Point Pleasant, WV Road Trips

Point Pleasant was also the site of the First Battle of the Revolution - the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774, between the Virginia militia and the Shawnee led by Chief Cornstalk (he of the curse). The battle prevented the Native Americans from forming an alliance with the British, which in turn shaped the outcome of the War of Independence.

The tourism information center is at 210 Viand Street, +1 304-675-6788. Open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-2PM. 1 Mothman statue (Corner of 4th and Main St). 12-foot-tall stainless-steel statue. (updated Sep 2020) 2 Fort Randolph, Lighthouse Ln (East of city centre, along Highway 2/62), ☏ +1 304-675-7933. It was built in November 1774 and named Fort Blair, but was destroyed by Native Americans. It was rebuilt in May 1776 when it got its current name, and again in 1785. No traces remain of the original buildings however the fort was reconstructed in October 1974, along with other period buildings. Re-enactments are carried out during warmer weather. The park also features fishing, paddle boats, miniature golf, a playground and camping facilities. (updated Sep 2020) 3 Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, 1 Main St, ☏ +1 304-675-0869, [email protected]. Open year-round; museum open May through October. The site of the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774; an 84-foot-tall granite obelisk commemorates the Virginia militiamen who died in the battle. The Mansion House Museum, built in 1796 as a tavern and the oldest hewn-log house in the Kanawha Valley today, is also on the site. The name of the park comes from a Wyandotte phrase meaning "the point between two waters", signifying the spot where the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers meet. (updated Jun 2025) 4 Mothman Museum and Research Center, 412 Main Street. Open daily noon-5PM spring and summer. Describes the history of Point Pleasant and the Mothman incident, with drawings, newspaper clippings, mementos and other exhibits. On-site gift shop.

Sternwheel Regatta River Cruises, Riverfront Park, ☏ +1-304-675-7214. Held in early July. Celebration of river life, live music, food vendors, and a carnival-like atmosphere. Cruise downriver on a sternwheel boat to Gallipolis, Ohio & two fireworks cruises. Admission $15 - $20. (updated Mar 2022) Mason County Fair, route 62, ☏ +1-304-675-5463. West Virginia's largest county fair, held in early August. 9AM-11PM. Parades, livestock judging, animal shows, farm games, pie-eating contest, demolition derby and drag races, live entertainment, and a carnival with rides. Admission $5-8. (updated Mar 2022) 1 Mothman Festival, downtown Point Pleasant. Held in mid-September. Live music, screenings of Mothman-related documentaries and films, vendors, crafters, a guest speakers' forum, and tours of Mothman-related sites. (updated Mar 2022) Battle Days Festival. Tu-Endie-Wie State Park. Held the first weekend in October. Celebrating the first battle of the American Revolution and honoring the people who gave their lives at the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774. Historical re-enactments, sutlers and crafters in period clothing, a juried art show, a colonial ball, a lantern tour to meet historical characters, a parade, entertainment, a drama, and more. Admission free for the ball, $10 for the Colonial Governor's Reception. (updated Mar 2022)

Point Pleasant is the only place you can get a Mothman Frappuccino.

1 The Historic Lowe Hotel, 401 Main St (Corners of 4th and Main St), ☏ +1 304-675-2260. Two-room, family, and Jacuzzi suites are available as well as a full-service restaurant, The Red Parrot Café, featuring fine food and drinks at reasonable prices. (updated Sep 2020)

Point Pleasant is at the intersection of US-35 (which follows the Kanawha River), between Charleston and Jackson, Ohio, and OH-7 (which follows the Ohio River), between Huntington and Middleport, Ohio.

There's no bus or taxi service in town, so bring your car.