10 Fun Things To Do Near Hurricane, West Virginia (Putnam County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Hurricane, West Virginia (Putnam County)

If you’ve ever driven along I‑64 between Charleston and Huntington and wondered about that small town called Hurricane, West Virginia, you’re not alone. Tucked in Putnam County, Hurricane is a friendly, growing community that makes a great base for a relaxed weekend or a simple day trip. Whether you’re road-tripping across the state or just looking for new ideas close to home, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Hurricane, WV that are easy, low-stress, and perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers.

1. Relax at Hurricane City Park & the Hurricane Reservoir

Start your visit right in town at Hurricane City Park. It’s the kind of small-town park that feels familiar and welcoming the moment you step out of your car. You’ll find:
  • Walking trails and paved paths for an easy stroll
  • Playgrounds for kids to burn off energy
  • Ball fields and basketball courts
  • Plenty of green space for a picnic blanket or lawn chairs
Just up the hill is the Hurricane Reservoir, a peaceful spot where locals go to walk, jog, or simply watch the water. On a quiet fall afternoon, with the trees changing color, it feels like your own private retreat. If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy first stop after a long drive on I‑64. Need a tip? Grab sandwiches in town and turn it into a simple picnic with a view.

2. Spend a Weekend at Valley Park in Nearby Hurricane/Winfield Area

Just a short drive from downtown Hurricane, Valley Park in neighboring Winfield is one of the top family-friendly spots in Putnam County. Highlights include:
  • Waves of Fun Water Park (seasonal) with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool
  • Walking trails and open fields
  • Playgrounds and picnic shelters
  • Community events, markets, and festivals throughout the year
On a hot summer day, Valley Park is where locals go to cool off and let the kids go wild. If you’re planning a summer trip to Hurricane, check the park’s schedule ahead of time—there’s often something going on, from outdoor movies to local fairs.

3. Explore Main Street Hurricane’s Local Shops & Eats

One of the best parts of visiting a small town is wandering the main drag. Downtown Hurricane may be compact, but it has a relaxed charm you don’t get in bigger cities. Take a walk along Main Street and look for:
  • Locally owned restaurants and cafes
  • Small boutiques and specialty shops
  • Historic buildings and old storefronts with character
You won’t find big-city nightlife here, and that’s kind of the point. Instead, you get friendly faces, hearty food, and that easy pace where nobody seems to be in a rush. If you like to support small businesses when you travel, Hurricane gives you the perfect chance.

4. Catch Local Events: Festivals, Parades, and Friday Nights

What really makes Hurricane, WV feel alive are its community events. For such a small town, the calendar stays surprisingly full. Depending on the time of year, you might catch:
  • Holiday parades and seasonal festivals
  • High school football games under the lights
  • Car shows and community fundraisers
  • Live music nights or outdoor summer events
If you enjoy feeling like “one of the locals” when you travel, these events are the perfect place to mingle, chat, and get a feel for small-town life in West Virginia. Curious what’s happening when you’re in town? Check the city or county event listings before your trip, or ask at a local restaurant—people are usually happy to fill you in.

5. Hit the Links at Nearby Golf Courses

If your idea of a relaxing vacation includes a round of golf, the Hurricane area gives you several options within an easy drive. In and around Putnam County, you’ll find:
  • Public courses with wide fairways and forgiving layouts
  • Scenic holes with rolling hills and tree-lined views
  • Casual clubhouses where nobody expects you to dress fancy
It’s the kind of golf scene where you can show up in comfortable clothes, enjoy 18 holes, and still have time to grab dinner in Hurricane afterward. If you’re traveling with family, golf can be your quiet break while the rest of the crew hits the park or shops.

6. Take a Day Trip to Charleston, West Virginia’s Capital

One of the biggest perks of staying in Hurricane is how close you are to Charleston, the state capital—just about a 25–30 minute drive east on I‑64. In Charleston, you can:
  • Walk around the stunning West Virginia State Capitol and its gold dome
  • Visit the West Virginia State Museum for a free look at state history
  • Stroll along Haddad Riverfront Park on the Kanawha River
  • Explore shops and restaurants around the downtown and Capitol Street area
Think of Hurricane as your quiet home base and Charleston as your “city day” getaway. You get the best of both worlds: small-town calm at night and big-town attractions during the day.

7. Head West to Huntington for Art, History, and Food

Drive about 30 minutes west from Hurricane and you’ll hit Huntington, WV, another easy day trip with a very different vibe. In Huntington, consider:
  • Visiting the Huntington Museum of Art with its galleries and nature trails
  • Spending time at Pullman Square for shopping, dining, and people-watching
  • Walking through Heritage Farm Museum & Village (a bit south of town) to step back into Appalachian history
If you’re staying a long weekend in Hurricane, you could spend one day exploring Charleston and another in Huntington, then return each evening to a quieter, less crowded place to sleep and unwind.

8. Enjoy the Outdoors Along the Kanawha & Local Lakes

While Hurricane itself is more suburban and residential, you’re never far from outdoor recreation in this part of West Virginia. Near Hurricane and around Putnam County, you can:
  • Access the Kanawha River for scenic drives and river views
  • Find small lakes and ponds that locals use for fishing
  • Enjoy country backroads perfect for a slow, peaceful drive
West Virginia is known as “Almost Heaven” for a reason. Even a basic drive around the area—especially in fall when the leaves turn—is an easy, low-effort way to enjoy the landscape without needing hiking boots or gear.

9. Sample Local Flavors: Diners, Pizza, and Comfort Food

Let’s be honest: one of the best things to do in Hurricane, WV is simply… eat. Around town and in nearby communities, you’ll run into:
  • Classic diners with big breakfasts and hot coffee
  • Local pizza joints and burger spots
  • Home-style restaurants serving comfort food the way your grandma might
Travel doesn’t always have to mean fancy. Sometimes it’s sitting in a booth, listening to the locals talk about Friday night’s game, and enjoying a plate of something warm after a long drive. If you like discovering small-town favorites, ask your server: “If I’m only here once, what should I try?” You’ll usually get an honest, from-the-heart answer.

10. Use Hurricane as a Base for Exploring Southern West Virginia

While Hurricane itself is a small dot on the map, its location makes it a solid starting point for a bigger West Virginia road trip. From Hurricane, you can branch out to:
  • The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (a few hours away, best as a day trip or overnight side trip)
  • Scenic drives through the hills and valleys of southern West Virginia
  • Other small towns and historic sites scattered across the region
If you’re driving in from states like Ohio, Kentucky, or Virginia, Hurricane can act as your “first night stop”—a place to rest, regroup, and decide which direction to head next.

Is Hurricane, West Virginia Worth a Stop?

If you’re looking for big attractions or theme parks, Hurricane might not be at the top of your list. But if you enjoy:
  • Small-town charm
  • Easy access to Charleston and Huntington
  • Parks, local events, and simple outdoor fun
then this little town in Putnam County is absolutely worth a visit. Sometimes the best travel memories come from the quieter places—an evening walk around the park, a friendly chat in a local diner, or a slow drive along a backroad you’d never find in a guidebook.

Share Your Hurricane, WV Experience

Have you spent time in Hurricane, West Virginia or somewhere else in Putnam County? Did you discover a local restaurant, park, or hidden gem that should be on this list? I’d love to hear about it. Share your favorite things to do near Hurricane in the comments, or pass this article along to a friend who’s planning a road trip through West Virginia. Your tips and stories help other travelers see just how much this small town has to offer.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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