West Virginia Penitentiary Tours

Photo by Andy Nagel


Escapes, rampages and protests. Life in the clink has never been short of drama. Plan a trip to West Virginia Penitentiary to find out more about what went on behind its walls.

Situated in Moundsville, this historic jailhouse is worth including in your schedule. But you'll find plenty more to explore in the area. Grand Vue Park, Grave Creek Mound, and Marx Toy Museum are within easy reach of West Virginia Penitentiary.

Plan a trip to see West Virginia Penitentiary

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Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Meadow Lands
Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh East Liberty by IHG
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near West Virginia Penitentiary

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moundsville by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moundsville by IHG

2.5 out of 5
225 TELETECH DRIVE, Moundsville, WV
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moundsville by IHG
Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville - Wheeling

Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville - Wheeling

2.5 out of 5
8 Walmart Dr, Moundsville, WV
Sleep Inn & Suites Moundsville - Wheeling
Lafayette Inn

Lafayette Inn

2 out of 5
95 Teletech Dr., Moundsville, WV
Lafayette Inn
Centerally Located Apartment in Moundsville

Centerally Located Apartment in Moundsville

2 out of 5
Moundsville
Centerally Located Apartment in Moundsville
Haven Inn

Haven Inn

2 out of 5
302 Wheeling Ave, Glen Dale, WV
Haven Inn
Charming 3-bedroom ranch with AC, WiFi in tranquil Moundsville

Charming 3-bedroom ranch with AC, WiFi in tranquil Moundsville

Moundsville
Charming 3-bedroom ranch with AC, WiFi in tranquil Moundsville
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack

3.5 out of 5
1 S Stone St, Wheeling, WV
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack
Quiet and Cozy, just outside of town but close to EVERYTHING

Quiet and Cozy, just outside of town but close to EVERYTHING

Bellaire
Quiet and Cozy, just outside of town but close to EVERYTHING
Hampton Inn Wheeling

Hampton Inn Wheeling

3 out of 5
795 National Rd, Wheeling, WV
Hampton Inn Wheeling
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near West Virginia Penitentiary

While exploring the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, consider extending your adventure to the nearby Appalachian Trail, which offers stunning hiking experiences through the picturesque landscape. Additionally, you can visit local state parks, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, and scenic trails, all while soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

Food and drinks

For a unique dining experience near West Virginia Penitentiary, visit Black Sheep Vineyard, located 18 miles away. Savor local wines in a romantic setting, then explore the historic Stone Castle and the nostalgic Sugar Shack for a taste of regional comfort food.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Brooklyn Flea, located only 1 mile from the West Virginia Penitentiary, offering a mix of family and business vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Ohio Valley Mall, 12 miles away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Grand Vue Park offers a serene environment with hiking trails and scenic views, perfect for relaxation. WesBanco Arena provides an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while Belmont Hills Country Club boasts luxury amenities and a peaceful setting ideal for unwinding after your adventures.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Adventure Creek, a zipline and ropes course located 18 miles from West Virginia Penitentiary. Soar through the trees and navigate challenging obstacles while enjoying the beautiful outdoor scenery. It's an exhilarating way to embrace adventure in the heart of West Virginia!

Nightlife

At night, Moundsville's atmosphere buzzes with excitement. The Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack, only 10 miles away, offers thrilling gaming and vibrant city vibes. Catch a show at the Capitol Theater or enjoy family-friendly entertainment at the Heritage Port Amphitheater, both within 11 miles, enhancing your evening plans.

Find the best attractions near West Virginia Penitentiary

Visiting the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville offers a unique blend of history and culture. Explore the penitentiary itself, a historic site filled with intriguing stories, and check out local attractions like museums and urban parks. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty to enjoy nearby, making this destination perfect for families and culture seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to delve into the rich history of the area while experiencing its beautiful surroundings.

  • Grave Creek Mound: Just 0.1 miles from the West Virginia Penitentiary, Grave Creek Mound is an awe-inspiring archaeological site. This ancient burial mound offers visitors a glimpse into the culture and history of the Adena people, making it a significant stop for history enthusiasts.
  • Prabhupada's Palace of Gold: Located 8 miles away, this stunning historic site is often referred to as a hidden gem. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the palace is dedicated to the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and showcases intricate architecture and rich cultural displays.
  • Delf Norona Museum: Situated just 0.1 miles from the penitentiary, this museum features fascinating exhibits about local history and culture. Its collections provide insight into the region’s past, making it a perfect stop for curious minds.

Best time to go to West Virginia Penitentiary

Visitor numbers around West Virginia Penitentiary is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit West Virginia Penitentiary can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around West Virginia Penitentiary falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around West Virginia Penitentiary falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
February32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for West Virginia Penitentiary

To save money on your visit to the West Virginia Penitentiary, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Grand Vue Park and Wheeling Island Casino. Plan your trip during the cheaper months of September and November to December. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering prices from lowest to highest. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia package deals. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future hotel stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around West Virginia Penitentiary are September and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and April to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the West Virginia Penitentiary with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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