Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Wheeling

When Virginia seceded from the Union, delegates from the western counties met at Wheeling and set up the “Restored Government of Virginia,” with Wheeling as the capital. After West Virginia was formally admitted to the Union in 1863, Wheeling was the capital until 1870 and again 1875-85.

The 1,010-foot-long Wheeling Suspension Bridge, built in 1849, is one of the world's longest of its kind. Henry Clay, while visiting Wheeling a year after the bridge opened, described it as “a rainbow to behold.”

Wheeling's history as a frontier port where the National Road met the Ohio River is evident in the Old Town section; some of the buildings are open to the public by tour.

From May through August the Wheeling Heritage Port Amphitheater hosts Wheeling's Waterfront Wednesdays where free concerts are featured.

In winter, the city is illuminated with one of the country's largest light shows, Festival of Lights , featuring a 6-mile driving tour through 300 acres.

Visitor Centers

Wheeling Visitors Center 1401 Main St. Wheeling, WV 26003. Phone:(304)233-7709 or (800)828-3097

Shopping

Eight miles west on I-70 in nearby St. Clairsville, Ohio, is Ohio Valley Mall, whose more than 150 stores include Macy's and Sears. North Main Street's North Wheeling Historic District (Old Town) has antique and specialty shops; from I-70 exit 1A go north on Main Street. Wheeling's Historic Centre Market, 2200 Market St., features antique and craft shops in and around the refurbished Centre Market House.

Things to Do

The Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley

The Eckhart House Victorian Home Tours & Teas

The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum

Oglebay Resort

Bissonnette Gardens

Carriage House Glass Museum

The Good Zoo at Oglebay

Mansion Museum

Schrader Environmental Education Center

Stifel Fine Arts Center

West Virginia Independence Hall Museum

Wheeling Artisan Center

Wheeling Park

GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP