Discover Kingwood: History, Nature and Family Experiences

Kingwood combines historic sites with trails, wildlife viewing, summer water activities and local events. This allows you to plan your trip entirely around your family’s interests: with history and architecture, a section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail, a visit to the Wildlife Zoo or a day at the pool. The Kingwood Trailhead Park is located at 147 Sisler Street and is also a specific starting point for exploring the area.

History and Architecture in Kingwood

The Kingwood Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Anyone interested in the development of historic places can consider this district a focal point when planning their trip. Another historic stop is Maplewood Cemetery. It was established in 1870 and contains gravestones from the 19th century. These different traces of time make Kingwood interesting for travelers who want to spend their vacation days not only on activities but also on cultural discoveries.

The McGrew House is particularly illustrative: its northern section dates from the 1840s and is designed in the Federalist style, while a later-added southern section combines features of the Italianate and Gothic Revival styles. Tours of the McGrew House are offered every third Sunday during Preston County History Days and every Saturday during the Preston County Farmers Market. In addition, the house hosts, among other events, the Farmers Market, the Spring Pie Sale, WV Day and the Fall Flower Sale each year. When planning your trip, it is therefore worthwhile to consider historic interests and local events together.

Trails, Trees and Special Experiences

If you would like to combine exercise and observing nature, Kingwood Trailhead Park is an important point of reference. From there, a two-mile section of the WV Northern Rail-Trail is open near residential areas and woodland. The route can be planned as an activity in its own right, without having to limit your trip to just one type of experience. Historic James C. McGrew Arbor is also home to five trees designated as “State Champions,” as well as rare exotic trees. This offers nature enthusiasts an unusual perspective on the town’s botanical side.

Families with different interests have further options to choose from. Kingwood Pool offers daily recreational swimming, lap swimming and night swimming every summer. Private pool parties are also possible every summer. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo is home to more than 100 animals from around the world. The animals on display there include chimpanzees, grizzlies, orange-and-white tigers, spotted and black leopards, ring-tailed lemurs and baboons. Those traveling with children who would like to include wildlife viewing in their plans can set aside this visit as a separate day of the trip.

Plan Your Trip Around Your Interests

Kingwood also offers an 18-hole golf course: Preston County Country Club has this facility along the Cheat River. Another local tradition is the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, held every year by the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department. This makes the selection range from sports and history and nature to recurring community events.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can therefore first decide which experiences should define your trip. For days focused on history, the Historic District, Maplewood Cemetery and the McGrew House take center stage. Those who prefer to combine different activities can include the trail, the arbor, the pool, the zoo or the golf course in their plans. What matters is that the location of your accommodation suits your own daily itinerary; you should always check specific distances and amenities directly in the listing. You can also explore Tunnelton and Terra Alta as additional destinations on the portal.

For the broader travel overview: Preston County.