Explore Point Pleasant, West Virginia
Riverfront History, Small-Town Charm & the Mothman Legend
Across the Ohio River from Gallipolis, Point Pleasant brings together river views, local history, and one of America’s best-known mysteries.
The town sits where the Ohio and Kanawha rivers meet. Its history reaches back to the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, remembered today at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. Along the riverfront, colorful murals tell stories of the area’s past, while downtown offers more places to explore.
Point Pleasant is also famous for the Mothman legend, which grew from reported sightings in 1966. Today, visitors can stop for a photo with the Mothman statue and explore the story at the nearby museum.
While staying at Haan Hollow, spend an afternoon discovering Point Pleasant’s history, strolling the riverfront, and enjoying a little mystery along the way.
Point Pleasant: Mothman, Mystery & Local Legends
A winged creature with glowing red eyes. An old TNT plant linked to strange sightings. A story of a curse attributed to Shawnee Chief Cornstalk. Point Pleasant has plenty to stir your curiosity.
Mothman is the town’s most famous legend, drawing visitors who want to discover the story behind the sightings. The nearby TNT area adds another layer of mystery, while the history of Chief Cornstalk—and the folklore that later grew around him—reaches much further into the past.
During your stay at Haan Hollow, head across the river and explore a town where history and legend meet. Whether you’re a believer or simply enjoy a good story, Point Pleasant gives you plenty to talk about on the ride back.
Mothman Museum & Statue
Come face-to-face with Point Pleasant’s most famous legend! Stop for a picture with the red-eyed Mothman statue, then step into the nearby Mothman Museum to explore the stories that put this little river town on the map.
Inside, you’ll find eyewitness accounts, original newspaper clippings, exhibits about the Silver Bridge disaster, and props from the movie The Mothman Prophecies. Browse the gift shop for a souvenir to take home—whether you’re a believer or simply enjoy a good mystery.
Located on historic Main Street, the museum and statue make an easy starting point for exploring downtown. Afterward, stroll through the local shops or head toward the riverfront to see the murals.
Museum address: 400 Main Street, Point Pleasant, WV
Visit mothmanmuseum.com for current hours and admission.
The TNT Area — Where the Legend Took Flight
Want to explore beyond the museum? Head north of Point Pleasant to the area tied to the famous 1966 Mothman sightings.
Known locally as the “TNT Area,” this former World War II explosives manufacturing site is now partly home to the McClintic Wildlife Management Area. Old concrete storage bunkers offer a glimpse of its wartime past, while woods and ponds give the area a very different atmosphere from downtown.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the wildlife, or the mystery of Mothman, it’s an intriguing stop on your Point Pleasant adventure.
Explore during daylight, respect posted restrictions, and check current access information before visiting.
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park — Where Two Rivers Meet
At the meeting of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, Tu-Endie-Wei State Park offers beautiful river views and a look into Point Pleasant’s past. Its name means “point between two waters,” a fitting description of this scenic spot.
The park marks the site of the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, fought between Virginia militia and Native American warriors led by Shawnee Chief Cornstalk. An 84-foot granite monument rises above the grounds, and the historic Mansion House, built in 1796, adds another chapter to the story.
Take a stroll, enjoy the river views, and spend a little time discovering the history beyond the Mothman legend.
Point Pleasant Riverfront Park & Floodwall Murals
Take a stroll along the Ohio River and discover some of Point Pleasant’s history along the way. Riverfront Park features colorful floodwall murals and statues depicting the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, bringing the area’s past to life through art.
Enjoy the river views, take a few photos, and spend some time looking at the details in the paintings. It’s a nice stop to work into your visit while exploring downtown Point Pleasant.
Fort Randolph & Krodel Park — A Little History, a Little Fresh Air
Step back into frontier history at Fort Randolph, a replica of the fort originally built in Point Pleasant in 1776. Located at Krodel Park, the fort brings the past to life through historical events and reenactments. Check its current schedule before planning a visit inside.
While you’re there, enjoy the rest of Krodel Park. Take a walk along the lake, bring a picnic, or spend a little time fishing. With walking paths, a playground, and room to relax, it’s a nice addition to a day exploring Point Pleasant.
Stay at Haan Hollow
Spend the day exploring Point Pleasant, then unwind at our cabin on 12 secluded acres near Gallipolis. Enjoy a quiet evening, relax on the porch, and make yourself at home.