Oglebay Resort in Summer

Starting as a 400-acre land grant afforded to frontiersman and Wheeling settler Silas Zane during the late 1700s, Oglebay Park is now known in the Ohio-Pennsylvania-West Virginia tri-state region as a favorite destination for family fun in the summer.

After several changes in ownership over the years, Earl Oglebay purchased the property in the early 1900s with the intention of creating a farm and began turning the land into Oglebay Estate. At the time of his death in 1926, Oglebay left his mansion and its 25 acres to the people of Wheeling for recreational use by families.

That legacy lives on nearly a century later through the 2,000-acre Oglebay Resort, a year-round destination that comes alive as temperatures rise each year with a mix of offerings geared to family fun, including the Crispin Center outdoor pool, where kids can play on inflatables, scale the climbing rock or splash in the fountains. 

For those looking to get closer to nature, Oglebay has a total of 4.5 miles of paved walking trails, some of which have been in use since Earl Oglebay’s ownership. The Oglebay Good Zoo is another family favorite, featuring animals such as meerkats, kangaroos, zebras and an albino alligator. When it comes time for a casual meal for all ages, on-site options include the Glassworks Grill, with a menu spanning wings, burgers and pizza. Another option is the Route 88 BBQ & Brew, which is located at Oglebay’s Par 3 driving range and has a menu that features house-smoked baby back ribs, brisket and pulled pork. For the full Oglebay Resort experience, opt to stay on-site, either at the property’s 254-room Wilson Lodge or one of the 54 cottages available for rent on the property. 

465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, West Virginia, 877/436-1797, oglebay.com