Morgantown, West Virginia · Published by Emberlight Studios
Updated October 2026 · 8 places · Morgantown
Quick answer
Our top picks are White Park, Core Arboretum and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.
These free parks, trails, galleries and museums are all in Morgantown, West Virginia. Outdoor spaces are generally available year-round; museum and gallery access depends on their posted schedules.
1001 Mississippi Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
White Park is a city park with a large shared-use trail system. Local park information describes wooded routes used by hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best for: hiking and biking
No street number listed; Monongahela Boulevard and Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV
The 91-acre Core Arboretum is a free public arboretum with footpaths through wooded hillside and bottomland. Its roughly three miles of trails, mature forest and planted trees and shrubs are among its best-known features.
Best for: nature walks
185 Garrett Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park is a public green space along the Monongahela River, with access to the Caperton Trail. The park is also a venue for local festivals and concerts.
Best for: riverfront walks
Caperton Trail access points in Morgantown include Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park, 185 Garrett Street, Morgantown, WV 26501
The Caperton Trail is a paved rail-trail that follows the Monongahela River through Morgantown. It passes the riverfront park, the WVU Core Arboretum and other city destinations, and is used for walking, biking and skating.
Best for: walking and cycling
20 Fine Arts Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506
The Art Museum of WVU offers free admission and displays a collection of more than 4,000 works. The adjacent Nath Sculpture Garden adds outdoor sculpture among native plants and trees.
Best for: art and sculpture
1374 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506
The free Watts Museum presents the history of West Virginia’s mineral resources and related industries. Its exhibits have covered subjects including coal mining, oil and gas, and the timber industry.
Best for: regional industrial history
175 Kirk Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
The free Morgantown History Museum interprets the history of Morgantown and Monongalia County through permanent and rotating exhibits. Its collection includes local glassware and pottery, Don Knotts memorabilia and a vintage printing shop.
Best for: local history
107 High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
The Monongalia Arts Center is a community arts and education center with galleries and a historic theater. Its galleries present changing exhibits, and the center describes itself as a space for visual, performing and literary arts.
Best for: gallery visits