Mid-Ohio Valley
THINGS TO DO
Spend time outdoors and learn some Civil War history at the historic Fort Boreman Park . Take a ride at Mountwood ATV Adventures , or unwind after a long day with a walk in one of many local and state parks throughout the area . Blennerhassett Island State Park is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty . Cross the river into Marietta for ghost hunting opportunities , museum tours and unique , downtown shopping and dining .
Photo by Greater Parkersburg CVB .
Photo by Phil Mason / Marietta College .
Photo by Greater Parkersburg CVB .
Photo by Greater Parkersburg CVB .
The Mid-Ohio Valley of West Virginia could be defined solely by its geography — by the rivers that flow through and beside it or by the farmlands that have sustained the region for generations .
Between the region ’ s largest city , Parkersburg , and its abundance of smaller towns , there is plenty of charm and excitement . The area is home to history as rich and fertile as the land itself , with the iconic Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and Blennerhassett Hotel . The town of Ripley , and Jackson County , WV , can be found on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture . Parkersburg is home to the Oil & Gas Museum that details the history of these industries , located in an area where they are still very much alive .
The Mid-Ohio Valley is plentiful with economic opportunity . With a population of more than 160,000 , it is a key player in the plastics , oil and gas and manufacturing industries . Major employers in the region include DuPont , Highmark , United Bank and the Bureau of Fiscal Services , and various resources are available to business owners and those looking to start businesses . The Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce strives to connect businesses and potential employees , especially those coming from out of state . The chamber partners with Wood County Economic Development , Downtown PKB and the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide information on attractions , events and living and working in the greater metropolitan region .
Area residents also have access to top-of-the-line education and health care , including Minnie Hamilton Health System , Roane General Hospital and WVU Medicine ’ s Camden Clark Medical Center and Jackson General Hospital as well as WVU Parkersburg , Marshall University ’ s Mid-Ohio Valley Center and Ohio Valley University .
Cleveland , OH 3 HOURS
Photo by Steve Spencer .
Cincinnati , OH 3 HOURS
Columbus , OH 2 HOURS
Pittsburgh , PA 2.5 HOURS
CITIES : Parkersburg & Ripley
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE