Mason County, West Virginia, is best known for the town of Point Pleasant, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Great Kanawha Rivers. This county combines a history of frontier wars, river culture, city festivals, and modern tourist attractions. Most attractions are concentrated along Main Street and in Riverfront Park, but there is plenty to see outside the center.
The most popular places in the county
Mason County and Point Pleasant are home to attractions that reflect different aspects of the region, from the legend of Mothman to 18th-century events and the modern Ohio River waterfront. Below are the main points that tourists visit most often.
Mothman Museum
The Mothman Museum is located on Main Street in Point Pleasant and is the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to the Mothman phenomenon. The exhibition is linked to events in 1966 and 1967, when residents reported strange encounters with a creature near Silver Bridge.
The museum features:
- Archival newspaper clippings about the Silver Bridge disaster
- Rare police reports and eyewitness accounts
- Materials about John Keel and Mary Hyre
- Props from the movie The Mothman Prophecies
- A Mothman-themed gift shop
The Mothman Museum is located next to the Mothman Statue, so these two locations are usually visited together.
Mothman Statue
The Mothman Statue was installed in 2003 in the center of Main Street. The metal sculpture, about 12 feet tall, was created by artist Bob Roach. The statue has become a symbol of Point Pleasant and a key feature of the annual Mothman Festival.
This place is more for a quick stop and photos, but it has become a recognizable landmark of the city.
Tu Endie Wei State Park
Tu Endie Wei State Park is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Great Kanawha Rivers. The park’s name comes from the Wyandotte word meaning “point between two waters.” The Point Pleasant Battlefield Monument, dedicated to the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774, is located here. The battle took place between the Virginia Militia, led by Colonel Andrew Lewis, and the Shawnee forces, led by Chief Cornstalk. The park is perfect for a leisurely stroll and for learning about the region’s early history.
Point Pleasant River Museum
The Point Pleasant River Museum tells the story of life on the Ohio River and Kanawha River. The exhibits are dedicated to river trade, boat building, sternwheel steamers, and industry during World War II.
The museum building, known as the Old Nease Building, has been associated with trade since the 19th century. The museum has a pilot house simulator, a research library, and materials on major floods and river accidents.
River Walk Murals
River Walk Murals are located on the floodwall at the entrance to Point Pleasant Riverfront Park. The most famous mural, created by artist Robert Dafford, is dedicated to the Battle of Point Pleasant. It is about 150 feet long.
The mural was painted with special mineral paint from Keim Paint Company. It is part of a series that chronicles the story of Mason County and the Ohio River Valley.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is located along the Ohio River and includes an 800-seat amphitheater, a 900-foot dock, and the Riverfront Pavilion. The Sternwheel Regatta and other city events are held here.
It is one of the most convenient places to walk with a view of the river and boats.
Historic Main Street
Historic Main Street in Point Pleasant brings together historic buildings, shops, and the Lowe Hotel, which is often mentioned as one of the most famous landmarks in the center. The Mothman Festival and other events are also held here.
The street is compact and suitable for walking. Most cafes and souvenir shops are located here.
Krodel Park and Campground
Krodel Park and Campground is located within Point Pleasant and includes a 22-acre lake. The lake is stocked annually by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
The park features:
- Picnic areas
- A 64-site campground
- A boating area
- A splash pad for children
- Fishing areas
This is a quieter alternative to the city center.
Fort Randolph
Fort Randolph is located in Krodel Park and is a reconstruction of an 18th-century fort. It is located about a mile from the site of the original fortifications that existed during the colonial period. The fort is associated with the events surrounding the Battle of Point Pleasant and the history of the Ohio Valley.
Conclusion
Mason County West Virginia combines several themes: the legend of Mothman, the memory of the Battle of Point Pleasant, the river culture of the Ohio River, and the small urban infrastructure of Point Pleasant. The main attractions are compactly located and accessible on foot along Main Street and Riverfront Park. For a more relaxing getaway, Krodel Park, Tu Endie Wei State Park, and walks along the Ohio River are ideal.