Most people don’t think of West Virginia as having islands, but there are many islands, both big and small, in the rivers that surround the state. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting islands, in no particular order.
- Wheeling Island
Wheeling Island Wheeling Island is most famous for its casino and racetrack, and a trip there is sure to deliver the fun, even if you don’t always win at the gambling.
WikiMedia Commons/Bwsmith84 The Wheeling Island Historic District is also part of the island, and features many historic buildings and structures. This is the Harry C. and Jesse F. Franzheim House.
WikiMedia Commons/Nyttend This is the John McLure House. It was the home of Captain John McLure, who built and piloted steamboats.
- Sandstone Falls Islands
Flickr/laserbub
Flickr/Dennis Deitrick This amazing waterfall stretches between two islands. Visitors can take bridges to the islands for hiking and a better view of the falls.
- Blennerhassett Island
West Virginia State Parks/Facebook Blennerhassett Island near Parkersburg has a number of historic buildings, like the Blennerhassett Mansion.
Blennerhassett Island State Park Visitors reach the island by way of a sternwheel boat.
West Virginia State Parks/Facebook You can take a horse-drawn wagon tour around the island.
The Blennerhassett Hotel/Facebook
For an extra treat, you can stay in the historic Blennerhassett Hotel.
You can read more about the history of the island here.
- Virginius Island
WikiMedia Commons/NPS Now considered part of Harpers Ferry, Virginius Island was once its own town.
Flickr/Jennifer Boyer The town suffered during the Civil War, and was also impacted by flooding. It was eventually abandoned. You can now tour the island and see the ruins of the town and the factories that were once there.
- Ohio River Islands
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge This is actually a group of small islands in the Ohio River. They are part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. You can take a boat to the shores of the islands to enjoy the wildlife and beaches.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Fishing is allowed on the island shores.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook The beaches are home to a variety of mussels, including some rare species.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge The islands are a great place for birdwatching. Occasionally you can see bald eagles.
For more surprising West Virginia history, take a look at these 8 things that originated in our great state.
Wheeling Island
Wheeling Island is most famous for its casino and racetrack, and a trip there is sure to deliver the fun, even if you don’t always win at the gambling.
WikiMedia Commons/Bwsmith84
The Wheeling Island Historic District is also part of the island, and features many historic buildings and structures. This is the Harry C. and Jesse F. Franzheim House.
WikiMedia Commons/Nyttend
This is the John McLure House. It was the home of Captain John McLure, who built and piloted steamboats.
Flickr/laserbub
Flickr/Dennis Deitrick
This amazing waterfall stretches between two islands. Visitors can take bridges to the islands for hiking and a better view of the falls.
West Virginia State Parks/Facebook
Blennerhassett Island near Parkersburg has a number of historic buildings, like the Blennerhassett Mansion.
Blennerhassett Island State Park
Visitors reach the island by way of a sternwheel boat.
You can take a horse-drawn wagon tour around the island.
The Blennerhassett Hotel/Facebook
For an extra treat, you can stay in the historic Blennerhassett Hotel.
You can read more about the history of the island here.
WikiMedia Commons/NPS
Now considered part of Harpers Ferry, Virginius Island was once its own town.
Flickr/Jennifer Boyer
The town suffered during the Civil War, and was also impacted by flooding. It was eventually abandoned. You can now tour the island and see the ruins of the town and the factories that were once there.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
This is actually a group of small islands in the Ohio River. They are part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. You can take a boat to the shores of the islands to enjoy the wildlife and beaches.
Fishing is allowed on the island shores.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
The beaches are home to a variety of mussels, including some rare species.
The islands are a great place for birdwatching. Occasionally you can see bald eagles.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
