Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to explore Marshall University? Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone. From the iconic Marshall University Memorial Fountain to the student-run Marshall Recreation Center, there are plenty of great places to check out.
With so many amazing attractions to explore, it can be hard to decide where to start. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to visit at Marshall University. From the historic campus buildings to the bustling downtown area, there are plenty of options to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or to enjoy an exciting night out on the town, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your map, and let’s get started. You’ll never know what you’ll find when you visit Marshall University.
Marshall University Memorial Fountain
The iconic Marshall University Memorial Fountain is a must-see attraction at Marshall University. This 19.5-foot-tall fountain is located in the center of the campus. It was designed by Huntington native, Carl Steffen, to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary.
Steffen also created the bronze statue of John W. L. Marshall. The memorial fountain features a water jet that shoots water 150 feet into the air. During the day, the spray of water creates a great place to cool off on a hot day.
And, at night, it’s a beautiful sight to see. If you visit in the springtime or during the fall, you’ll also see the fountain come to life with a magical floral display.
Marshall Recreation Center
If you love sports, you’ll want to check out the Marshall Recreation Center. This popular student-run facility is open to the public. It features 10 basketball courts, five racquetball courts, a fitness center, an indoor track, and plenty more. You’ll find the Recreation Center on 12th Street, just a short walk from the campus.
The facility can get busy on the weekends, but it’s a great place to enjoy a game of basketball or racquetball. And if sports aren’t your thing, you can always check out the Fitness Center.
The large workout space features a wide range of equipment, including elliptical machines, treadmills, and plenty more. There’s also a sauna for those who enjoy relaxing after a great workout.
Marshall University Campus Buildings
There are plenty of historic buildings at Marshall University that are worth exploring. The three most popular buildings are the Camron-Stanford House, the James E. Murray Center, and the Old East Residence Hall. The Camron-Stanford House is a historic house museum.
It features 14 rooms that showcase the lives of Marshall University professors, such as Camron and Stanford. The James E. Murray Center is home to the Mabel D. Murray Theatre, the Randolph W. Children’s Discovery Museum, and the B.J. Young Library and Archives.
And the Old East Residence Hall is a National Historic Landmark. It’s the oldest building in Huntington, West Virginia, and one of the oldest buildings in the state.
Student Center
The Marshall University Student Center is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet afternoon or celebrate a special event. This campus landmark was built in the 1970s and is home to several special collections. The Center is also home to the Student Health and Counseling Services Offices.
There are plenty of great places to sit and relax in the Student Center. If you’re craving some quiet time, you can always sit by the fountain that sits outside the building. And if you’re feeling social, you can always head to the Student Center Café.
This popular campus hangout features a wide selection of coffee and food items. You can also check out the Center’s shops, where you can find everything from gifts to textbooks.
Downtown Huntington
If you want to explore the heart of Huntington, you should visit downtown. This bustling part of the city is home to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife in the state. You’ll also find plenty of great places to grab a coffee or tea on a lazy afternoon.
If you’re visiting downtown in the spring or fall, you can enjoy the colorful annual Tulip Festival. And if you’re planning a visit in the winter, you can enjoy the lights of the Christmas Festival of Lights.
There are also plenty of great annual events in the city, including the Huntington International Festival, Huntington Art in the Open, and Huntington Heritage Day.
Knight Park
If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you should check out Knight Park. This quiet park is located on the outskirts of the downtown area. It features a tranquil walking path and a wide variety of trees.
If you’d like to enjoy some outdoor dining, you’ll find several eateries within walking distance of the park. And if you want to catch a game, you can also visit the Marshall University Volleyball Courts. This popular athletic facility is located just steps from the park.
If you’re visiting during the winter, you’ll also want to make a stop at the city’s Winter Lights display. You can also enjoy a stroll through the park’s unique light tunnel.
The Wild Ramp
The Wild Ramp is a must-visit attraction for foodies. This popular food truck is located in the Marshall University Student Center. You’ll find it on the upper level in the food court-style seating area. The Wild Ramp is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
And if you visit on Friday, you can enjoy live music from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This food truck is famous for its delicious, homemade soups. You can choose from a wide variety of different options, including vegetarian and vegan options. The Wild Ramp also serves an assortment of delicious sandwiches and salads.
Pullman Square
If you’re visiting during the winter, you should make a stop at the city’s beautiful Winter Lights display. You can also enjoy the lights during the holidays. And if you visit in the spring or fall, you can enjoy the colorful annual Tulip Festival.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy both the lights and the flowers. You can also enjoy the many shops and restaurants near the display. One of the most popular spots is Pullman Square. This outdoor shopping and dining destination features more than a dozen shops and restaurants.
It’s also home to the Marshall University Bookstore. You can also catch a game at the nearby Huntington Civic Center. This large sports and entertainment venue is a great place to enjoy some indoor fun during the cold winter months.
Conclusion
There are many exciting places to visit at Marshall University. You can see the iconic Marshall University Memorial Fountain, explore the historic campus buildings, and enjoy the many shops and restaurants in downtown Huntington.
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something fun to do in Huntington. Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or visiting for the first time, there is something for everyone. So, grab your map, and let’s get started. You’ll never know what you’ll find when you visit Marshall University.
