

Looking for something upscale? The Ihlenfeld Dining Room specializes in artistic cuisine. Dining choices range from small plates to house specials, along with a selection of steak and chops. If you’re hungry in the morning, stop by their weekday breakfast buffet and their weekend brunch buffet. Weekday breakfast selections change daily, but made to order omelets, fruit, and muffins are staples.

Staying in a cottage and feeling hangry? Oglebay offers a choice of five dinners, ranging from A Taste of The Valley with West Virginia favorites, to an Indoor Grill with burgers, hot dogs, sides, and s’ mores. Plan to grill, but don’t want the hassle of running to the store? They offer 3 grilling packages; Traditional, Southern, and the Perfect Cookout delivered to your cottage.

Activities at Oglebay Resort

It’s no wonder families return to vacation at Oglebay resort year after year. With a myriad of activities for all ages and skill levels, guests can experience the great outdoors and become one with nature.

Outdoor Activities:

Take a stroll with the family and admire the view along the paved Susan Wheeler or Arboretum trails. Catch the breathtaking beauty as you wander through the 16 -acre Bissonnette Gardens, a replication of Mrs. Oglebay’s prized flower gardens.

Bissonnette Gardens
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent (or bring) a mountain bike and explore one of the beginner or intermediate cycling trails, complete with obstacles. Follow in Robert Oglebay’s footsteps as you hike along the rustic unpaved hiking trails. Try the Serpentine Trail, originally Mr. Oglebay’s driveway, to discover how difficult travel could be in the early 20th century. Tired of walking? Explore the grounds on a historic Segway Tour.

Test your tennis skills on one of the 8 Har-Tru or 2 hard surface tennis courts. Lessons are available for those who need to brush up on their skills. Love to Golf? The Speidl Golf Club has two championship golf courses, one designed by Arnold Palmer, and one designed by Robert Trent Jones. The Crispin Golf Course, a historic West Virginia favorite, offers challenges for all skill levels.

The Oglebay’s Guest Home

Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at Schenk Lake. After you eat, spend time exploring the lake aboard a kayak, Aqua Cycle, or Pedal Boat. Try your hand at fishing, taking advantage of the bountiful supply of catfish, trout, and bass. Kids will enjoy a visit to the playground, located directly across from Schenk Lake. End your day with a round of Mini Golf or a climb through the Aerial Challenge Course.  Want to know more about the Aerial Challenge Course? My friend Marina shares more about it here. 

Love animals? Stop by the 35-acre Good Zoo, where you’ll find 50 species of animals, along with a Discovery Lab for children, the Big Red Barn with tame farm animals, and Lorikeet Landing. A bird might be your next visitor! Stop by the stable for a trail ride, pony ride, or riding lesson.

Don’t believe Oglebay is a four-season resort? Think again! Winter is the perfect time to indulge your slope skills with skiing, tubing, or snowboarding at the Nutting Winter Sports Complex.

Indoor Activities:

Need some downtime or prefer to spend time indoors? No problem! No problem! Stop by The West Spa for some pampering. Located in the Wilson Lodge, they offer relaxing massages, body, facial, and nail services. History buffs will want to explore the Oglebay family Mansion Museum, a tour that covers 13 opulent rooms. Continue the walk through time at the Carriage House Glass Museum. You’ll find over 3000 pieces of Wheeling glass produced from 1829-1939.

Wheeling Park Activities:

Still want more activities? Visit the 300-acre Wheeling Park, located six miles away at 1801 National Road. Take a pedal boat out onto Good Lake, or let the kids play at the Spifel playground. The entire family will enjoy the Olympic sized swimming pool, complete with diving boards and a water slide, and the mini-golf course.

Keep fit with the indoor and outdoor tennis courts and the nine-hole Bloch Memorial Golf Course, both open year-round. During the winter months, guests can enjoy the Memorial Ice Skating Rink or Cross Country Skiing. Nature lovers will want to wander through the Frank Rock Garden or drive through the Sonneborn Gates.

Want to play all day? Daily Activity Wristbands are available from Memorial Day until Labor Day. They include all-day use of the following facilities at Oglebay: tennis, the par 3 golf course, miniature golf, the outdoor pool, fishing, pedal boating, the Glass Museum, the Mansion Museum, the Schrader Environmental Center Nature Programs, the trolley, and admission to The Good Zoo along with a ride on the historic C.P. Huntington Train. *Wilson Lodge and Cottages guests can purchase discounted 3 day or 5 day passes. Separate Activity Wristbands are available for Wheeler Park.

Things To Know Before You Go:

*The Kline Wing of the Oglebay Resort does not have elevator access.
*First floor rooms in the West Wing can only be accessed by outside entrances.
*Check-in time at Wilson Lodge is 4 PM and checkout time is 11 AM.  Guests who arrive early are welcome to use the facilities until a room is available.
*No pets are allowed in the Lodge.
*Pets are allowed in the Rustic and Deluxe cottages. A pet fee is added.
*No pets are allowed at the Estate homes or Chalet.
* Oglebay does not charge a resort fee; however, a 3% historic preservation fee is added.
*Oglebay is located at 465 Lodge Drive in Wheeling, Virginia.
*Some activities, such as the trail rides, Segway tours, and Aerial Challenge Course have height or age restrictions.

Oglebay Resort is truly a family experience. Have you visited Oglebay resort and Oglebay Park?

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