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Things to Do

Visitors to the island may enjoy a refreshment stand, horsedrawn carriage rides, souvenir shop, picnic shelters, and bicycle rentals. Adding to the charm of the island, lush hardwood groves, long beaches and broad fields provide the habitat for a large deer herd, throngs of waterfowl and other birds.

Costumed volunteers conduct tours through the reconstructed mansion. Self-guided walking tours and horse drawn wagon rides are also available. For visitors needing mobility assistance, a powered cart is onsite for transportation and running daily during island hours, and for evening programs, with the exception of the Mansion by Candlelight event evenings.

Structure is the Putnam-Houser House
Structure is the Putnam-Houser House

Special Events

A trip to the island is special indeed, but there are special events on the island that include: Evening Cruise Series, Mansion by Candlelight, an interpretative program commemorating the 250th Anniversary Year of the French and Indian War (June 29, 2008) and more.

The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History also features a variety of special lectures, tours and events year-round.  View: Calendar of Events for all activities and events on the island or at the museum.

Primitive Camping – An outdoor experience for youth         

Youth groups may experience Blennerhassett Island much like early frontier settlers.  This outdoor adventure is the opportunity for organized youth groups to enjoy a truly unique camping setting. This activity is new in 2008.  Adult supervision is required. This activity is only available with advanced reservation and planning.  Call for reservations and complete details. View these documents for overview of this one-of-a-kind island experience. 

Primitive Camping at Blennerhassett Island.  Camping and Wildlife.

Nearby attractions

  • Historic Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg WV
  • Oil and Gas Museum, Parkersburg WV
  • Smoot Theater, Parkersburg WV 
  • Fenton Art Glass, Williamstown, WV 
  • North Bend State Park

Quick clicks about the Blennerhassett Island and the area

View Traveling West Virginia – featuring Blennerhassett Island
Take a Virtual Tour of the Blennerhassett Mansion on Blennerhassett Island
Visit the Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau for an area calendar of events and more attractions.

Horsedrawn carriage rides on the island are available throughout the season.
Photo courtesy of Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

Operating Hours Contact Us Virtual Tours Photo Gallery

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