Labor Day weekend may traditionally mark the end of summer, but at West Virginia State Parks, we plan celebrations and family-friendly activities all year long! With the coming of Labor Day, we know that fall is right around the corner. So plan one last long weekend getaway and celebrate the start of fall with us.
Don’t know where to go? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of the top Labor Day events just for you! All you have to do is pick your park and pack your bag!
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
- Kick off your Labor Day weekend with a dinner cruise on the Island Belle sternwheeler on Friday, September 2. After dinner, top off the evening with a concert by Van Halen tribute band, Panama, in downtown Parkersburg. To reserve your spot on the sternwheeler, call 304-420-4800.
- Get a sweet taste of homemade apple butter at the Apple Butter Festival Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4.
- Beginners and professionals, bring your acoustic instrument and head to the island on Sunday, September 4, for Pickin’ in the Park. The pickin’ runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and pickers ride the Island Belle for free!
Holly River State Park
This Labor Day, Holly River State Park is hosting the Hustle 5K Run and Walk. The fun starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 4. This is a timed event on a mostly gravel road and part of the Holly River Festival. Awards and prizes go to finishers in various age categories, and everyone who enters gets a T-shirt. Proceeds go to the Holly River State Park Foundation to help support park improvement projects. Registration is available online.
Pipestem Resort State Park
In addition to its regular family friendly activities, Pipestem Resort State Park has scheduled two special end-of-summer activities.
- The fabulous family band, Lilly Mountaineers, will perform at Pipestem’s outdoor amphitheater Saturday, September 3, at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend the evening listening to traditional bluegrass music. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 6-12.
- Start Sunday, September 4 with the 10-mile Bluestone Turnpike Hike. Ride the aerial tram down to Mountain Creek Lodge starting at 10 a.m. The guided hike is approximately 10 miles from Pipestem to Bluestone State Park (don’t worry, a shuttle will bring you back). Take water, sandwiches or snacks, and be sure to wear good hiking shoes.