Prickett’s Fort State Park is one of few state parks that provides an all-encompassing experience to visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in both history and the outdoors.
Pricketts Fort was strategically built in 1774, overlooking the confluence of Prickett’s Creek and the Monongahela River. Because of that, during the industrial boom, train tracks were built to transport coal. This gives us the trifecta that is a recreated 18th Century fort, a beautiful rail trail for biking, running and walking as well as access to a serene river for kayaking and fishing – plus so much history.
Route/times
Pricketts Fort State Park allows access to its docks and rail trail year-round. Guided tours of the Fort and the Job Prickett house are offered April through October with a few opportunities for Christmas tours in December. Audio tours of the Fort are available during the off season.
Parking
Pricketts Fort has plenty of parking. If you’re there for tours of the Fort, you can park in the main lot near the Visitors Center. If you’re interested in using the rail trail, park in the lot directly across the street from the Visitors Center lot. To access the docks, drive past the Fort and park in the large lower lot near the water. Visitors may also park here if the upper lots are full.
History
Pricketts Fort features an 18th century recreation of the original Pricketts Fort which provided a place of refuge from Native American attack. Today, this state park uses a living history style of interpretation to preserve, document and exhibit the past.
You can go all the way back to colonial times and speak with the Fort’s interpreters about their daily life, or you can go back to the 19th century and explore the Job Prickett House built in 1859. There you’ll learn what life was like on the cusp of invention.
Walk the grounds and you’ll find the Prickett Cemetery. This cemetery was first used in the same year the Fort was built. You can find the graves of the Pricketts family and other early settlers.
Membership
Pricketts For Memorial Foundation offers a year-long membership to the fort’s activities. Get free admission to the Fort and special pricing on events like candle-making, hearth cooking demonstrations and more.
Outdoor Recreation
Pricketts Fort State Park provides access to Marion County’s rail trails, the Monongahela River and Pricketts Creek all year long. Expand your outdoor horizons with the different activities offered here.
Running – Enjoy a trail along the river for your run. Take it even further – literally – and run from Pricketts Fort to Morgantown on a 21-mile run. Sign up for the races that happen at the Fort’s rail trail, also named the MCTrail, which include a half marathon and 5k races.
Walking – Take a leisurely stroll enjoying the beauty of the trail. Take advantage of the Fort’s birding and wildlife walks to stroll the grounds, too.
Biking – Sit for 21 miles instead of running or walking them. Bike to Morgantown or enjoy an out-and-back. Rent bikes at the Fort during the open season from April to October. Call ahead to rent any day of the week.
Kayaking – Jump in! The Monongahela River (also called The Mon) offers access to kayakers and boaters alike. Rent a kayak during the Fort’s open season from April to October. Flat water is what you’ll find at the Fort.
Fishing – Fish for common carp, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and freshwater drum from the bank or your kayak.
Leisure Activities
Don’t worry about where you’ll get your fuel for all this from. Pricketts Fort has The Junction Café ready to fuel your adventures through time and trails. The Junction is where you can find delicious food before or after your tour, bike ride or kayak trip. The on-site restaurant offers hoagies (try the Jacon Prickett), sandwiches (consider the Busted Musket), coal bucket nachos, ice cream and more.
Picnicking – Bring a picnic or grab food from The Junction and find a lovely spot to eat outside, whether it’s on the grass or at the picnic tables.
Birding – Take time out of a hectic day to relax with the birds. Watch for red-bellied woodpeckers, Carolina wrens, chipping sparrows, eastern bluebirds and gray catbirds. Watch the Fort’s event calendar for Bird Walks and Wood Duck Day.
The Visitors Center – Here you’ll find a museum, research library and a gift shop with toys, candies, books and more. Find souvenirs for the kids and the adults.
The Amphitheater – Listen to live music throughout the summer that include modern bands and traditional music.
Wildlife
Pricketts Fort is home to a variety of wildlife and includes events on the calendar for seasonal bird walks and Wood Duck Day with expert Joey Heron.
Wildlife that can be found at the Fort include wild turkeys, Acadian flycatchers, black-throated green warblers, red-headed woodpeckers and wood ducks.
Photography
Pricketts Fort is the perfect place for nature photography, family photography and structural photography.
Each event hosted at the Fort provides opportunities for interesting photos such as candle making, evening Christmas tours and many others.
The Fort and the grounds are accessible to professional photographers for family or engagement sessions before and after hours.
Call ahead for permission to use drones after operating hours.
Fort Events
If the Visitor Center Gift Shop isn’t enough for you, check out Pricketts Fort’s online shopping or their online calendar for different shopping events.
Heirloom Plant Sale – Make your garden authentically West Virginian with heirloom seeds, with the most sought after being the tomato seeds. Proceeds help maintain the gardens at the Fort.
Primitive Trade Fair – 18th century trade vendors demonstrate their trade while you shop for knives, horn work, iron work or even a new custom rifle.
18th Century Firearms and Accoutrements Show – Buy some of the best contemporary craftsmanship of 18th century firearms and accoutrements in five states.
School of the Longhunter – Sign up for this intense weekend exploring the role of early frontiersmen on the American frontier.
Lecture Series – The Fort wants you to both experience life back then and understand it, too. Listen to experts as they dive into the political balance of power, the transition to statehood, European clothing styles impacts and the plight of the Native Americans.
Appalachian Blacksmith Association Hammer-In – Watch blacksmiths from the region demonstrate traditional and modern blacksmithing.
Colonial Kids Days – These days take your kids back in time to play like the early settlers’ children did.
Demonstrations – Watch how things were made in the 18th Century including soap, candles and meals. Don’t just watch; take a class in spinning, weaving, wreath-making and more.
Check the Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation Calendar to see the events taking place all year long.
Events at the Fort
Rent the Visitors Center conference room at the Fort for small conferences and parties. This allows for both an indoor and outdoor settings for wedding receptions, parties, banquets and other social events.
Follow Fairmont Floatilla for kayaking days and nights that start at Pricketts Fort. This is a welcoming group of people of all ages and backgrounds that enjoy floats, kayaking and being outside.
Find races on Runsignup.com. Participate in a half marathon and 5k races throughout the year.
Nearby
Stop by the CVB for more information on everything you can do in Marion County.
Discover nearby West Virginia State Parks
Just 15 miles from Pricketts Fort State Park is Valley Falls State Park. Prepare for your visit and learn everything you need to know about Valley Falls with the Comprehensive Guide to Valley Falls. Don’t forget your VIPP card!