Wheeling WV

Wheeling, West Virginia – Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Wheeling combines small-town charm with rich history and scenic beauty. Once a booming industrial hub, today it’s a welcoming city where Victorian architecture meets outdoor adventure. From cultural landmarks to peaceful riverfront parks, Wheeling offers a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

• Population: ~26,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (60–85°F), cold winters (20–40°F), colorful fall foliage, and blooming springs.
• Places To Visit: Oglebay Resort, Wheeling Heritage Trail, Capitol Theatre, Suspension Bridge, and Wheeling Island Casino.
• Top Activities: Hiking and biking, enjoying live performances, exploring local history at museums, riverfront kayaking, and seasonal festivals.
• Famous Food: Coleman’s Fish Sandwich, DiCarlo’s Pizza, country-style breakfasts at local diners, and homemade fudge from Centre Market.

Wheeling, WV is a historic city known for its location along the Ohio River and its strong roots in manufacturing and healthcare. With an evolving economy, Wheeling offers a variety of promising careers in skilled trades, healthcare, and education.

Top 5 Jobs in Wheeling, WV

Wheeling, WV may be a small city, but it offers a variety of chill spots where students can unwind, enjoy leisure time, and have fun. From exploring beautiful parks to discovering local cuisine, there's something for every student's taste.

Oglebay Park – This expansive park is perfect for a day of relaxation. You can enjoy hiking trails, the zoo, or even paddle boating on Schenk Lake. In the winter, the Festival of Lights is a must-see.

Centre Market – A historic market district with unique shops and eateries. It's an ideal spot for grabbing a coffee, browsing antiques, or enjoying a delicious lunch with friends.

Wheeling Heritage Trail – Perfect for a quick jog, cycling, or a leisurely walk along the river. It's a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of Wheeling.

Capitol Theatre – Catch a live performance or concert at this historic venue. It offers a chance for entertainment with friends and a lovely cultural experience.

Later Alligator – A cozy restaurant known for its crepes and sandwiches. It's a fantastic place to enjoy a meal with friends in a casual, laid-back setting.

Bridge Tavern & Grill – If you're looking to unwind and socialize, this local favorite offers a relaxed atmosphere with delicious food and a variety of drinks.

Suspension Bridge – Take a stroll across this iconic bridge for stunning views of the city and river. It's a peaceful spot to chill and take in the scenery.

Wheeling, West Virginia is a city with a rich history and a growing educational landscape. It offers access to a number of public and private institutions that cater to students seeking career training, associate degrees, or paths to four-year universities. These colleges and universities support local education and workforce development with programs in nursing, business, technology, and more.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Wheeling, WV

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) – With a campus right in downtown Wheeling, WVNCC provides two-year degrees and certificate programs in fields like health sciences, business, and applied technology. It’s an affordable option for students preparing to transfer or enter directly into the workforce.

West Liberty University – Located a short drive from Wheeling, West Liberty is a public university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Known for programs in education, business, and health sciences, it serves as a regional hub for higher education in the Northern Panhandle.

Eastern Gateway Community College (Online Presence in the Region) – While based in Ohio, EGCC provides online learning opportunities to students in Wheeling and surrounding areas. It offers affordable associate degrees and is recognized for its open-access admissions and student support services.

Marshall University (via Extension Services) – Though headquartered in Huntington, Marshall provides outreach programs and continuing education options to residents of Wheeling and the northern region of the state, particularly in graduate education and healthcare training.

West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Service – Ohio County – WVU enhances educational efforts through its extension service in Ohio County, including adult education, agribusiness support, and youth programs like 4-H. It serves as a conduit for lifelong learning in the community.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Wheeling, WV

Wheeling University – Formerly known as Wheeling Jesuit University, this private Catholic university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s known for strong nursing, education, and business degrees and focuses on developing students both academically and ethically.

Bethany College – Located just outside Wheeling, Bethany is a private liberal arts college with deep roots dating back to the 1800s. It provides a personalized education with small class sizes and is known for its philosophy, communications, and biology departments.

West Virginia Junior College – Bridgeport (Online Access in Region) – While not based in Wheeling, this institution provides online diploma and degree programs in healthcare, business, and information technology that serve students throughout West Virginia, including Wheeling.

Belmont College (Nearby in St. Clairsville, OH) – This private technical college offers associate degrees and certificates in nursing, industrial trades, and business management. While it’s across the river in Ohio, it serves many students from the Wheeling area due to its proximity.

Grand Canyon University (Online Programs with Regional Reach) – GCU offers flexible online bachelor’s and master’s programs in education, business, and healthcare that attract working adults and nontraditional students throughout West Virginia, including Wheeling residents.

Wheeling, WV is home to several high schools that offer excellent academic programs, supportive communities, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. These schools help students build strong foundations for success in college, careers, and life.

Top Public High Schools in Wheeling, WV

• Wheeling Park High School – As the only public high school in Ohio County, Wheeling Park is known for its wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. The school also offers robust arts, music, and athletic programs.
• John Marshall High School (Glen Dale, near Wheeling) – While slightly outside Wheeling, many area students attend this large high school. It's known for its vocational programs and partnerships with local colleges for dual credit options.
• Bridge Street Middle School (grades 6–8 transitioning to high school) – While technically a middle school, it feeds into Wheeling Park and offers advanced academic tracks preparing students for high school-level studies.
• Triadelphia Middle School – Similar to Bridge Street, this school supports strong student development and transitions students into high school programs like those at Wheeling Park.
• Warwood School – As a K–8 school in Ohio County, Warwood sets the academic foundation for many students who later excel in Wheeling's high school system.

Top Private High Schools in Wheeling, WV

• The Linsly School – A prestigious college preparatory school serving grades 5–12. Linsly offers a rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and strong leadership opportunities, preparing students for top universities nationwide.
• Bishop Donahue Memorial High School (now closed, but left a legacy) – Although it closed in 2017, Bishop Donahue was known for its strong academic and faith-based education. Alumni highlight its lasting impact on the community.
• St. Michael Parish School – A K–8 Catholic school that deeply prepares students for success at Linsly or Wheeling Park. It emphasizes moral development and academic excellence.
• Corpus Christi School – While serving lower grades, Corpus Christi readies students for challenging high school environments through its enriched curriculum and tight-knit community environment.
• Christian Home Educators of Ohio Valley (CHEOV) – Supporting private homeschool families, CHEOV offers group classes and extra-curriculars that create a customized high school experience for students in the Wheeling area.

Wheeling, West Virginia, may be a small city, but it takes great pride in its sports culture. While it does not have major league teams like bigger cities, Wheeling is home to exciting minor league and professional sports that locals passionately support. These teams play a vital role in the city’s identity and give fans in the Ohio Valley region the thrill of live sports right in their backyard.

🏒 Hockey – Wheeling Nailers (ECHL)

• Wheeling Nailers – The Nailers are the oldest active minor league franchise in the ECHL, having started in 1992 as the Wheeling Thunderbirds before adopting their current name. They are affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.
• Playing home games at the WesBanco Arena, the team has built a loyal fan base in the region. Known for high-energy games and a strong hockey tradition, the Nailers have been home to many players who later reached the NHL.

🏈 Football – West Virginia Roughriders (NAL)

• West Virginia Roughriders – Although currently on pause, the Roughriders played indoor football in the National Arena League (NAL) and formerly in the American Arena League (AAL). They played at the historic WesBanco Arena.
• The team brought fast-paced action to Wheeling and even won the AAL Championship in 2019. The Roughriders were known for their competitive edge and entertaining in-game experience.

⚾ Baseball – Past Minor League Baseball in Wheeling

• While there is currently no professional baseball team in Wheeling, the city has a rich history in the sport. In earlier decades, Wheeling hosted teams in various minor leagues, including the Wheeling Stogies, a name used for different clubs over the years.
• Though those teams are now part of the city’s past, Wheeling residents still enjoy baseball through local and collegiate summer leagues in surrounding areas.

Though it may not have MLB or NFL franchises, Wheeling, WV, offers high-quality sports entertainment and community pride through its hard-hitting hockey and football teams. From the long-standing Nailers to the high-energy Roughriders, sports in Wheeling bring excitement and tradition to this corner of the Mountain State.

Wheeling, WV is a charming city along the Ohio River filled with rich history, natural beauty, and unique stories. From being a key city in the Civil War to hosting thrilling events today, here are some fun facts about Wheeling:

1. Once the State Capital – Wheeling was the first capital of West Virginia after the state was created in 1863 during the Civil War.
2. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge – Completed in 1849, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time and a major travel route across the Ohio River.
3. Birthplace of West Virginia – The whole process of creating the state happened in Wheeling at a building now called West Virginia Independence Hall.
4. Toy Town USA – Wheeling was once known for toy manufacturing. The famous Marx Toy Company had a large factory here in the 20th century.
5. Oglebay Park Magic – The city is home to Oglebay Resort, featuring golf, a zoo, and the magical Winter Festival of Lights, one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows.
6. Home of Nail City – In the 1800s, Wheeling was a top iron and nail producer in the U.S., earning it the nickname “Nail City.”
7. Wheeling Island Excitement – Located on the Ohio River, Wheeling Island is home to a racetrack and casino that draw visitors year-round.
8. Capitol Theatre Charm – Opened in 1928, the Capitol Theatre is a historic venue that hosts concerts, plays, and Broadway shows in a vintage setting.
9. Underground Railroad – Wheeling played a secret but important role in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people find freedom in the North.
10. Blennerhassett’s Ghost – Legend has it that the ghost of Harman Blennerhassett roams nearby, tied to tales of treason and secret plots with Aaron Burr.