The Best College Town In West Virginia

It’s no accident that Morgantown is considered the best college town in West Virginia. Originally settled in 1772 by Zackquill Morgan, Morgantown’s position on the Monongahela River paved the way for its eventual rise as one of the region’s most important trading hubs. Along with its rapid commercial growth came a desire among its citizenry to establish Morgantown as an academic center, a desire that bore fruit in 1867 with the establishment of the Agricultural College of West Virginia.

It soon became apparent, however, that the university would need a name change to better reflect the state’s developing economy. Just a year after opening, in 1868, the new name of West Virginia University (WVU) was adopted, setting the scene for the institution’s becoming one of the top ranked public university’s in the South.

The fact that WVU has shaped the town’s character over the course of its 150 years is apparent everywhere. From exciting downtown events to boasting the local economy, Morgantown’s position at the top of our list of the best college towns in West Virginia is well-deserved.

West Virginia University’s Early Years

WVU was founded on February 7, 1867, through an act of the West Virginia Legislature and became part of the federal land-grant system established by the Morrill Act of 1862. This act granted public land to states to fund colleges focused on agriculture and the "mechanic arts," and WVU was one of the institutions to benefit from it. Senator William Price of Monongalia County persuaded lawmakers to choose Morgantown as the university’s location by offering the land and buildings of the Monongalia Academy. Although the university faced early struggles, such as high faculty turnover and limited support from southern West Virginia legislators, the state legislature ensured it offered education in agriculture and other fields as needed.

WVU’s early years saw modest enrollment, with just 124 students in attendance on the first day of class in September 1867. Since then, student numbers grown to an impressive 25,994, and the original three instructional departments (collegiate, scientific, and agricultural) have also expanded. Today, WVU’s 12 colleges and schools cover majors in the arts, health engineering, and business, just to name a few.

The many notable figures who have walked the university’s halls have also helped cement its reputation. The legendary Don Knotts, a comedic actor celebrated for his role on The Andy Griffith Show, was born in Morgantown and studied at WVU. Jerry West, the basketball icon whose silhouette is the NBA’s official logo, proudly wore the Mountaineer jersey before embarking on a storied professional career; and Sam Huff, a Hall of Fame linebacker in the National Football League, also represented the Mountaineers with distinction.

WVU’s Impact on Morgantown

WVU remains intimately woven into the fabric of Morgantown and continues to shape the local community. The school’s blue and gold colors fly high throughout “MoTown,” a clear indication of the unity that comes from sharing their hometown with a much-loved university. The university’s economic impact has also been immense, with an estimated 30,000 jobs for faculty, researchers, and support staff being created. It also contributes $4.8 billion annually to the state economy, much of it centered around Morgantown, sustaining industries ranging from housing to dining and entertainment.

The university also adds plenty of character to the community, too, with each influx of students bringing fresh perspectives that influence everything from the city’s culinary scene to public art displays. Each fall, football games at Milan Puskar Stadium attract locals and alumni to cheer on the Mountaineers, with the much-anticipated sing-along of Take Me Home, Country Roads being a highlight. October’s Homecoming Parade on High Street is another fun event that encapsulates the deep bond between Morgantown and WVU.

One of the more unique features linking the campus and the city is the Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system. Introduced in the 1970s as a public transit experiment, these futuristic electric cars run on elevated tracks between downtown and key campus stops. The route is free for students and staff, with a small 50-cent fee making it an affordable option for visitors to travel around town on the nearly 9-mile path.

Campus Attractions and Landmarks

If you’re planning a visit to Morgantown, start with a self-guided tour of WVU’s main campus. The heart of it is Woodburn Circle, a cluster of attractive red-brick buildings surrounding a large lawn. Woodburn Hall, built in 1876, stands as a landmark of collegiate Gothic architecture, while adjoining structures such as Martin Hall add to this charming setting. Just a short walk away is the Mountainlair Student Union. Commonly referred to as “the Lair,” it’s the social centerpiece of campus and often hosts events including cultural fairs and comedy nights.

Culture vultures will want to check out the Canady Creative Arts Center (CAC), the university’s visual and performing arts hub that stages concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions. There are also multiple sports venues to explore here, including the Milan Puskar Stadium, best known for hosting Mountaineer football games, and the WVU Coliseum, an impressive site for basketball matches.

Things To Do in Morgantown

An easy walk from the WVU campus, downtown Morgantown’s broad High Street is well worth a wander. Highlights include the Metropolitan Theatre (aka, “The Met”), built in the 1920s and still a local hotspot for plays, concerts, and film screenings. The Morgantown History Museum is also located downtown and does a great job of explaining the town’s regional significance. From here you’re just a 10-minute walk from the Monongahela Riverfront, home to the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and a large open-air amphitheater.

You can also join the Caperton Trail system here, a 6-mile paved trail connecting to neighboring Star City that’s perfect for jogging, cycling, or a scenic riverside stroll. Not far from town lies Coopers Rock State Forest, a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing with scenic overlooks offering views of the Cheat River Canyon.

If you’re planning on spending a night in Morgantown, options abound within walking distance of the university. Popular spots include the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, featuring rooms with river views and easy access to the downtown area. The historic Hotel Morgan, located in the downtown core boasts clean, quiet accommodations within walking distance to great eateries like the Iron Horse Tavern. Another great place to grab a bite to eat is Terra Café, located close to the riverfront trails and popular with students and residents.

The Bottom Line

From its origins as a small riverside settlement to its evolution into a major academic and cultural center, Morgantown is well deserving of its title of best college town in West Virginia. In the process, WVU has not only fostered academic achievement, but also bolstered economic growth, social engagement, and a community-wide collective pride among residents, faculty, and students .