Whether you’re looking to take your family to experience the history and vibrant culture of Clarksburg or you find yourself needing to spend some time outdoors to unwind, Clarksburg has something to offer for anyone in need of a getaway with the family.
Historic Sites
Clarksburg is a town with rich history, and there are a plethora of ways to experience our history while you visit. There are many different historic locations and sites to visit. Unlike many of the small cities of North Central West Virginia, Clarksburg saw prosperity before the Civil War thanks to the commerce brought by the connecting road systems and the Baltimore & Ohio Railway. Three defined historical districts are available for your exploration – the downtown historic district of West Main Street and West Pike Street with its commercial buildings, the Quality Hill historic district of East Main Street with its many century-old residences and the historical district of Glen Elk on the north side that includes the railroad area, its warehouse buildings and what was the historical center of the Italian community. Listed below are some of the top attractions for families looking to visit historic sites.
Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
Located at 444 W. Pike Street the Robinson Grand Theater first opened its doors on February 7, 1913. The theater was built by the Clarksburg Amusement Company. It was the 13th theater in the United States to be equipped for sound movies around 1927. The theater burned in 1939 and was replaced with its current structure. The historic Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is now owned and operated by the City of Clarksburg and offers a vibrant and diverse array of programming that engages community members of all ages, businesses, schools, and local organizations.
Clarksburg History Museum
The Clarksburg History Museum was founded in 2017 by a small group of dedicated volunteers and is a place for visitors to explore the history of Clarksburg, WV! The museum’s goal is to ensure that visiting the Clarksburg History Museum is an enriching, exciting, and educational experience.
Waldomore
This Greek Revival-style structure was built in 1839 by Waldo P. Goff and is located at the intersection of W. Pike Street and 4th Street. Mary Goff Lowndes was born here in 1849 and spent her entire life at the Waldomore. She named the home Waldomore in honor of her parents Waldo P. and Harriet L. Moore Goff. In 1931, this building became the Clarksburg Public Library. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today, Waldomore remains a part of the library campus. Some of the exhibits in the Waldmore include the Gray Barker UFO Room (containing 29 drawers of file folders, 300 books, 75 groups of magazines, photographs of Barker, and various props used by Barker) and regional genealogy archives.
Empire National Bank Building
This seven story, steel-constructed, brownstone and brick building at W. Main and 4th Street was constructed in 1907 and is an example of Renaissance Revival Architecture. It was built by Virgil L. Highland, founder and first president of the bank and its bank charter is the oldest in Clarksburg. The interior was renovated in 1953.
Harrison County Courthouse
Located at the intersection of E. Main and 3rd Street, the present courthouse was erected in 1931-1932 and is the fourth courthouse to be erected on the same sight. Harrison County was among the first jurisdictions in Western Virginia to support the union prior to the Civil War. A pro-Union meeting was called for November 24th, 1860 at what was originally the Clarksburg Courthouse just after Abraham Lincoln was elected president. (Downtown Historic District)
Entertainment
Looking for fun on your visit to Clarksburg? Explore Clarksburg’s many outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and even take a ride on a coal-powered steam engine!
Clarksburg Splash Zone
Splash Zone is a 385,000-gallon water park that includes a lazy river, waterslides, a 25-meter competition pool and zero-entry children’s play area as well as bathhouses. This water park is great entertainment for kids and parents alike. There is simply no other facility in North Central West Virginia that compares to City Parks of Clarksburg Splash Zone. It will be the summer destination for swimming recreation!
Gore FORE Virtual Sports Suite
Are you ready for indoor golf at premier courses so realistic that you would think that you are there?!? Gore FORE Virtual Sports Suite offers indoor golf plus over 30 high-definition sports for adults, teens, and children to enjoy and compete! Gore FORE is all about entertainment, enjoyment, comradery and competition. Make Gore FORE a stop on your next visit to Clarksburg, WV!
Alley 304
Alley 304 offers an unparalleled range of fun things to do in Clarksburg, WV. Come see why Alley 304 is the best place in Clarksburg, WV for all of your entertainment needs. Watch sports, eat, drink, bowl, play arcade games and more!
D. Reynolds Gun Range & Outdoor Park
Enjoy the great outdoors at D. Reynolds Gun Range & Outdoor Park featuring an outdoor gun range, trap shooting, and archery range, as well as other outdoor activities such as a stocked fishing pond, primitive camping area, horseshoes, basketball court and a RC motor-cross track. Picnic shelters with outdoor grills are also available.
Locust Heights & Western Railroad
One of Clarksburg’s hidden gems! Locust Heights & Western Railroad is a privately owned and operated railroad that features a coal burning steam engine. The train runs every Wednesday evening from June – October.
Cartoon Headquarters Inflatable Fun Zone Center
Cartoon Headquarters Inflatable Fun Zone Center offers fun for the entire family featuring inflatable rides, games, party rooms, and much more!
Clarksburg Area Model Railroad Club
A multi-scale model railroad club located in Clarksburg, WV.
Wild Goats Farm
With a family legacy spanning nearly 200 years, Wild Goats Farm offers intimate animal encounters through appointment-only visits. Managed by a dedicated family of four, this enchanting farm balances heritage, work, and memorable guest experiences just outside of Clarksburg.
Indoor Facility Practice Building
Rent the Indoor Facility Practice Building through Clarksburg City Parks. View rental rates, times and contact information on the City Parks website.
Pickleball Courts
Rent Pickleball Courts through Clarksburg City Parks. Call the Park Office to reserve your court time.
Kross Kreek Farms
Located just outside of Clarksburg in Bridgeport, Kross Kreek Farms is a horseback riding center offering an introduction to horseback riding in a controlled and safe environment with an experienced guide, as well as private lessons.
Tygart Adventure Lake
Cool off at Tygart Lake State Park’s brand-new adventure lake. The adventure lake at Tygart Lake State Park features twenty-five giant inflatables and a sandy beach area with lounge chairs. Tygart Adventure Lake is located 24 miles east of Clarksburg.
Hammer & Stain Clarksburg
Hammer & Stain is a DIY studio where guests transform unfinished wood into personalized works of art in fun and easy instructor-guided classes! You can also book a private party, kids party or organize a fundraiser with Hammer & Stain.
Shopping
The Clarksburg area is filled with numerous shops and antique stores. Check out Art By Crim, Looking Glass Consignment, Nonnie’s Niche, West End Antiques, West Virginia Heritage Crafts Co-Op, and Wicked Sisters Clothing Boutique.
Recreation
Veterans Memorial Park
Clarksburg’s largest park is located along Route 98 near the intersection of Route 19 and sits in conjunction with the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center. This 50-acre recreational park has much to offer residents and visitors to Clarksburg! Features:
Splash Zone
Splash Zone is a 385,000-gallon water park that includes a lazy river, waterslides, a 25-meter competition pool and zero-entry children’s play area as well as bathhouses. This water park is great entertainment for kids and parents alike. There is simply no other facility in North Central West Virginia that compares to City Parks of Clarksburg Splash Zone. It will be the summer destination for swimming recreation!
Clarksburg Amphitheater
Named “The Best Outdoor Concert Venue in West Virginia” by TravelPulse.com and MSN.com, the Clarksburg Amphitheater is a state-of-the-art facility located at the Veterans Memorial Park. The “AMP” (as it has become known) showcases bands, movies, plays and other forms of entertainment throughout the year.
Mayor’s Fitness Trail
The Mayor’s Fitness Trail is a 1.5-mile gravel trail that winds around the park. Whether you are taking a leisurely walk or a brisk jog, you will appreciate the scenic river views.
People’s Hospice Memorial Gardens
People’s Hospice Memorial Gardens is a beautifully landscaped part of Veterans Memorial Park with brick walkways, statues, private garden areas, wooden shelters, benches, trees and shrubbery. It was made possible by people who made contributions in honor of loved ones that have passed away as well as some generous corporate contributors. Memorial bricks, stones and plaques are placed throughout the gardens commemorating those loved ones. This is a relaxing environment to enjoy some solitude. The Memorial Gardens is also available for wedding ceremonies and an outstanding place for taking photographs.
Additional Park Features:
- Miniature Golf
- 9-hole Disc Golf Course
- Tennis and Pickleball Courts
- Walking and Water Trails
- Shelters
- Picnic Areas
- Dog Park
Clarksburg City Park
Located on Route 20 in Nutter Fort, Clarksburg City Park is home to the Frank Loria Memorial Field, one of the best baseball facilities of its kind in West Virginia. It was named after Frank Loria, a Clarksburg native, who was killed in the fatal crash of an airliner carrying the Marshall University football team in 1970. Loria was a coach for the team.
This city park also houses an 18 hole miniature golf course, a softball field and three little league fields, a soccer field and several multi-purpose fields. It also has large play areas with multiple swings and slides, picnic shelters with grills, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts and volleyball courts.
Harrison County Recreation Complex
Harrison County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of services throughout the year. We have many programs offered on a seasonal basis including enrichment programming, after-school programs, summer playgrounds, instructional programs, youth sports leagues, special population sports, and family events.
Lowndes Hill Park
This is a 58-acre park that overlooks the city of Clarksburg. Located off 2nd Street, just up-the-hill from Main Street Clarksburg, this park features Civil War history with trenches and earthworks that were constructed by the Union army to defend the city and its important railway.
This park is great for walking and getting a magnificent view of the city while learning a little more about the Civil War.
Watters Smith Memorial State Park
This 532-acre historical park stands as a memorial to the pioneer spirit of Watters Smith, who settled here in 1796. This historical park, located in Harrison County, features log cabins, period-accurate buildings and a museum that depicts pioneer life from 1796 to the early 1900s. The grounds are open to picnicking, biking, hiking, and the park also is a popular site for bird watching. The museum and Smith Home are open on select days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Group tours are also welcome.
Fort New Salem
Fort New Salem is a living history, outdoor museum interpreting the history, trades and lifestyles of the region. The settlement is surrounded by tree-covered hills and takes its visitors into another lifetime when work and leisure activities reflect the values and traditions of the community and the Appalachian culture of her people.
Tygart Lake State Park
Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in scenic north-central West Virginia, Tygart Lake State Park provides guests with a quiet vacation spot and breathtaking views. Just four miles south of Grafton, Tygart Lake State Park is known for its 10-mile long, 1,750-acre lake, which offers water activities like boating, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Stonewall Resort State Park
Located just three miles off I-79, Stonewall Resort State Park offers a secluded retreat surrounded by rolling hills. The park features golf, boating, swimming, indoor rock climbing, biking, camping, fishing, and hiking.
Planning a Visit to Clarksburg, West Virginia? Contact the Clarksburg Visitors Center!
Ready to explore, observe, and learn something new on your next trip to Clarksburg with your family? Look no further for help planning your trip than the Clarksburg Visitors Bureau.
Not only will you have plenty to look forward to in town, but you can enjoy Clarksburg’s rich legacy firsthand.
Call us at (304) 622-2157, or contact us online if you have any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to meet you.