Today, The Highlands stands as the centerpiece of economic growth in Ohio County, drawing millions of visitors each year from West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and beyond. Conveniently located along Interstate 70 near the Triadelphia exit, the mixed-use development has become much more than a shopping center — it is a place where families gather, athletes compete, travelers stay, businesses invest and visitors discover everything the region has to offer.

Owned and operated by the Ohio County Development Authority, The Highlands has transformed hundreds of acres into a thriving destination that continues to expand and evolve.

Whether visitors are looking for a weekend shopping getaway, a family outing, a youth sports tournament or a place to stay while exploring the Ohio Valley, The Highlands has evolved into one of the region’s most comprehensive destinations.

The Highlands has grown over the past two decades into a vibrant mixed-use development that blends retail, dining, entertainment, recreation and hospitality into a single destination.

From its early stages as a retail development, it has transformed into a destination where visitors can spend an entire day — or an entire weekend — without leaving the property. The combination of shopping, dining, entertainment and sports tourism has helped position The Highlands as one of the Ohio Valley’s most recognizable attractions.

More Than Shopping

The Highlands first gained prominence as a retail destination, and today remains home to many of the nation’s most recognizable retailers.

Visitors can spend an entire day exploring stores including Target, Walmart Supercenter, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Best Buy, T.J. Maxx, Bass Pro Shops (formerly Cabela’s), Menards, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Books-A-Million, Hobby Lobby, Harbor Freight, Petco, Lane Bryant, Rally House, Play It Again Sports and Russell Stover.

The variety allows shoppers to find everything from outdoor gear and home improvement supplies to clothing, books, electronics, sporting goods and specialty gifts in one convenient location.

File photo — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Nothing Bundt Cakes at The Highlands earlier this year as the bakery opened its doors to customers.

Yet shopping is only part of the story.

Over the years, The Highlands has steadily diversified, creating an experience that appeals to families, sports enthusiasts, business travelers and tourists alike.

A Sports Tourism Powerhouse

At the heart of that transformation is the Highlands Sports Complex, which has become one of the region’s most significant sports tourism assets.

The facility features more than 200,000 square feet of indoor space, including basketball and volleyball courts, a full-size indoor turf field, batting cages, meeting rooms and recreational amenities. Outdoor fields accommodate football, soccer and other sports throughout the year.

An indoor turf field at The Highlands Sports Complex provides space for sports training and recreational activities year-round. Photo provided)

Thousands of athletes and spectators travel to The Highlands annually for tournaments and competitions, generating hotel stays, restaurant traffic and economic activity throughout the Ohio Valley.

The sports complex has become a major reason many first-time visitors discover the area.

Adjacent to the complex, the Highlands Event Center provides additional flexibility for conventions, trade shows, weddings, banquets, corporate meetings and community events.

Together, the facilities have helped establish The Highlands as a year-round destination rather than simply a place to shop.

Dining for Every Taste

File photo — Wheeling Bass Pro Shops (formerly Cabela’s) store is located just off of I-70. This enormous 175,000-sq.-ft. store not only offers quality outdoor merchandise, it also has museum-quality animal displays and huge aquariums that your kids will enjoy.

Visitors quickly discover there is no shortage of dining options.

The restaurant lineup ranges from casual family dining and national favorites to local establishments that have become destinations in their own right.

Among the options are Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, LongHorn Steakhouse, Primanti Bros., Quaker Steak & Lube, Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.

Local flavor remains an important part of the mix as well, including favorites such as DiCarlo’s Pizza and El Paso Mexican Grill.

For those seeking something sweet, Nothing Bundt Cakes has emerged as one of the newest attractions at The Highlands.

The bakery, which officially celebrated its grand opening this year, specializes in freshly baked bundt cakes made daily in a variety of flavors. From White Chocolate Raspberry and Chocolate Chocolate Chip to seasonal specialties, the bakery has quickly built a loyal following among residents and visitors alike.

The addition of businesses such as Nothing Bundt Cakes reflects the continued diversification of The Highlands, blending national brands with unique offerings that create memorable visitor experiences.

Entertainment Beyond Retail

The Highlands also serves as a major entertainment destination.

Marquee Cinemas Highlands remains a popular attraction, offering the latest movie releases in a modern theater setting.

Families attending sporting events often extend their visits by taking advantage of nearby shopping, dining and entertainment options, creating a complete destination experience.

The combination of activities allows visitors to spend an entire weekend without leaving the development.

Staying the Night

Sports tournaments, business travel and tourism have fueled continued growth in hospitality offerings.

The Highlands features a wide selection of hotels, including Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inn & Suites.

These accommodations serve everyone from tournament families and business travelers to tourists exploring Wheeling and the Ohio Valley.

The concentration of hotels has helped strengthen The Highlands’ position as a regional tourism hub and has supported additional investment throughout the development.

Healthcare, Services and Business Growth

Beyond retail and tourism, The Highlands has developed into a center for professional services and healthcare.

Medical providers include WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, Mountain State Dermatology, Ohio Valley Dermatology and First Settlement Physical Therapy.

Financial institutions, telecommunications providers and personal service businesses such as WesBanco, T-Mobile, Xfinity, Aspen Dental, Great Clips and Sport Clips Haircuts further expand the development’s offerings.

Industrial and automotive operations, including Valley Harley-Davidson, Straub Automotive, Robinson Automotive, East Coast Metal Systems, Silgan and Cabela’s Distribution Center, demonstrate that The Highlands’ economic influence extends well beyond consumer spending.

Future Growth on the Horizon

Even with its remarkable growth, development at The Highlands is far from complete.

County officials continue pursuing plans for a second Interstate 70 interchange that would improve access to the development and accommodate future traffic demands.

The West Virginia Division of Highways recently moved forward with environmental and traffic studies required for the project, marking another step toward long-discussed expansion plans.

Officials believe improved access will support continued commercial growth while enhancing convenience for visitors traveling from throughout the region.

Additional residential development also may be coming.

Ohio County leaders recently discussed potential housing projects near Menards and behind the Hampton Inn as part of broader efforts to attract new residents and support workforce growth.

Those projects would further transform The Highlands into a true mixed-use community where people can live, work and play.

An Ohio Valley Success Story

For Ohio County leaders, The Highlands represents one of the region’s most significant economic success stories.

The development has transformed previously underutilized land into a destination that supports jobs, tourism, recreation and investment while continuing to evolve to meet changing demands.

Whether visitors arrive for a youth sports tournament, a shopping trip, a weekend getaway, a family dinner or a special event, they find far more than they may have expected.

With continued investment, future expansion plans and a growing mix of attractions, The Highlands remains one of the Ohio Valley’s premier destinations — and its story of growth is still being written.