10 Fun Things To Do Near Barboursville, West Virginia (Cabell County)

If you’re road-tripping through West Virginia or planning a weekend getaway near Huntington, don’t sleep on Barboursville in Cabell County. This small town has a cozy, laid‑back feel, but there’s plenty to do within just a short drive. From scenic parks and outlet shopping to wineries and college-town nightlife, here are 10 things to do near Barboursville, WV that make this corner of the state worth a stop.

1. Explore Barboursville Park – The Heart of the Community

Barboursville Park is the kind of place locals grow up with—and visitors fall in love with. It’s a huge park, spread out over rolling hills, lakes, and sports fields. You can:

Walk or jog the paved trails around the lakes
Let the kids burn off energy at several playgrounds
Pack a picnic and grab a shaded shelter
Fish in the park lakes (with proper license)
Play soccer, baseball, or disc golf

On a warm evening, the park feels like a classic small‑town gathering spot: kids on bikes, families grilling, and neighbors catching up. If you like easy outdoor time without a long hike or tricky trails, Barboursville Park is perfect. It’s also a great first stop to stretch your legs after a long drive on I‑64.

2. Shop & Dine at the Huntington Mall

Just off the interstate, the Huntington Mall is one of the biggest shopping hubs in the region and a major draw for visitors from across West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. Inside and around the mall you’ll find:

National clothing and shoe stores
Big‑box retailers and specialty shops
Casual chain restaurants and local eateries
Movie theater (perfect for a rainy day)

Maybe you forgot your hiking shoes. Maybe you just want to wander and people‑watch with a coffee in hand. Either way, the Huntington Mall area is the retail heart of Barboursville. Travel tip: Weekends and holidays can get busy, so if you prefer a calmer shopping experience, try weekday mornings or early afternoons.

3. Sip Local at The Wine Valley (and Nearby Wineries)

If you enjoy a glass of wine after a day of exploring, you’re in luck. Barboursville sits within easy reach of some pleasant local wine spots. The Wine Valley in Barboursville is a cozy wine shop and tasting spot where you can:

Sample a variety of wines
Pick up bottles to take back to your hotel or cabin
Get friendly advice on what pairs well with dinner

Within a short drive of Cabell County, you’ll also find other small wineries and tasting rooms scattered through the region. It’s not Napa Valley—but that’s part of the charm. The pace is slower, the people are friendlier, and you often end up in real conversations instead of rushed tastings. If you’re building a romantic weekend near Barboursville, adding a low‑key wine stop is an easy win.

4. Step Back in Time at Heritage Farm (Huntington)

About 15–20 minutes from Barboursville, on the outskirts of Huntington, you’ll find Heritage Farm Museum & Village—a must‑see if you’re curious about Appalachian history or traveling with kids. This outdoor museum feels like a small pioneer village, with:

Historic cabins and buildings
Hands‑on exhibits about early mountain life
A petting zoo and animal encounters
Seasonal events and festivals

Walking through Heritage Farm almost feels like stepping into a storybook version of 1800s Appalachia. You can see old tools, watch demonstrations, and get a sense of how people lived before highways and smartphones. If you’ve ever wondered what life looked like in these hills a hundred years ago, this is where the past becomes real.

5. Stroll Through Ritter Park in Huntington

Just a short drive from Barboursville, Ritter Park in Huntington is one of the prettiest urban parks in the region. Locals go there to walk dogs, jog, or just relax under the trees. Highlights include:

A wide, shaded walking path
A beautiful rose garden in season
Open grassy areas for frisbee or lounging
Creekside spots perfect for a quiet moment

If Barboursville Park feels like a classic community park, Ritter Park has more of a garden‑city feel. Both are worth visiting, especially if you like to balance shopping and driving with some quieter time outdoors. Think of it as a “reset button” for your day—just park the car, take a slow walk, and breathe in some fresh West Virginia air.

6. Visit Marshall University & Downtown Huntington

When you stay in or near Barboursville, you’re only about 15–20 minutes from Marshall University and downtown Huntington. This college town area brings a different kind of energy. Here’s what to do nearby:

Walk through Marshall’s campus and see the Memorial Fountain
Explore Pullman Square with its shops, restaurants, and movie theater
Grab coffee at a local café and people‑watch
Catch live music, especially on weekends

If you’ve ever driven by a college campus and thought, “We should stop and explore,” this is your sign to do it here. The mix of students, locals, and visitors makes downtown Huntington feel lively but still approachable.

7. Enjoy the Ohio Riverfront at Harris Riverfront Park

West Virginia and the Ohio River go hand in hand, and from Barboursville you’re just a short drive away from Harris Riverfront Park in Huntington. Here you can:

Walk along the river and watch barges glide by
Relax on benches overlooking the water
Let kids run around the open grassy areas
Catch seasonal events, concerts, or festivals

There’s something calming about rivers. Even if you only have 30 minutes, a quick stroll here can make your day feel less rushed. It’s a nice contrast to the busier shopping areas near Barboursville.

8. Get Outdoors in Beech Fork State Park

If you’re craving more nature than your average city park, head about 20–30 minutes south of Barboursville to Beech Fork State Park. This state park offers:

Hiking trails of various lengths
Camping and cabin rentals
Boating and kayaking on Beech Fork Lake
Fishing opportunities

On a sunny weekend, you’ll see everything from families cooking over campfires to anglers quietly working a favorite fishing spot. If you have a free day on your Barboursville trip, Beech Fork is an easy way to spend hours outdoors without a long drive into the mountains. Tip: If you’re visiting in summer or fall, consider booking a cabin ahead of time—weekends can fill up fast.

9. Catch a Show or Game in the Huntington Area

One benefit of staying in Barboursville is that you get small‑town calm with quick access to big‑town events. Within a 20–25 minute drive, you can find:

Marshall University sports – football in the fall, basketball in winter, and more
Concerts and performances at local venues like the Keith-Albee or Mountain Health Arena
Community theater and smaller live shows

If you like planning trips around events—like a big game, a touring concert, or a holiday show—use Barboursville as your base. You get easy interstate access, familiar restaurants, and a quieter place to sleep, but you’re still close to the action.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Cabell County & Beyond

Sometimes the best thing to do near Barboursville is simply…drive. West Virginia is full of winding roads, tree‑covered hills, and little communities that feel frozen in time. From Barboursville, consider:

A leisurely drive through Cabell County’s back roads
Side trips to nearby small towns and local diners
Exploring country churches, old barns, and hidden overlooks

If you’re from a big city, these drives can feel like stepping into another world. There’s less traffic, more sky, and that unique mix of forest and farmland that makes rural West Virginia special. Just top off your gas tank, queue up a playlist, and follow the road. In this part of the state, the journey really is part of the experience.

Planning Your Visit to Barboursville, WV

Barboursville might not be the biggest name on the map, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a practical, comfortable base with:

Quick access to I‑64
Plenty of hotels and chain restaurants
Local parks, wine, and shopping
Easy drives to Huntington, state parks, and the Ohio River

Whether you’re passing through on a long road trip, visiting Marshall University, or just looking for a relaxed weekend in West Virginia, you’ll find more to do near Barboursville than you might expect.

What Did We Miss? Share Your Barboursville Favorites

Have you spent time in Barboursville or Cabell County?

Do you have a favorite hiking spot?
Know a local restaurant that visitors have to try?
Found a hidden gem that isn’t on the usual tourist lists?

Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your experience can help other travelers plan a better trip. If you found this guide to things to do near Barboursville, West Virginia helpful, please share it with a friend, post it on social media, or save it for your next road trip through the Mountain State.

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