Moundsville is a small town with a lot of character. It doesn’t try to be Pittsburgh or Wheeling. It’s proud of what it has which is history, mystery, outdoor beauty, and a local food scene that’s better than outsiders expect. Whether you’re in town for a day trip or a weekend, these five spots are worth the time.

1. Grave Creek Mound & Delf Norona Museum

Grave Creek Mound is massive—62 feet tall and nearly the length of a football field across. Built by the Adena people more than 2,000 years ago, it’s one of the largest burial mounds in the country.

Climb to the top for a view of the Ohio River, then step inside the Delf Norona Museum next door. The exhibits show artifacts and tell the stories of the people who lived here long before the town had a name. When you're done there just go across the street and check out the Pen.

2. West Virginia State Penitentiary (“The Pen”)

When you're looking for things to do in Moundsville, West Virgina, the Pen is a great choice. It is a mix of gothic architecture, prison history, and ghost stories. Opened in 1876 and shut down in 1995, it’s now one of the biggest draws in town.

Day tours cover the prison’s past, while nighttime ghost hunts and escape rooms add a creepier edge. Walking those long echoing corridors gives you a chill you won’t shake off quickly.

3. Grand Vue Park

Grand Vue Park is where you trade stone walls for open skies. The park covers more than 650 acres with hiking trails, a ropes course, disc golf, mini golf, even a zip line that soars over the hills.

You can push yourself on the adventure activities or just take a walk with views of the Ohio Valley that make you slow down for a while.

4. Palace of Gold (New Vrindaban)

The Palace of Gold looks like it was dropped straight into the West Virginia hills from another world. Built in the 1970s as part of a Hare Krishna community, it has marble walls, stained glass, mirrored tiles, and gardens full of roses and lotus ponds.

Even if you don’t go for the spiritual side, the craftsmanship and design are stunning. It’s one of those places you don’t expect to find in the middle of Appalachia.

5. Fostoria Glass Museum & Historic Districts

Glassmaking once fueled the local economy, and the Fostoria Glass Museum keeps that story alive. Inside you’ll see thousands of pieces of handcrafted glass, some simple, some intricate, all tied to the region’s history.

From there, head downtown. The Moundsville Commercial Historic District has old storefronts, antique shops, and brick buildings that feel like they’ve seen a century of stories.

Bonus: The Riverfront & Trails

If you have extra time, hit the riverfront. Walking paths, small shops, and access to the Ohio River give you another way to see the town. Kayakers and canoeists often paddle this stretch when the water’s right.

Where to Eat After Exploring

Coal Valley Bun Works  is the move after a full day. It’s not trying to be trendy—it’s the kind of place that feeds people well and makes them feel at home.

The menu focuses on Appalachian comfort food: pepperoni rolls, West Virginia hot dogs with sauce and slaw, and a sandwich that sticks with you. The space feels like community first, restaurant second, which is why it's so inviting.

Try the pepperoni roll (because you have to) and a hot dog with their homemade secret sauce. It’s the right way to close out a day in Moundsville (or Wheeling for that matter).

Final Word

Moundsville isn’t polished. It doesn’t need to be. It’s history carved into earth and stone, stories whispered through old cellblocks, and beauty tucked in the hills. You can see it all in a day, but if you linger—you’ll leave with something that sticks.