Ritter Park offers lots of room for recreation on its peaceful 75 acres in downtown Huntington, West Virginia. Don't miss the rose garden!
Images by Matthew Durfee
If you live or travel near Huntington, West Virginia, then Ritter Park is a place you need to know about.
It's an inviting spot, and part of a historic district with stylish architecture dating from the 1920's and 30's.
In fact, the American Planning Association has designated it as one of the "Great Places of America," a list that recognizes public spaces designed to bring communities together.
Enclosed within the boundaries of 8th Street, 13th Avenue, and 12th Street, the 75-acre park has all sorts of fun features for a day out.
What makes Ritter Park so great? For one thing, it's over a hundred years old, and a lot of the construction dates back to the WPA era. You can see that heritage in a lot of the stone work throughout the area.
For another thing, it's just a really pretty park with some nice amenities!
Let's take a little tour.
The Rose Garden at Ritter Park
If you visit in late spring or early summer, you just might get treated to a gorgeous show of roses.
Thousands of flowers grow in Ritter Park's Rose Garden, which you can approach by crossing a bridge and climbing steps from the parking lot off North Boulevard.
Adjoining the garden is a small venue called "Room with a View," and, along with the grounds, it's available for rental for special events.
You could even try growing some of these All-America Rose Selections in your own yard! One day a year (in November) the community is invited to a giveaway of rose cuttings.
The giveaway is usually advertised in the local media or on Huntington's events calendar.
Places to Gather + Play
You can swing by the park for an hour or two of amusement on any given day.
With multiple tennis courts, a dog park, and playgrounds for the kids, family fun is a big focus here.
There are also two big picnic shelters for rent by the day.
There are also individual tables around. Bring some goodies to eat and a picnic backpack, and you've got yourself a little party!
Looking for music or theatre events? The park's 1,500-seat amphitheater hosts several of these every year. Keep an eye on Facebook for upcoming concerts, plays, and other performances.
Walking the Path
One of the most popular features of the park is the broad multi-use path that welcomes walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.
If you want a longer walk, you can even keep going along the creek and connect up with Kiwanis Park and then Harveytown Park, about two and a half miles away.
Looking for something a bit more adventurous in West Virginia? Visit New River Gorge National Park, Beech Fork State Park, Kanawha State Forest, Pinnacle Rock State Park, or Gray Flats South Trail.
As you explore Ritter Park, you may come upon some unique art installations.
The sculpture pictured below is called "Earth Portal," and was placed in the park in 1999.
These sculptures are in the field just south of the fountain by the main entrance on 13th Avenue.
Everybody needs some green space to spread out in, and Ritter Park delivers. That's why it's one of our favorite areas in Huntington.
Anything else you enjoy about the park? Let us know in the comments below!
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