Located on the Ohio River, Wheeling has a rich history as a British frontier town, as the state’s first capital, and as an active industrial city in the late 19th century, including iron and steel mills, glassworks, and cigar-making. At one point, Wheeling was the richest city per capita in America, with many beautiful old mansions still standing as testimony to the earlier time of wealth. Wheeling’s West Virginia Independence Hall dates back to 1859 and tells the area’s history with exhibits, lectures, tours, and programs.
Voted 2023 WV Living’s “Best West Virginia Resort,” Oglebay is Wheeling’s largest event facility. Set on 2,000 acres, the resort has 250 lodging rooms and 54 two- to eight-bedroom cottages and estate homes. The resort has more than 30,000 square feet of indoor function space to accommodate 500 event guests, plus additional outdoor venues. Resort amenities include 36 holes of championship golf, a 5,000-square-foot spa, a lake with paddleboats, and The Good Zoo, West Virginia’s only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In addition, Oglebay’s National Training School offers courses in management, hospitality, and other subjects.
Other hotels with event space include Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack, with 151 guest rooms, five multipurpose event venues, and banquet seating for 450 guests; and McLure House Hotel, with 150 guest rooms and an 8,000-square-foot ballroom. At The Highlands, a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in nearby Tridelphia, Highlands Event Center features a 4,000-square-foot multipurpose room. Hampton Inn & Suites The Highlands has 123 guest rooms and two small meeting rooms.
