Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Parkersburg, WV
An Ohio River island with a reconstructed mansion and pleasant flat paths for walking or riding a wagon tour. Access is by a sternwheeler boat from Parkersburg, so check the seasonal boat schedule before driving out.
The island in the Ohio River is associated with Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, Irish aristocrats who settled here in 1798 and built an estate. In 1805 it served as headquarters for Aaron Burr's expedition, which was suspected of aiming to found a state independent of the United States. The mansion burned down in 1811; today a replica house in the Palladian style stands on the rediscovered foundations and gives an impression of life on a colonial plantation.
You can reach the island only by sternwheeler from Point Park on 2nd Street in Parkersburg. The park is open from May to the end of October (as of October 2026), and in October there is an evening tour, "Mansion by Candlelight." Offerings include tours, self-guided walks and horse-drawn carriage rides. Allow at least three hours including the crossing. Check the current boat schedule before you travel.
- Nearest town
- Parkersburg, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.2723, -81.6401
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Carthage Gap CampCampsite12 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
- Washington County Fairgrounds CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
- Ashland RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park · 61 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Castle Care CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Lane Farm CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State ParkTents
- Kinderhook Horse TrailheadCampsite24 mi from Blennerhassett Island Historical State ParkTentsCaravansToiletsFree
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park?
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is in Parkersburg, WV, at GPS 39.2723, -81.6401. It is about 64 mi from Charleston.
Can you camp near Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Butcher Bend 4-H Camp, about 11 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cedar Falls (48 mi), Ash Cave (49 mi), Old Man’s Cave (49 mi) and Rock House (54 mi).
When is the best time to visit Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)