Do you know who created Father’s Day? Grace Golden Clayton, a resident of Barboursville, WV, suggested a memorial service in 1908 to remember the 250 fathers who died in the Monongah, West Virginia, coal mining disaster.
Professional athletes George Baumgardner, an MLB pitcher, and Jason Starkey, an NFL center, also called Barboursville home.
You might have never heard of it until now, but let’s look at why you should plan a trip to visit this quaint western West Virginia town. Let’s dive in.
How to Plan a Trip To Barboursville WV
Before planning a trip to Barboursville, WV, let’s learn a little bit more about the town.
Although it’s a town established over two hundred years ago, it’s also a bustling hubbub of things to do.
Combining history with modern conveniences, you can do and see it all on your trip.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith
About Barboursville WV
Founded in 1813, Barboursville, WV, was originally the Cabell County seat, the hub of commerce and politics in the 19th Century.
The Guyandotte River flows through this western town, which made trading easy and established a port of call that helped to develop Barboursville as an industrial center.
In 2008, the Historic District earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. However, in 1991, the Thornburg House earned the Historic Place designation.
This small town is full of rich history, and you can visit these locations and learn more during your trip to Barboursville, WV.
Today the town is home to about 4,200 residents and the Huntington Mall, the largest indoor mall in West Virginia.
The Merritt’s Creek Farm Shopping Center is also a busy retail area offering big box stores like Target and Home Depot and smaller, local businesses. So when you plan your trip, leave room on the itinerary for some shopping.
Traveler’s Tip: We have more reasons to continue to explore West Virginia and you can find 5 of them in the town of Bluefield.
Getting There
Barboursville, WV, is about 10 miles east of West Virginia’s second-largest city, Huntington. It’s about 40 miles west of the state capital, Charleston.
You can easily access it from I-64, and it lies right off Highway 60 in the western part of the state. You can also drive a few miles to the borders of Ohio and Kentucky.
Things to Do in Barboursville, WV
Here are some things to do when you visit to make your trip an enjoyable one. Go shopping at Huntington Mall and Merritt’s Creek Farm Shopping Center.
Visit the Historic District and the Thornburg House for a taste of American history. Or have fun at some outdoor recreational areas and charming Airbnb’s to call home during your stay.
Enjoy a Weekend Getaway at Beech Fork State Park
Address: 5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504
About Beech Fork State Park: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created Beech Fork Lake in the 1970s to control flooding. With over 3,100 acres, Beech Fork State Park offers camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and more outdoor activities.
You can rent a cabin or reserve a campsite. Nearby you’ll find the Blenko Glass Factory, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, and Camden Park.
Play a Round of Disc Golf
Address: Park Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504
About Barboursville Disc Golf Course: Another great outdoor recreational activity is playing disc golf at Barboursville City Park. Once you arrive at the park, drive past the ballfields, tennis courts, and spray ground to the parking lot at Lake William.
The practice basket and first tee lie to the right past shelter #8. This moderately hilly and lightly wooded course provides a mixture of holes to entertain both the beginner and experienced player.
Be a Kid at Pump Up the Fun
Address: 6759 Merrick Creek Rd, Huntington, WV 25702
About Pump Up The Fun: If you need some entertainment for the kids, check out Pump Up the Fun, an indoor inflatable center. They also do all of the party planning if you want to have a birthday here.
It costs $7 for children under 42 inches and $12 for children over 42 inches. Adults can’t get on the inflatables. Operating hours change due to private parties, so call ahead before arriving.
Where to Stay Near Barboursville, WV
Although you’ll find numerous options for hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals near Barboursville, WV, check out these two Airbnb rentals.
You also have the option of staying inside Beech Fork State Park at one of the cabins or campsites for a more rustic experience.
5 Bedroom Home with Hot Tub
Amenities: If you need lots of space, this residential home sleeps up to 16 guests. This would be a great option for two families who want separate rooms but still enjoy visiting Barboursville together.
With 4,000 sq ft of space, you’ll have plenty of room for the kids to play, the adults to lounge, and the teenagers to have their own space.
You may love the jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, all of the flat-screen TVs, and the patio deck. The garage and driveway can accommodate six vehicles.
This house is just minutes from restaurants, shopping, bars, and downtown Huntington, just 20 minutes from Barboursville.
View this stay on Airbnb →
Charming Riverside Cottage
Amenities: If you’d rather have a quaint cottage, you’ll find this charming home in a quiet neighborhood.
Enjoy conversation by the outdoor fire pit and serve up steaks or hamburgers on the BBQ grill. This cottage sleeps up to seven guests.
It has three bedrooms with four total beds for everyone to have their own space. This private location gets you away from the city of Huntington but is still close enough to enjoy the dining and shopping opportunities.
View this stay on Airbnb →
Is Barboursville, WV, Worth a Visit?
Whether you drive down I-77 to Charleston or take a road trip along I-64 from Louisville, KY, to Richmond, VA, you should make a pit stop at Barboursville, WV.
With its proximity to Charleston and Huntington, you’ll have easy access to the big cities of West Virginia.
You’ll also experience the southern charm and character of a quaint mountain town. Enjoy the history of the area and the outdoor recreational activities without fighting traffic or crowds.
Barboursville, WV, could make a great destination for your next road trip. When will you visit?
