Kingwood: History, Nature, and Seasonal Experiences

There are many different ways to shape a trip to Kingwood: historic architecture, an open section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail, golf, wildlife, or seasonal offerings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kingwood, you can first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The season matters primarily for swimming options; for annual festivals and markets, the specific date is what counts.

History in Buildings, a Cemetery, and Trees

The Kingwood Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. One house offers a concrete glimpse into architectural history: the northern section of the McGrew House dates to the 1840s and is in the Federalist style. The southern section, added later, is designed in the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles. The transition from the earlier northern section to the later southern one makes the house’s different construction phases easy to understand.

Maplewood Cemetery also has a place in the area’s history: it was established in 1870 and includes 19th-century gravestones. The Historic James C. McGrew Arbor adds a landscape focus to the history of buildings and cemeteries. It is home to five trees designated “State Champions,” as well as rare exotic trees. Designations may change.

Rail Trails, Golf, and Wildlife

Kingwood Trailhead Park is located at 147 Sisler Street. A two-mile section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail is open from there; this section is near residential areas and woodland. While this section is open, the larger corridor is still under construction. If the trail is a key part of your trip plans, check in advance on the current status of the section you want to use.

Located on the Cheat River, Preston County Country Club has an 18-hole golf course. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo is home to more than 100 animals from around the world, including chimpanzees, grizzlies, orange-and-white tigers, spotted and black leopards, ring-tailed lemurs, and baboons. The number and composition of the animal population may change.

Seasonal Offerings and Annual Events

Kingwood Pool offers daily swimming, lap swimming, and night swimming every summer. Private pool parties are also held every summer. Seasonal schedules may change; if you’re planning your trip around one of these offerings, check the current season’s schedule.

The Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department hosts the Preston County Buckwheat Festival every year. The McGrew House also holds annual events, including the Farmers Market, Spring Pie Sale, WV Day, and Fall Flower Sale. Specific event dates may change. If you want one of these events to shape your stay, check the date for the year in question.

There are therefore two different considerations when choosing when to visit: for swimming, the summer season is key; for festivals and markets, it’s the date of the event.

Discover more destinations: Tunnelton, Terra Alta

For the main travel overview: Preston County.