Attractions

See our Attractions Travel Guide

Attractions in West Virginia offer something for every traveler, from stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks to family-friendly adventures and vibrant cultural sites.

 

Visitors can marvel at iconic destinations such as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, explore Harpers Ferry’s rich history, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Blackwater Falls and Seneca Rocks. Charming mountain towns, local museums, unique shops, and lively festivals add to the state’s welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. With its blend of outdoor fun, heritage, and small-town charm, West Virginia’s attractions make every trip unforgettable, showcasing the best of Appalachian adventure and hospitality. Be sure to visit our Attractions Travel Guide for more information about attractions in West Virginia.

A park ranger demonstrates fire-pit cooking at North Bend State Park near Cairo, West Virginia

North Bend State Park hosts 52nd annual Nature Wonder Weekend

North Bend State Park’s Nature Wonder Weekend—North America’s premier and longest-running wild foods event—will celebrate its 52nd year Sept. 20-22. “Participants this year will learn how to bring their favorite wild edibles into their own backyards,” said Emily Fleming, deputy director for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Also, as in past events, participants … Read more

The Allstadt House and Ordinary has been added to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Allstadt’s Corner donated to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Nearly 160 years after John Brown raided the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, the National Park Service is welcoming the gift of another 13 acres that help tell Brown’s story. The American Battlefield Trust purchased property known as Allstadt’s Corner, which includes Allstadt’s Ordinary, and transferred it to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The donation … Read more

A student stands in the doorway of the control room for the 40-foot Telescope at the Green Bank Observatory.

Observatory in remote West Virginia mountains to remain open

The National Science Foundation has announced plans to leave open the remote Green Bank Observatory high in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia. Formerly the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the facility includes the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, though it may best be known for its remote location—among mountains that block radio interference … Read more

A monarch butterfly feeds in a West Virginia meadow. Photo courtesy Kyle Glenn.

Monarch butterflies need your help at Cacapon State Park

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va.—Volunteers are being recruited to help monarch butterflies by participating in Cacapon Resort State Park‘s monarch research study Friday, July 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The search site is a pollinator field that has been created for a citizen science study in cooperation with the Monarch Joint Venture. The study will be part of … Read more

Festival At Cranberry Mountain Nature Center in West Virginia

Cranberry nature center hosts family fest this weekend

RICHWOOD, W.Va.—Families touring Cranberry Glades and the Falls of Hills Creek this weekend are in store for extra fun on Cranberry Fun Day at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Saturday, July 20, 2019. Begin at 11 a.m. and continue all afternoon, the annual event is geared for youth and families with children and includes a program … Read more

New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, West Virginia, New River Gorge Region

World Scout Jamboree to crowd middle New River Gorge

BECKLEY, W.Va.—Officials at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are anticipating increased river use and shuttle traffic during the World Scout Jamboree July 22-August 2 at the adjacent Summit Bechtel Reserve. Up to 65,000 scouts and scout leaders from more than 170 countries are expected to attend the event attend the landmark event, … Read more

The historic Homestead School in the Tygart Valley is in need of financial assistance.

New Deal-era community center in need of financial assistance

VALLEY BEND, W.Va.—At the heart of an experimental community established during the New Deal in West Virginia, the rescued Homestead Community Center in the scenic Tygart Valley is in need of financial assistance to help repair restroom facilities. Though it remains an endangered historic property, designated as such by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, … Read more

Visitors learn about railway safety at Thurmond Train Day. Photo courtesy National Park Service.Visitors learn about railway safety at Thurmond Train Day. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

Train history, ghost town attract hundreds to Train Day

Now in its sixth year, Thurmond Train Day is growing ever-more popular as visitors to the ghost town in southern West Virginia explore its historic landmarks and discover more about railroading history and present-day railroad safety. More than 600 people attended last year’s event, drawn largely by the opportunity to visit Thurmond, West Virginia, at … Read more