I have been here on more than a few occasions, going all the way back to school field trips as a…read morechild. Generally, it's a pretty cool place to visit and explore. This time we checked out an "Experience" from our local library, which allows free admission. This program is great, and allows you to visit Meadowcroft, plus the Heinz History Center, and the Fort Pitt Museum. In the morning, we explored the visitor center and the Native American Village. We liked throwing the Atlatl, which launches big, spear-like darts at a fake deer target to see if you can get them to stick. Afterwards, we left the site to go have lunch about 15 minutes away, and then did a short hike at Cross Creek Lake, where we saw a historic Truss Bridge from 1881. We came back to Meadowcroft, and climbed the steps to the Rock Shelter. We had seen this before, but we were able to experience some excavation work with the staff and scientists. We saw a recent discovery of a chipped flint that was 3,000 years old. Afterwards, we finished exploring the rest of the property. We liked throwing axes, playing double ball, and some other games. The old museum part was slightly disappointing, as it smelled heavily of mold, and I didn't want to stay in the buildings because of the smell. Neat old coaches and wagons in there, but I saw them before, so we were in and out quickly. Lastly, we did the Historic Covered Bridge (looks like it was re-done recently with new wood), the school, church, blacksmith shop and log cabin. All pretty cool to see. Overall, a nice day here at Meadowcroft ... Cheers!

Not too far from Pittsburgh (~1 hr) but the narrow 2 lane rural desolate Google Map route was white…read moreknuckling. All the docents were immersed in their roles. We threw spears and tomahawk. The geologist at the rock shelter was very interesting. There was a guest from Toronto who drove up from Wheeling to visit Meadowcroft. The conference center is still under construction. The bathrooms are open. Lots of stalls that are roomy. The gift shop was a great starting and ending point.

Visited the Nutcracker Village here this year and loved it! I had been several years ago but there…read moreweren't nearly as many nutcrackers at the time from what I remember. This year we walked up and down the streets where nutcrackers were lined up and it was so fun to look at each one. Along the way we would stop into stores and browse. They also have a market set up with local vendors selling a variety of goods, crafts and yummy eats and drinks! They also had Christmas trees outside with different themes. One benefited the Humane Society and you could write your pets name on a wooden ornament. Very cute. I really recommend you stop by. I think this is a cute activity for families and children or a date night. I will continue to visit!

Old Fort Steubenville in Steubenville Ohio With family enjoying the Christmas Season and…read moreNutcrackers. Historical Fort cost $3 per person for self guided tour. Lots of detailed exhibits. Information on re-enactments. Large gift shop and visitors center

This venue was part of the Historical Homes Tour in Steubenville, aligned the Nutcracker Village…read moretaking place in December. I loved my visit! The docents were so friendly and knowledgeable. The entire museum was interesting with the highlight being the Dean Martin Room, since he is from here. I was particularly interested in the Paddlewheels, as my great great grandfather used to build those boats to go up and down the Ohio River. By the way, if you get a chance, definitely do the tour of historical homes. Some are more restored than others, but a couple of them look like museums inside themselves. The Historical Association is a very cool place for a small town. They were welcoming and inviting and they even served cookies to visitors that day. Nice touch!

My mom and I stumbled upon this hidden gem well visiting Stubenville Nutcracker VIllage. The…read moreStubenville Nutracker Village offered free trolley ride on the half hour, to check out their downtown to look at the main streets filled with life size themed nutcrackers and a stop at the museum. Tom, our tour guide and the rest of the board members went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, explaining everything in the museum and their town of Stubenville, Ohio. For any Dean Martin fans, they even had a Dean Martin room. Thanks for making the time memorable, and enlightening my knowledge of another great small town in Ohio.

Great time and a great day to be on top of the bus. The tour guide, John, was very knowledgeable…read moreand had some funny jokes. Pittsburgh history was so interesting and I learned a lot. Carol the driver did an amazing job manuevering thru the narrow streets and

Hop and stop is cool until you actually decide to hop. Who knows when the next time you will get…read morepicked up. We got off at n the South Side, so they were 20 Min late. We were ok with that. Then we got off again, they were 15 min early (from posted time). So we walked a couple of miles so we didn't just have to stand there. 20 min late again after getting here 20 min early so we wouldn't be left on the side of the road again. Ride at your own risk in terms of being flexible. On a positive point, the guys doing the narrative/guides were great! You pay extra for "hop and stop" the pick ups need to be a little more accurate. Don't tell us to be there 5 min early when you need to 25 min early and be willing to wait 25 min after scheduled pick ups.

We live nearby and never really thought about grabbing breakfast at the park--but wow, we're so…read moreglad we finally did! Tomlinson Run State Park offers breakfast at the campground on Saturdays from 8am-12pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it's truly a hidden gem. The food was absolutely delicious--hot, fresh, and made with care. What's even better? It's all prepared by amazing volunteers, and every dollar goes right back into supporting the park. You can really feel the community pride in every bite. We'll definitely be back again before the season ends. If you're local (or even just passing through), make the stop. It's a great way to kick off a Saturday morning surrounded by nature and good people.

First time visiting this park. It is on the small side compared to other WV State Parks. This means…read morethat it is faster to get to where you are going in the park (no long road in). As you enter the park there is a road to the right that takes you to the campground (BTW, I have rated the campground separately under Campground at Tomlinson Run State Park). As you drive forward you will pass the Park Superintendent's house (on the right). Behind the house is a tiny building that serves at the park HQ. This is where you need to go if you want to stamp your VIPP card. Not obvious and you feel like you trespassing on the residence there but just drive past and then to your right and find the stamp. Along this road on the left you will find a picnic area and shortly after you will come to the edge of a small lake (on the left). On the right is the entrance to a road the winds up and around to the top of a hill (through the woods). There are two picnic areas. The first is off to the left before really heading up the hill. This one was buggy when I was there. At the top of the hill there is a parking lot and picnic areas. Nice spot! The road that goes through the park continues onward and then there is a parking area on the right above the lake. At the lake's edge are paddle boat rentals. If you continue on the road straight on the road you will end up exiting the park.