Morgantown, WV - A Vibrant, Thriving Place

Morgantown is the county seat of Monongalia County and is the medical, cultural, and commercial focal point of north central West Virginia. It is also home to the largest college in West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU), with an enrollment of 26,864 students (Fall 2018). Discover Goldline Roofing & Exteriors.

Originally founded as a colonial town, Morgantown grew from an isolated settlement to a bustling center for commerce, education and industry during the 19th century. The railroad came in 1886 and gas and oil production began a few years later. These events changed Morgantown in that the downtown became a centralized location for businesses and residential units, while the suburbs were built.

Today, the city's historic downtown area still remains the focus of business activity. With a combination of small retail businesses, professional services, restaurants and apartments, the historic downtown is a vibrant, thriving place that attracts a wide range of visitors.

The historic downtown area features a variety of shops that specialize in a broad range of products and services, such as clothing, accessories, gifts, art, music and antiques. It also has a number of specialty stores, including Retro-tique and Pathfinder Outdoors, that cater to local residents and visitors with unique and one-of-a-kind items.

Many of the original buildings in downtown Morgantown remain intact, although they have undergone some remodeling or renovation in recent years. The facades of these older buildings have been preserved and the interiors restored, providing a look that is both timeless and eclectic.

There are several shopping areas in the city, including Morgantown Mall and Seneca Center, which have a mix of national brands and local specialty stores. The historic downtown offers a variety of unique and one-of-a-kind retailers as well, including Retro-tique, which sells old records, toys and other odds and ends.

Another great destination for shopping is the Wharf District along the Monongahela River in South Park. This neighborhood has been revitalized in the past two decades, featuring restaurants and steakhouses as well as access to more than 10 miles of paved fun in the Caperton Trail and Decker's Creek Trail systems.

This neighborhood also has a large reservoir, Jack Roberts Park, and the city's first mall, Mountaineer Mall. This is also where the Morgantown Municipal Ice Arena is located, as well as the Monongalia County Technical Education Center.

Other areas of interest in the region include Coopers Rock State Forest, 12 miles (19 km) east of Morgantown. This area has hiking trails, overlooks and a zipline canopy tour.

The nearby Cheat Lake has beaches and a shoreline trail. It is also a popular fishing spot, especially during the summer.

The city is the home of the West Virginia Museum and Sculpture Garden and is a popular destination for tourists. It is also the home of Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium, where West Virginia University’s football team plays. The WVU Core Arboretum is an excellent place to take in nature and the outdoors, with old-growth forests and spring wildflowers.