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Recreation
 Located strategically in the North Central part of West Virginia, Shinnston provides its residents and visitors with easy access to a full range of recreational, cultural, and historical activities. Many of our activities are unique to our heritage and culture and provide our community a sense of identity. We are pleased to provide such events to our community and those who visit our charming city. So if you are here for a visit or are planning to stay, please check out our community calendar for upcoming events in our area.
Shinnston Park & Pool  The Ferguson Memorial Park on North Street is the home of the Shinnston Pool. The Community is enjoying the new park area and pool with the addition of a new water slide. An active swim team provides a competitive alternative to area youth. Bathhouse provides necessary facilities as well as a concession area. The pool is open 7 days a week during the summer season from noon to 6:00 p.m. The pool is also available for parties and has several special family nights scheduled throughout the season. Season passes for individuals or families provide savings over daily admission and make a great gift. For more information call the pool at 304-592-0915 or city offices at 304-592-2126. The park provides a lovely natural backdrop to the pool activities. Still in development stages, the park will offer more recreational amenities in the near future. Select pavilions are now open for rent at a cost of $80 for a large pavilion and $40 for the smaller ones. Please contact City Office Buildings at 304-592-2126 for Rental Information.
Rails & Trails Shinnston has a very active group of dedicated volunteers who are developing the West Fork River trail between Shinnston and Fairmont, WV. This 16 mile trail follows along side the West Fork River and will be linked to the American Discovery Trail near Clarksburg. The trail will link with the Mon River Trail in Fairmont and when that section is complete, link with the Pennsylvania border. The West Fork River Trail is ideally suited for both hiking and bike riding. The 16-mile West Fork River Rail Trail leads the adventurous traveler from Shinnston to near Fairmont, passing through several small communities and stretches of secluded back-country. Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and cross-country skiers are invited to explore this area rich in the heritage of our mining and industrial past. At present, the easiest access is under the Rt. 19 bridge in downtown Shinnston, with parking available along City streets. The smooth Trail surface is ideal for hiking or riding. A series of benches between Shinnston and Enterprise, and a covered bench in the village or Enterprose make pleasant rest areas. Interesting features of the Trail include the "Viropa washout", coke ovens between the Enterprise bridge and the Marion County line, and colorful rock formations uncovered during construction of the B&O Railroad. The Trail follows the West Fork River between the two cities and in every season, beautiful River views add to the pleasure of the Trail experience. Visit www.wvrtc.org for information on local trails. Just outside of Clarksburg at Wilsonburg, one finds the beginning of the North Bend Trail which runs for 77 miles to Walker (near Parkersburg, WV on the Ohio river). This trail is much favored by bike riders and hikers alike.
 The colorful history of Frontier Days actually began with the establishment of the Levi Shinn family in 1778. Throughout the years the small community began to thrive and in 1852 was incorporated by an act of Virginia Legislature as West Virginia did not yet exist. From then on Shinnston became full of unique business opportunities and quickly grew into a small thriving city.
In 1952 former Police Chief and current Mayor Matt Kidd along with others decided that there should be some sort of celebration to commemorate the cities 100th birthday. Through planning and hard work the then small group developed “Centennial Days”. All of the community took part in the event and dressed in frontier style clothing, similar to what was worn in 1852. The men grew beards while the women wore bonnets and paraded through town. The event was so successful in 1952 that in 1953 Frontier Days was born. From 1953 through the late 1980’s Frontier Days played host to thousands in the community and surrounding areas. People would plan vacations around the event and everyone would flock downtown.  In 2007 and with the employment of Shinnston’s first Activities Director the Festival regained much popularity while maintaining its historic background. The exchange of many memories could be heard while walking through Shinnston during the return of Frontier Days in September 2007. The event which gained so much popularity all of those years was back and seemed to emulate all of its past nostalgia. Frontier Days in 2007 came complete with carnival rides, food, civil war re-enactors, a very large parade and the excitement of many individuals who remembered when they attended the event years ago.
We hope to maintain its small town theme, building on what we have, welcoming back old friends, and attracting many more new faces into our community. Call 304-592-5631 for more information. Concert & Fireworks in the Park  The annual Indepenance Day Concert performed by the Shinnston Community Band will be held always be held on July 1st. Afterwards, one of the finest fireworks displays in the area will lite up the night sky. Mark your calendar for this years performance. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of brilliant entertainment. Anyone interested in joining the Shinnston Community Band should contact Evan Jones at Bandland by calling 304-622-1171.
Bice-Ferguson Memorial MuseumLocated in down town Shinnston, the Bice-Ferguson Memorial Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. from April through December. The Museum’s primary collection feature antique telephones along with other important artifacts. The Museum’s Director Maxine Weser also incorporates other unique exhibits and contests throughout the season. Clay District Veterans Memorial  The Clay District Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1998. The tribute of all veterans was largely realized through the contributions of local citizens and businesses and the hard work of local volunteers. In May 2007 the memorial was rededicated with several new structural additions for more names and can be visited at any time.
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