Fairmont Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Fairmont, located in the heart of West Virginia, is a charming city that offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. Nestled in the rolling hills of Marion County, Fairmont is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant downtown, and friendly locals.

One of the main attractions in Fairmont is the Prickett's Fort State Park, a reconstructed 18th-century fort that provides visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich history. The fort offers guided tours, historical reenactments, and various events throughout the year, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

For nature lovers, the Valley Falls State Park is a hidden gem in Fairmont. With its cascading waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and picnic areas, the park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can spend a day exploring the park's beauty, enjoying a leisurely hike, or simply relaxing by the waterfalls.

In downtown Fairmont, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant arts scene. The Marion County Historical Society operates the Marion County Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that depict the area's history. The city also hosts various art galleries, theaters, and live music venues, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences.

Food enthusiasts will delight in Fairmont's culinary offerings. The city is home to an array of restaurants, cafes, and bistros, serving both local and international cuisine. From traditional Appalachian dishes to modern farm-to-table creations, Fairmont's dining scene has something to satisfy every palate.

To fully experience the local culture, visitors can explore the Marion County Farmer's Market, where they can sample fresh produce, homemade goods, and interact with local farmers. The market offers a true taste of Fairmont's agricultural heritage and provides an opportunity to support local businesses.

Fairmont also hosts several annual events and festivals that showcase the city's vibrant spirit. The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival, held in downtown Fairmont, celebrates the region's history and culture through live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event attracts visitors from all over the state and is a highlight of the summer season.

Alternative names: Population: 18.7 thous.Area: 8.97 mi²Elevation: 1017 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°28'44"N, 80°8'57"W

Location

West VirginiaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Fairmont Top Attractions

Fairmont Attractions - What to See and Explore

Fairmont offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Prickett's Fort State Park, Jefferson Street, Valley World of Fun, Marion County Courthouse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Prickett's Fort State Park
Prickett's Fort State Park is a 188-acre West Virginia state park north of Fairmont, near the confluence of Prickett's Creek and the Monongahela River.
Bridge
Jefferson Street
The Robert H. Mollohan-Jefferson Street Bridge, also known as the Million Dollar Bridge or High Level Bridge, is located in Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia. It was dedicated on May 30, 1921. This bridge connects east and west Fairmont, and crosses the Monongahela River.
39°26'42"N • 80°9'10"W
Valley World of Fun
Nature • Natural attraction • Theme park

Tower
Marion County Courthouse
The Marion County Courthouse is a Beaux-Arts style building in Fairmont, West Virginia, in the United States. The courthouse was constructed from 1897 to 1900, and was designed by the architectural firm of Yost & Packard of Columbus, Ohio.
39°26'30"N • 80°8'40"W
Heston Farm
Winery • Event space • Park
Historical place • Architecture
Thomas W. Fleming House
Thomas W. Fleming House, also known as the Clubhouse of the Women's Club of Fairmont, is a historic home located at Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia.
Bridge
Third Street Bridge
The Third Street Bridge, officially known as the David Morgan Memorial Bridge, is a span that crosses the Monongahela River, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
39°29'5"N • 80°8'38"W
Jacobs-Hutchinson Block
Jacobs-Hutchinson Block, also known as Peoples' National Bank and Friendly Furniture Store, is a historic commercial building located at Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia.
Tudor Revival architecture
High Gate
High Gate is an historic residence located at 800 Fairmont Avenue in Fairmont, West Virginia. The High Gate house and carriage house were built ca. 1910-1913 by Fairmont industrialist and financier, James E. Watson, son of the "father of the West Virginia coal industry," James O. Watson.
39°29'8"N • 80°8'34"W
Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple is a historic building located at Fairmont, Marion County, West Virginia. It was designed by the Baltimore architectural firm Baldwin & Pennington, built in 1906–1907, and is a large, five-story, three bay mixed use commercial building with a mezzanine, a balcony, a partial sixth floor and a full basement.
Bridge
Low Level Bridge
Low Level Bridge is the nickname of a bridge that was in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Neighbourhood • Romanesque architecture
Fleming–Watson Historic District
The Fleming–Watson Historic District comprises 365 buildings and 1 structure of architecture significance on 84 acres in Fairmont, West Virginia.

Day trips

Fairmont – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Fairmont, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Grave Creek Mound (Moundsville), West Virginia Penitentiary (Moundsville), Cathedral State Park.

44 milesNW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Grave Creek Mound, Moundsville
The Grave Creek Mound in the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia is one of the largest conical-type burial mounds in the United States, now standing 62 feet high and 240 feet in diameter.
44 milesNW
Museum, Historical place, Reportedly haunted
West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville
The West Virginia Penitentiary is a gothic-style prison located in Moundsville, West Virginia. Now withdrawn and retired from prison use, it operated from 1876 to 1995.
34 milesE
National park
Cathedral State Park
Visitors to Cathedral State Park can explore the park's network of hiking trails, which wind through the ancient hemlock groves and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and a...
20 milesSW
National park
Center Branch Wildlife Management Area
Center Branch Wildlife Management Area is located on 975 acres in Harrison County near Stonewood, West Virginia. The WMA is located on a former strip mine site, and contains several flat benches and high walls.
13 milesNE
Park, View point
Dorsey Knob, Morgantown
Dorsey Knob is a mountain summit located off U.S. Route 119 at the southern edge of Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States. Dorsey Knob is contained within a park spanning 71 acres that features the mountain's landmark Sky Rock.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Fairmont

Learn when is the best time to travel to Fairmont weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and October. Most of it rains in May, June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Fairmont?

The top attractions to visit in Fairmont are:

What is the best time to visit Fairmont?

May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.