International visitors may need a US visa or ESTA; check with the US State Department.

What is the best way to get to Follansbee?

By car via US Route 22 or WV Route 2. The nearest major airport is Pittsburgh International (about 45 minutes away).

Are there hotels in Follansbee?

There are a few small motels and inns; more options are in Weirton (10 min) or Steubenville (15 min).

Is Follansbee family-friendly?

Yes, with parks, a museum, and community events. Brooke Hills Park has playgrounds and a pool.

What is there to do outdoors?

Hiking, fishing, boating on the Ohio River, and visiting nearby state parks like Tomlinson Run.

Can I use my cell phone?

Yes, major carriers have good coverage in town, but may be spotty in rural areas.

Is English the only language spoken?

Yes, English is the primary language. Some Spanish may be heard, but not widely.

What is the local cuisine?

American comfort food: burgers, fries, pizza, and Appalachian dishes like pepperoni rolls.

Follansbee

CityWest Virginia, United States

Follansbee is a CITY in West Virginia, United States.

Follansbee, a small city along the Ohio River in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle, offers a quiet, authentic slice of Appalachian life. Visitors can explore the historic downtown with its brick storefronts, enjoy the scenic riverfront park, and learn about the city's steel and tin mill heritage at the Follansbee Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate nearby hiking and fishing opportunities at Brooke Hills Park and the Ohio River. The city's annual Follansbee Community Days festival brings locals together with live music, food, and family fun. While not a major tourist hub, Follansbee charms with its friendly atmosphere, affordable lodging, and easy access to larger cities like Wheeling and Pittsburgh. It's an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and industrial history.

Best time to visit Follansbee

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer (July-August) is warm and can be humid, but is great for river activities and festivals. Winter (December-February) is cold and snowy, ideal for those seeking a quiet, cozy getaway. Fall foliage in October is spectacular.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 8 to 18°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Peak fall colors, scenic drives.

Know before you go

Getting there

PIT

Pittsburgh International Airport

International

72 km away

HLG

Wheeling Ohio County Airport

Domestic

32 km away

PKB

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport

Domestic

145 km away

Getting around

"Follansbee is car-dependent; most visitors drive. The city is compact and walkable downtown, but attractions like Brooke Hills Park require a vehicle. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are available but limited. There is no local public transit within Follansbee, but the Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority (OVRTA) connects to nearby Weirton and Steubenville. Biking is possible on quiet roads, but dedicated bike lanes are scarce."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available at libraries, cafes, and some hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM from major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) available in nearby Weirton

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scam risk is low but be cautious with online rentals or cash transactions.

Night safety

7/10

Scam risk is low but be cautious with online rentals or cash transactions.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Follansbee is generally a safe, low-crime community, especially during daytime. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur in parking areas. The downtown and riverfront are well-lit and patrolled. At night, stick to main streets and avoid isolated areas. As with any small town, lock your car and don't leave valuables visible. The local police are responsive and friendly. Overall, it's a safe destination for families and solo travelers."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Follansbee are limited; the nearest hospital is Weirton Medical Center (about 10 miles away) or WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital (20 miles). For serious emergencies, Pittsburgh hospitals are about 45 minutes away. Travelers should bring any necessary prescription medications, as local pharmacies are available but may have limited hours. Tap water is generally safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required for US visitors, but routine vaccines should be up to date."

Culture

Local customs

"Locals are friendly and polite; a smile and a nod are common greetings. Dress is casual and practical, especially for outdoor activities. Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and $2-5 for hotel housekeeping. Punctuality is appreciated but not strict. Avoid loud or confrontational behavior. Respect private property and always ask permission before taking photos of people or homes."

English (official)SpanishChineseTagalogVietnameseFrenchArabicKoreanGermanItalianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$10-15 | a typical meal at a local diner costs $10-15

Hotels

$60-100 | budget motels range $60-100/night

Local transport

$0 | walking or driving; gas ~$3/gallon

Cost notes

Follansbee is very affordable compared to larger cities.

Timezone

America/New_York
Local time 16:46

More facts

Population

2,887

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Cross Creek, Folansbe, Folansbi, Follansbee, Follansbi, fwlansb wyrjynyay ghrby, fwlansby, Фолансбе, Фолансби, Фоллансби, Фоллансбі, فولانسب، ویرجینیای غربی, فولانسبى, فولانسبي

CityHistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingRiver Town