Stroll Through the Gardens
Wander through beautifully manicured landscapes and botanical displays that change with the seasons—from vibrant tulip displays in spring to rich autumn hues in the fall. Designed to inspire and delight, these gardens are a stunning recreation of Earl Oglebay’s beloved Waddington Gardens.
Bissonnette Gardens
Wander 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 atop the Hilltop, Bissonnette Gardens offers 16 acres of vibrant beauty and peaceful charm. Once part of Earl Oglebay’s summer estate, this public garden features over 30 colorful flower beds, flowing fountains, and meandering brick paths—inviting guests to stroll, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Each season brings fresh blooms—from tulips and daffodils in spring to radiant summer flowers and rich autumn mums—creating a living canvas of color year-round. A dedicated team of 10 gardeners lovingly tends to every detail, ensuring the gardens remain lush and welcoming.
Re-dedicated in 1999 to Joseph F. Bissonnette, the space gained a new highlight in 2017: Miss West Virginia, a striking sculpture by local artist Jeff Forster, nestled near the greenhouse’s herb garden.
Whether you're here for quiet moments or colorful inspiration, Bissonnette Gardens is a timeless escape worth exploring.
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.
Oglebay’s arboretum is more than a collection of trees—it’s a living reflection of the park’s enduring connection to nature, community, and legacy. Rooted in a vision from the 1930s and grounded in the belief that green spaces enrich lives, this evolving project continues to grow with intention and care.
Sparked by an early report detailing the park’s plant diversity, the arboretum began with thousands of trees nurtured in estate greenhouses and a thriving nursery—thanks in part to the vision and support of Crispin Oglebay. From flowering cherries and conifers to elms and thorns, these plantings were thoughtfully placed to enhance both the park and the Wheeling landscape.
In 1940, A Study for an Arboretum outlined a mission that extended beyond science—envisioning a space that celebrated natural beauty and community impact. That vision took root in key landmarks like the Jones Pinetum, the A.B. Brooks Gateway, and the Cracraft Memorial Steps, each honoring those who helped shape Oglebay’s story.
Though progress has been shaped by time and resources, the arboretum remains grounded in its purpose: to provide beauty, reflection, and connection for generations to come.
Enjoy the View
A recreation of Earl Oglebay’s Waddington Gardens
Bissonnette Gardens, a stunning 16-acre public display, features over 30 flower beds, vibrant hanging baskets, and multiple fountains. Originally part of Earl Oglebay’s summer estate, the gardens have been recreated for public enjoyment with meandering brick paths, soft landscape lighting, and serene water features.
Seasonal floral displays include tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in spring, followed by summer blooms like canna, salvia, petunias, and geraniums. Fall brings rich hues of mums, complementing the changing foliage.
A dedicated team of 10 staff members meticulously maintains the gardens, planting, pruning, watering, and fertilizing to ensure year-round beauty. Their hard work keeps The Hilltop a lush and enchanting destination.
Re-dedicated in 1999 to Joseph F. Bissonnette, a former Wheeling Park Commission director, the gardens gained a new highlight in 2017—a striking sculpture, Miss West Virginia, by local artist Jeff Forster, located near the herb garden by Oglebay’s greenhouse.
Visitors are encouraged to explore this picturesque retreat, where history, art, and nature come together in breathtaking harmony.