Morgantown, West Virginia, is the home of WVU, which is this state’s largest college town and campus. Want to have a guide to explore these beautiful outdoors and the youthful energy of this town?
Life can be outgoing and fun in this University town, with many activities to do for people of any age. When visiting this youthful suburban area, there are many things to see and do. Subsequently, knowing where to start can be confusing and overwhelming.
Thus, here are ways to help ease your mind about this beautiful mountainous area and help you figure out where to start exploring. Sure, there are plenty of places to travel, like Europe and Asia. You can have just as much fun in Morgantown if you know where to look and with the right people.
The Good Old Days
Morgantown, established in 1785, has had a lot of history since then. It might not be as old as other areas in the world, but this town is still filled with its rich history and sights to see.
Firstly, when this thriving town in Morgantown was still a territory, settlers and natives struggled for claims to this land. After the Treaty of Paris in 1763, this conflict caused several forts to be built in the area, such as Fort Pierpont and Fort Martin.
Furthermore, Morgantown is right in the Appalachian mountains, with a unique regional culture and economic development. Morgantown’s landscape is beautiful, and its history dates back to revolutions and wars, such as the American Revolution and the French and Indian War.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Alongside its history and how it came to be, this college town in Morgantown has many unique features and museums. People of all ages can explore the rich history of this town and have a great time doing so.
Museums are a great way to learn and dive into the history of a given area or period. Any college student can learn plenty from these Museums. Museums in Morgantown that can be visited include, but are not limited to:
- The Greatest Generation World War II Museum
- Easton Roller Mill Museum
- Morgantown History Museum
- Art Museum of West Virginia University
There are also some unique buildings in Morgantown. Which will be a fun trip for any college student in the area. Different areas and buildings that can be viewed and admired in this mountainous college town include:
In the meantime, Morgantown has quite a few memorials in several outdoor areas with beautiful scenery. Every mountaineer student has the honor of visiting on an almost daily basis. Different memorials and statues include:
Morgantown has a lot to offer in terms of history and always has something to see alongside it. Just be prepared with some good walking shoes while learning more about the wild and wonderful.
Morgantown’s history is greatly shown in the buildings and memorials all around the area, such as Our Lady of the Pines, the smallest church in 48 states. Up to 12 people can enter this 24ft. x 12ft. building. While you are there, why not visit the “Smallest Post Office” located right by the church?
Transportation
Transportation is a crucial thing when traveling anywhere. In Morgantown, there are several ways that you can get around, which is very useful for students and families who reside here. Besides usual ways of transportation like cars or bikes, there are many options for public transport:
- WVU PRT (Personal Rapid Transit)
- Buses (Mountain Line Transit Authority)
- Shuttles
- The Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW)
Other ways can be as neat but might cost you some pennies more, like an Uber or Lift to get around. If you’re more daring and have great walking shoes, walking is always a good way to get from place to place. Just mind the time and steps when doing so.
Morgantown might not have high-end transport like other states or countries, but it has a unique way of transportation. For example, the students and staff use the PRT daily.
On the contrary, there’s nothing else like it, and it’s one of a kind. The PRT has five stations, with several self-driving electric vehicles traveling on a pathway throughout the WVU campuses. The PRT has students and staff riding them during operation hours to get from campus to campus and from class to class.
Cuisine
Morgantown has plenty of great options for good food and delicious drinks, not just the dining halls across the campus for students but also plenty of eateries on and off campus.
There are many eateries, shops, and churches on High Street by the downtown campus. It is a great way to look around the campus with something delicious to eat. High Street and Frat Row are very popular with students, especially during the weekends.
Other eateries, coffee shops, and festivals include, but are not limited to:
- Blue Moose Café
- Iron Horse Tavern
- The Grind
- Sargasso
- Forks of Cheat Winery
- Morgantown Farmers Market
The local favorite is the most famous pepperoni rolls. If you are in West Virginia, you must try one at least once, even if you aren’t a fan of the state food. Especially if you are a student attending WVU.
Do you want some tea, coffee, or fresh bagels and stones? Several great places like The Grind, Blue Moose Café, and AntiquiTea House exist. Later, if you want to go to a place that has the state motto, go to Almost Heaven Bar & Grill or Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee Shop.
Are you a student or employee at WVU and want free food on Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.? Go to Up All Night and get served dinner (10 p.m. to midnight) or breakfast (midnight to 2 a.m.).
When you’re out eating and drinking (if you’re of age), just be careful and know your limits. These eateries have a culture all of its own, for people of all ages.
Pass Time for all ages
There are many activities for kids and adults alike, indoors and outdoors. Golf can be a fun sport to pass the time. Catching up on the latest movie release or going to the theater, such as the Metropolitan Theatre, is a surefire way to get lost in another way.
There are so many activities that can be done outside in this college town, such as:
- Mountain Man Axe Throwing
- Skateboarding
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Rock climbing (inside or out)
- White water rafting
- Camping
- Going to the Zoo
Alongside the exciting physical activities outdoors in West Virginia, there are many indoor activities. Some activists in this college town include:
- Escape Rooms
- Spas
- Movies/theaters
- Up All Nights
- Arcades
- Arts & Crafts
- Going to the Library
- Pool (inside or out)
Morgantown is right in the Appalachian mountains, so there is a lot to ponder. You can go on the Appalachian Trail, hiking the roughly 2,190-mile trail, which is the longest of its kind.
Likewise, the WVU mascot is the famous mountaineer, which fits the theme of Morgantown, West Virginia, and this college town. There are lots of fun activities the whole family can enjoy. From toddlers to college students to grandparents, many activities can be a great time with a good group of people.
Solo activities are also fun and should not be feared, especially if you are a college student and want a break from schoolwork and studying. Going to the Up All Nights is an excellent way for college students to break away from school during the weekend and get food.
Browsing & Spending
Certainly, shopping is always a great opportunity to get out. In Morgantown, there are some options for getting the things you will need—or just for getting in some retail therapy!
Thus, places like the University Town Centre, Suncrest Towne Centre, Seneca Center, and the Morgantown Mall exist. There are many stores and items of all kinds. Subsequently, there are even some thrift stores near campus that are always worth going to.
If you want to shop for plants, unique cards, or planters, go to Hoot and Howl. Latch Boutique has designer outfits, and Pathfinder has many outdoor items, such as bikes and hiking gear.
Students and families should stop by and get some WVU merchandise; you should represent the school and the cultures in this unique town.
Sports
Finally, in this college area in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, there have to be sports that come along with it. From football to baseball to basketball, there is much to see sport-wise in this university town.
There’s the WVU Coliseum, home of the WVU basketball team. The Coliseum holds 14,000 seats and looks beautiful—the Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, home of the WVU football team.
Since many WVU sports can be watched and enjoyed, just be mindful of the traffic on home game days. Alongside watching WVU college games, there are plenty of fields, clubs, and places where anyone—not just athletes—can play their favorite games. There are many fields across the campus, including a recreation center.
Furthermore, Morgantown is gorgeous, with all the hills and mountains. Alongside many fun attractions, it’s very relaxing and easygoing. There might be a lot going on in this college town, but planning will always make the experience much more enjoyable. Lastly, remember to have fun, be safe, and plan accordingly.
