Brooke Hills Park — Formerly known as “Happy Hills Farm”, over 55 years ago, the Gist Family willed 750 acres to Brooke County, and it was named Brooke Hills Park. The road leading into Brooke Halls Park was originally known as Hinkson Road (now Gist Drive). W.C.Gist ‘s home is located on the right side of the road and was built in the early eighteen hundreds. W.C. Gist served as Brooke County Agriculture Agent for 30 years and he was instrumental in providing rural homes in the county with electricity.

 

The Brooke Hills Spooktacular takes place in a 185+ year old farmhouse, built before 1822, on part of the Gist land. Rumors prevail that it is a real spookhouse. In 2007 Brooke Hills ParkSpooktacular Celebrated its 20 years. Spookhouse is operated solely by volunteers from all over the Ohio Valley. Each year the entire theme of the house is created into an entirely different theme.



Brooke Hills Playhouse

 P.O. Box 186
Wellsburg, WV 26070
304/737-1595

(in season June-August)

West Virginia's first traditional summer stock theater has been in operation for over 35 seasons in the “barn”. The structure was once owned by the wealthy, prominent Gist family of Wellsburg, W.V. in the 18th and 19th century. A division of the Brooke County Arts Council, the amateur theater performs five shows per season, including: farce, comedy, melodrama, and musical productions.

Toll House — Built in 1834, this structure is the only toll house still standing from the time that the old Wellsburg and Washington Turnpike Company was in operation. This structure will be refurbished with assistance from a WV grant. It is located on the right at the entrance of the park on Washington Pike which served as a Toll House until 1910.



 

Lighted Cross — Mr. Gist envisioned a cross on the top of the knoll east of the park. It reminded him of Golgotha, the mount on which Christ was crucified. His vision became reality when the park board purchased the knoll from William and Anna Gist on January 1, 1962 for the sum of $834. The geological survey marks the elevation near the base of the cross at 1332 feet being the highest point in Brooke County. Though the date was not recorded it was lighted either Decoration day or the 4th of July 1962. Over the years the cross deteriated and the lighting no long operated.
In the summer of 1991 a group of volunteers from the Franklin United Methodist Church remembered the inspiration the received from seeing the lighted cross. Many local business helped provide the materials and the volunteer group worked to restore the cross, its lighting and electric supply. On September 14, 1991 the local Ministerial Association held a service at the Rhododendron shelter. The cross once again shined to the Heavenly Father every evening from 8pm till midnight.

Click Here to view the Brooke County Park Master Plan as prepared on February 2004.