Small towns are often like time capsules, which capture the charm and warmth of days gone by. Shinnston, West Virginia is one such town in Harrison County that dates back to 1778 when the oldest standing structure in North Central West Virginia was built; the Levi Shinn's log house. It's hard to imagine a structure that is over two centuries old, yet it is, and is located right along US Route 19, and is maintained by the Shinnston Historical Association.

Grain Mills and Saw Mills were the thriving businesses back in the day. Later, the town grew, and other businesses were drawn to the town. As you walk around you can picture the wagon makers and potters at work. There are many small towns with historic treasures and stories to tell just like Shinnston, which makes it more interesting for travelers.

Shinnston is located in the North Central part of West Virginia, where you'll find the West Fork River Rail Trail, featuring over 16 miles of scenic trails to explore. Bring along your camera and capture the West Virginia's natural beauty and wildlife. The trail is also popular with hikers, and for horseback riding. You can also rent a bike if you did not bring your own and set off for a ride along the trail. As you ride you find yourself discovering several of the other nearby towns, and country roads. This is usually where we find great Farmer's Markets that are perfect for picking up a healthy snack or treat.

You can also enjoy recreation at nearby Audra, Cedar Creek, Stonewall Jackson State Parks or visit Coopers Rock, which has a wonderful view of the Cheat River gorge. Interesting sites to visit along the way are the boyhood home of General "Stonewall" Jackson, the early frontier fort, Prickett's Fort, and Watters Smith, a working frontier farm that takes you back to experience what life was like in the area so long ago.  

If you just love the offbeat sites you find in small towns, then visit the Bice-Ferguson Memorial Museum in down town Shinnston on the weekends, which has a interesting collection of antique telephones, and other exhibits. If you're interested in more antique telephones then head over into Fairmont to the Telephone Museum, located at 214 Monroe Street, that contains not only old telephones, but also switchboards, pay phones, booths, test boards, cable displays and is a tribute to telephone history.

Shinnston is located in Marion County, which has many entertaining sites, and more recreation to enjoy; including the Marion County BMX Park. This is where you'll find the "Poor Farm BMX” bicycle track, a nationally sanctioned facility with the National Bicycle League.

If you're traveling with your pets visit the the East Marion Park Complex and let them run around in the 3 acres off leash areas at FIDO’s Backyard. And, there's a separate fenced area for small dogs.

For entertainment enjoy Country music by local and regional musicians at the Sagebrush Round-Up or a evening at the Comedy Mystery Dinner Theatre; Parables Events in Fairmont.

Of course, there's so much more to see and do in Fairmont and Marion County, and the best way to plan your trip is to visit the local Visitors Bureau's, which we've provided below!

Plan Your Trip

To find out about out recreation, festive events, attractions and more in Fairmont and Marion County visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County at http://marioncvb.com/index.php. 

To learn more about local events, attractions, and plan your trip to West Virginia visit the West Virginia Division of Tourism website at http://www.wvtourism.com or call 1-800-CALL WVA (1-800-225-5982).