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Driverless cars on elevated tracks, a clock-towered college green and a river trail at the bottom of steep hills: Morgantown runs on the rhythm of West Virginia University. The town was chartered in 1785 on the east bank of the Monongahela River, and the university founded in 1867 now fills its hillsides with students, game-day crowds and arts venues.
The historic core climbs from the river up High Street, past the Monongalia County Courthouse and rows of brick storefronts, to Woodburn Circle, the oldest corner of campus. WVU's Personal Rapid Transit, opened in the 1970s, still shuttles riders between downtown and the Evansdale and medical campuses, while the Caperton Rail Trail and riverfront park line the water below.
Outdoors, the Cheat River Gorge overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest and the coves of Cheat Lake lie a short drive east, and the New Deal homestead village of Arthurdale is within half an hour to the south. Pittsburgh is about 75 miles north.
Oldest part of the West Virginia University campus, a ring of three 19th-century brick halls led by Woodburn Hall with its tall clock tower, set on a lawn above the Monongahela River. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk up from High Street and visit at dusk when the tower is lit.
Automated people mover opened in the 1970s, carrying riders in small driverless cars on elevated guideways between downtown, the main campus, Evansdale and the health sciences center. It was a pioneering transit experiment and still runs through the academic year, with reduced hours during breaks. Check the hours before riding.
Paved trail that follows the Monongahela River through Morgantown on a former rail line, linking the wharf district with neighborhoods to the north and south and joining the longer Mon River Trail. It is flat and popular with cyclists and runners. Bike rentals are available near the riverfront.
University arboretum of about 90 acres on a steep hillside above the river, with old-growth trees and a network of trails through the woods and along the floodplain. Spring brings a famous show of native wildflowers, and birders come for warblers in migration. Trails are steep in places, so wear good shoes.
Park on the shore of Cheat Lake, a reservoir on the Cheat River just east of town, with a beach, picnic areas, fishing piers and a boardwalk trail along the water. The Cheat Lake Trail follows an old rail bed along the shoreline. Kayak rentals and boat cruises run from marinas nearby in summer.
Large state forest about 13 miles east of Morgantown, best known for a sandstone overlook high above the Cheat River Gorge. Miles of trails lead to rock formations, an old iron furnace and climbing areas. The main overlook is a short paved walk from the parking area; go early on fall weekends.
Riverside park in the wharf district below downtown with an amphitheater for summer concerts and festivals, green lawns and direct access to the Caperton Rail Trail. It is a good place to watch the river and the bridges at sunset. Check the city events calendar for free shows in summer.
Home of WVU Mountaineers football, known to fans as Mountaineer Field, with room for about 60,000 fans on game days. Tailgating fills the surrounding lots for hours before kickoff, and the crowd sings Country Roads after wins. Book hotels far ahead for home game weekends in the fall.
Distinctive round arena on the Evansdale campus where WVU men's and women's basketball teams play, with a lively student section that can make it one of the loudest venues in college basketball. The building also hosts concerts and events. Tickets for big conference games sell out early.
The spine of downtown Morgantown, running from the courthouse square toward campus with brick storefronts, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores and bars that fill with students in the evening. It forms the heart of the downtown historic district. Weekend mornings are calmer for a walk and window shopping.
University art museum opened in 2015 at the Canady Creative Arts Center on the Evansdale campus, showing rotating exhibitions from its collection of American and regional art, prints, ceramics and photography. Admission is free. Combine a visit with a performance at the neighboring arts center.
Museum village in Arthurdale, about 20 miles south of Morgantown, preserving the first New Deal homestead community, founded in the 1930s with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt. Tours visit restored homes, the center hall and craft shops that tell the story of struggling mining families given a fresh start.
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West Virginia, United States
West Virginia, United States
West Virginia, United States
West Virginia, United States
West Virginia, United States
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