Travel and Tourism
Tourism is a fast-growing industry in Monongalia County as well as all of West Virginia. In 1996, tourism made a $4 billion impact on West Virginia’s economy while generating over 76,000 jobs. According to a 1998 Domestic Leisure Travel Report conducted by D. K. Shifflett and Assoc., Mountaineer Country (includes Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Doddridge, Harrison, Barbour, and Taylor counties) received 13% of all West Virginia travel which equated to 860,000 person trips. Peak travel months to the region are July, August, and October. The top feeder markets accounting for region’s share of overnight leisure travel are Ohio (22%), Maryland (15%) and West Virginia (12%).
Major attractions that lure tourists to the area include special events and festivals such as the Mountaineer Balloon, Star City Glass, West Virginia Wine & Jazz Festival, Arts & River Fest on the Mon, and Buckwheat Festivals, Coopers Rock State Park, Pricketts Fort, Mountaineer Football and other WVU athletic events, fall foliage, live theatre & concerts, mountain biking and white water rafting. In addition, this community continues to be a popular location for statewide and regional wide seminars, conferences, and conventions.
In 2000 marked the ribbon cutting for a major tourism attraction, the Monongalia River/Caperton/Decker’s Creek Trail. This trail is comprised of 51 miles of old rail road lines converted to trails and is open to the public. Bike, in-line skate, and kayak rentals are available. At the trail’s center is Hazel Ruby McQuain’s Riverfront Park, complete with a 1,500 seat amphitheater for outdoor performances of all kinds.
Free services such as welcome kits, area brochures, and assistance with conference planning are all available through the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau (800-458-7373) which is located in the Seneca Center at 709 Beechurst Avenue and is open 7 days a week. Their website is www.tourmorgantown.com.
Information Centers:
- Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 292-3311 - Northern WV Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 292-5081 - WVU Visitors & Information Center
Phone: 293-3489
