Blennerhassett State Park Activities
In addition to taking in the the all the historical sights, visitors to Blennerhassett Island can also enjoy biking, fishing and hiking during their visit.
Blennerhassett Mansion by Candlelight
Tickets are almost sold out!
Available for two nights only, October 10-11, 2025, take a step back in time and experience the enchantment of Blennerhassett Island and its magnificent mansion much as Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett did over 200 years ago. Illuminated by hundreds of candles and lanterns, the island is transformed into an 18th century party, featuring docents in period costume, 18th century dance performances, Appalachian music, local folklore and many other activities.
Tickets are $42/per adult, $32/per child age 4-12. Children 3 & under are free. Your ticket purchase includes the round-trip boat ride, horse-drawn wagon ride, and mansion by candlelight tours.
Complete your evening with a harvest supper on the island, available as an add-on purchase. Dinner is $25/per adult, $15/ per child age 4-12. Children 3 & under are free.
Refund/Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be made by 11:59 pm, Sept. 26, 2025, to receive a refund. Cancellations made after that date and time are non-refundable.
Biking
You may not be able to get to the island by bike, but you can certainly bring one over on the Island Belle Sternwheeler, or rent one on the island. Cover even more ground on the island by bike to discover all the history here.
Camping
Blennerhassett Island is a day-use park, but you’re never far from a campground in West Virginia. Try these nearby campgrounds:
North Bend State Park
202 North Bend State Park Rd.
Cairo, WV 26337
304-643-2931
Cheat Canyon Campground
3405 N Preston Hwy
Albright, WV 26519
304-329-6522
Albrights Campground
107-a Pickering St.
Parkersburg, WV 26101
304-329-3626
Hiking
Blennerhassett has nature walks galore! Come visit this beautiful little island and see all it has to offer in wildlife, history and entertainment.
Historical Mansion Tours & Wagon Rides
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park features a replica Palladian mansion on the island, modeled after the home of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, wealthy Irish aristocrats. Over the years, the couple’s mansion gained a reputation for being the West’s most beautiful home. Then, in 1805, they allowed their estate to become headquarters for Aaron Burr’s military expedition to the Southwest, an episode that raised the island to national renown and awarded it a permanent footnote in American history.
Keep the old-timey vibes going and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride to get the best tour of the scenic island and gardens.
Museums and Historical Sites
The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History in Parkersburg boasts three floors of regional memorabilia. From prehistoric weapons to jewelry and odd items— like a “burning glass”— there’s no shortage of curious things to find! While you’re there, visit the gift shop for fine art and crafts.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted from the banks of the island with proper licenses. West Virginia fishing licenses are available for purchase online.