Fairmont Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Michael Core
Photo by Noel Benadom
Photo by Shelly Sisler
Photo by Michael Core

Close to renowned covered bridges and defined by its frontier history, the “Friendliest Town in America” feels a little bit like a step back in time.

Located in northern West Virginia, Fairmont exudes small-town charm and laid-back appeal that have earned it the nickname, the “Friendliest Town in America.”

The history of Fairmont is evident in many aspects of the modern town, especially at Prickett’s Fort State Park. Providing a snapshot of the early Frontier Era, the park includes a reconstruction of Prickett’s Fort, which was built by English settlers for protection from attacks by Native Americans. Step into homes and shops to see actors re-enact life on the frontier, dressed in period attire to maintain authenticity. Browse through the museum before you leave.

Learn more local history at the West Virginia Folklife Centre. Organised by the Fairmont State University, the centre hosts rotating exhibits that showcase the region’s cultural heritage. It also serves as a local entertainment venue.

Explore Fairmont’s downtown area, which is located on the banks of the Monongahela River. Small boutiques, bakeries, cafés and galleries fill the quaint centuries-old architecture that lines Main Street, making it an ideal place to spend the afternoon.

Drive 10 miles (15 kilometres) outside the town centre and spend the afternoon at Valley Falls State Park. It offers miles of hiking and biking trails that weave around Tygart Valley River and its waterfalls.

Fairmont is also known for its close proximity to nine of the state’s renowned covered bridges. Beautifully preserved, the bridges provide an ideal photo opportunity during the autumn months when the leaves are changing colour. Visitors and locals often spend a day driving down the country roads of Marion County to photograph the historic structures. Barrackville Covered Bridge, built in 1853, serves as a statewide landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fairmont is conveniently located along Interstate 79. The closest international airport is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 95 miles (150 kilometres) north.

Quality Inn

Quality Inn

2.5 out of 5
1185 Airport Rd, Fairmont, WV
The price is AU$120 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
AU$120
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Fairmont. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"We had a easy check in and check out the bed was comfortable and we had all we needed."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Quality Inn
Sonesta Essential Fairmont

Sonesta Essential Fairmont

2.5 out of 5
20 Southland Dr, Fairmont, WV
The price is AU$115 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$115
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairmont. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Basics but safe and efficient"

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

Sonesta Essential Fairmont
Red Roof Inn Fairmont

Red Roof Inn Fairmont

2 out of 5
42 Spencer Drive, Whitehall, Fairmont, WV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$111 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$111
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Fairmont. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (797 reviews)
"Shops nearby was good. Staff was very pleasant and professional."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Red Roof Inn Fairmont
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses

Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses

4 out of 5
150 Lakeview Dr, Morgantown, WV
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Morgantown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lakeview Resort Golf Course and ...
6.8/10 (20 reviews)
Quality for the price
"Stay was great, property is a little dated but clean and comfortable. We did have some minor trouble with bed slats but all in all a very pleasant and fun trip."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Lakeview Golf Resort Townhouses
2 BR/2 bath King-suite townhouse right next to WVU Stadium & Hospital

2 BR/2 bath King-suite townhouse right next to WVU Stadium & Hospital

Morgantown
Stay at this vacation home in Morgantown. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Mountaineer Field and Mylan Puskar Stadium are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"The property was perfect! Very clean and well taken care of. We came to visit a family member who is in the hospital, and the location was perfect, just a 3-minute drive. While there was an issue with the host’s booking system, she was able to correct it in a timely manner with good ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

2 BR/2 bath King-suite townhouse right next to WVU Stadium & Hospital
Bear Valley Cabin, a  beautiful secluded oasis 4 a Romantic or family getaway.

Bear Valley Cabin, a beautiful secluded oasis 4 a Romantic or family getaway.

2 out of 5
Tunnelton
Stay at this cabin in Tunnelton. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Allegheny Trail and Cheat River are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Place was clean, neat and serene. Being an older gent, having the 2 rocking chairs was perfect to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. Also, they were stocked with most of anything that you might have forgotten to bring. And that was a nice little town we were close to. Recommend to anyone staying ..."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Bear Valley Cabin, a beautiful secluded oasis 4 a Romantic or family getaway.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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