Morgantown
Morgantown, the home of West Virginia University with an area population of 55,000, is a vibrant, family-friendly community located in North Central West Virginia. The city’s unique mix of people and cultures, and the ever-changing population of students, make Morgantown an exciting place to live.
National Recognition – In 2004, Mens Journal named Morgantown #3 in a survey of the Best Small Towns in the country listing the city’s proximity to trout fishing and whitewater rafting, Cheat Lake, the Monogahela River, WVU—a “sports powerhouse”—and its PRT among the community’s assets. In 2000, Morgantown was selected as the #1 Dreamtown in the country by BizJounals.com. Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities named Morgantown the Best Small City in the East and 3rd Best in America in 1999.
Outdoor Recreation – West Virginia is perhaps the best law school for students looking for adventure in the great outdoors. The top outdoor magazines consistently rank West Virginia as one of the best adventure destinations in America. Majestic mountains provide opportunities for rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and skiing. Rivers and lakes are here for whitewater rafting, boating, swimming, canoing and fishing. West Virginia boasts world-class white-water rivers such as the Gauley, the New, and the Cheat, all a short drive from the College of Law. The Cheat River is one of the largest uncontrolled watersheds in the East and is home to the Cheat Canyon boasting 13 miles of thrilling rapids surrounded by the beauty of a secluded canyon.
Parks – Numerous state parks and forests offer snow skiing, swimming, mountain biking, tennis, golf, fishing, and hiking. Cooper’s Rock State Forest is a 12,698 acre forest with campsites, hunting, fishing, hiking-biking, and ski trails. Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park, located on the Caperton Trail at the old train depot, features an outdoor amphitheater that is host to numerous concerts and events. City park information may be obtained from BOPARC, the leisure service delivery system dedicated to providing year round, comprehensive programs and facilities designed to meet the growing needs of the Morgantown community and its visitors.
Trails – The Core Arboretum and the West Virginia Rail Trails are both within walking distance of campus. The Arboretum offers scenic paths where many students go to jog or take a peaceful walk. A 51-mile network of trails runs alongside the Monogahela River and nearby Decker’s Creek, providing a place for biking, walking, roller blading, or enjoying the sunset.
Thriving Downtown Morgantown – Downtown is home to 100 specialty shops and over 40 restaurants along an old-fashioned commercial street with Queen Anne and Roman Revival buildings dating from the turn of the last century. Downtown offers distinct choices such as a brewery/restaurant, middle-eastern deli, Japanese and Indian specialties, organic and vegetarian lunches, formal dining, coffee shops, galleries, bookstores, bike stores, clothing stores, jewelers, movie theater, and gourmet foods, to name a few. Live music is featured during the week and on the weekend at a variety of downtown establishments. Morgantown’s Main Street program has received state and national recognition, including the Great American Main Street Award. WVU students who show a valid ID receive free transportation on all Morgantown bus lines.
The Wharf District – The Wharf District is a mile-long stretch of converted warehouses and new development located along the Monongahela River at the western edge of downtown. Restaurants, shops, and offices are located throughout this section of Morgantown. The Wharf District provides easy access to the Caperton Trail, an asphalt portion of the 51-mile Rail Trail that snakes along the river for 8 miles.
Cultural Events – The newly renovated Creative Arts Center located on WVU’s Evansdale Campus is the hub of cultural events in Morgantown and home to over 500 performances yearly and monthly art exhibits. WV Public Theater performs in Morgantown each summer and presents Broadway’s best. The Wine and Jazz Festival, held each September at Camp Muffley, just minutes south of Morgantown, celebrates West Virginia’s finest wines and features jazz music, artisans, and gourmet food. WVU’s Coliseum is home to major concerts throughout the year.
Golf – There are numerous public golf courses in the area including Lakeview Resort, located twenty minutes from Morgantown, which has been ranked among the top 100 public golf courses in America.
Attractions – Morgantown features two shopping malls: Morgantown Mall is home to four national anchors, 80 specialty shops, and a theater; and Mountaineer Mall is home to three national anchors and 40 specialty shops. Wash away the stress of daily life at one of three area spas that provide the best in relaxation and pampering.