Oglebay’s Wigginton Arboretum and Bissonnette Gardens

Earl W. Oglebay, an industrialist from Cleveland, Ohio, acquired Waddington Farm, a 25-acre piece of land just north of Wheeling, WV, in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, an arboretum committee was formed, which included renowned landscape architect, Brooks Wigginton. The vision extended beyond a mere collection of trees and shrubs, aiming to make it an asset for the people of Wheeling, drawing visitors to the area. The J. Sumner Jones family generously donated funds to create a pinetum within the arboretum. This beautiful display of conifers can be found at the entrance of Wilson Lodge in Oglebay.

Today, the Wheeling Park Commission encompasses over 4,000 acres of land, incorporating various amenities such as the Oglebay Resort. This exquisite resort offers a 250-room hotel, 54 charming guest cottages, conference center, and a highly esteemed spa, recognized among the top-100 in the nation. In addition, the resort is home to the only accredited zoo in West Virginia, providing visitors with a unique wildlife experience. Oglebay also boasts a renowned drive through holiday light show, breathtaking gardens and arboretum, and extensive naturalized areas, making it an ideal destination for recreation and relaxation. In addition to the gardens, the arboretum boasts a collection of mature trees and shrubs, contributing to its natural and diverse environment.

Earl W. Oglebay, an industrialist from Cleveland, Ohio, acquired Waddington Farm, a 25-acre piece of land just north of Wheeling, WV, in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, an arboretum committee was formed, which included renowned landscape architect, Brooks Wigginton. The vision extended beyond a mere collection of trees and shrubs, aiming to make it an asset for the people of Wheeling, drawing visitors to the area. The J. Sumner Jones family generously donated funds to create a pinetum within the arboretum. This beautiful display of conifers can be found at the entrance of Wilson Lodge in Oglebay.

Today, the Wheeling Park Commission encompasses over 4,000 acres of land, incorporating various amenities such as the Oglebay Resort. This exquisite resort offers a 250-room hotel, 54 charming guest cottages, conference center, and a highly esteemed spa, recognized among the top-100 in the nation. In addition, the resort is home to the only accredited zoo in West Virginia, providing visitors with a unique wildlife experience. Oglebay also boasts a renowned drive through holiday light show, breathtaking gardens and arboretum, and extensive naturalized areas, making it an ideal destination for recreation and relaxation. In addition to the gardens, the arboretum boasts a collection of mature trees and shrubs, contributing to its natural and diverse environment.