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Gardens

A group of four people strolls along a brick path adorned with vibrant flowers, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

Stroll Through the Gardens

Explore Oglebay's gardens in Wheeling, West Virginia, where seasonal blooms, colorful tulips, and vibrant fall foliage create one of the state's most beautiful garden experiences.

Highlights

  • 16 Acres of Gardens
  • Seasonal Color
  • Historic Landmark
  • Growing Arboretum

  • Bissonnette Gardens

    Wander through 16 acres of blooms, fountains, and scenic paths at Bissonnette Gardens—a year-round tribute to Earl Oglebay, lovingly tended for all to enjoy.

    Perched on Oglebay's Hilltop, Bissonnette Gardens spans 16 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, colorful flower beds, fountains, and winding brick pathways. Once part of Earl Oglebay's summer estate, this peaceful West Virginia destination invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the beauty of every season.

    From tulips and daffodils in spring to vibrant summer blooms and colorful autumn mums, the gardens offer something new throughout the year. A dedicated team of gardeners carefully maintains every bed, pathway, and display, creating one of West Virginia's most beloved public gardens.

    In 1999, the gardens were re-dedicated to Joseph F. Bissonnette. Today, visitors can also admire Miss West Virginia, a bronze sculpture by local artist Jeff Forster located near the greenhouse herb garden.

    Whether you're taking a leisurely walk, capturing seasonal photos, or simply enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, Bissonnette Gardens is a place to relax, reconnect with nature, and experience one of Oglebay's most treasured landscapes.

  • An Arboretum in the Making

    Planted in the 1930s with bold vision and thousands of trees, Oglebay’s arboretum endures—growing beauty, history, and community impact.

    View Tree Types(Link opens in new window)

    Oglebay's arboretum is a living collection of trees and landscapes that reflects the park's long-standing commitment to conservation, education, and natural beauty. Dating back to the 1930s, the arboretum continues to grow while honoring the vision of Earl Oglebay and those who helped shape the park.

    Thousands of trees were originally cultivated in Oglebay's greenhouses and nursery before being planted throughout the property. Today, visitors can discover a diverse collection of flowering trees, evergreens, and native species that add beauty to the landscape in every season.

    The vision for the arboretum was formally outlined in A Study for an Arboretum in 1940, inspiring landmarks like the Jones Pinetum, the A.B. Brooks Gateway, and the Cracraft Memorial Steps. Together, these spaces celebrate Oglebay's history while providing places to learn, explore, and connect with nature.

    As the arboretum continues to evolve, it remains an important part of Oglebay's landscape—preserving the park's natural heritage and creating beautiful outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy.

Enjoy the View