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.
Editor’s Note: Despite their economic value, state parks in West Virginia are suffering from a lack of funding. Greg Bray, president of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation is asking for public support of Senate Bill 517, which would channel royalties received from the leases of state-owned gas, oil, and other mineral rights below the … Read more
Access to one of the most important mining heritage sites in the U.S. will reopen again soon, though officials have no timeline for restoration of the route there, which was practically destroyed after flooding in 2016. The road has been officially closed while the engineers repair priority routes damaged by the flood, to the dismay … Read more
Though the forecast calls for a snowy mix, many visitors at Cacapon Resort State Park this weekend will be planning summer butterfly gardens during a three-day nature program with naturalists. Biologist Sue Olcott and park naturalist Valerie Chaney will guide guests through a weekend of events that includes a birding excursion, a visit to Berkeley … Read more
Has winter got you down? Perhaps a weekend of nature programming at Chief Logan State Park this weekend (January 17-19) will warm you up. A star-watching program, a winter birding adventure, two monarch-butterfly workshops, and a discussion of newly introduced elk herds round out the weekend full of events held in one of the state’s … Read more
Plant the seeds of fun, conservation, and education during Winter Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park Jan. 17-19. Activities will include sled riding (weather permitting), winter hikes, tours of the area, programs, crafts, games, and entertainment. This year’s event includes a Friday night dessert contest where guests are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert … Read more
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will increase its entrance fees on January 1, 2020, as part of the National Park Service’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure needs and improve future visitor experiences. All money collected from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service, with at least 80 percent retained locally at Harpers Ferry, West … Read more
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Big Bend Tunnel in southern West Virginia—the enterprise that legendarily took the life of folk-hero John Henry, believed by many to have been a flesh-and-blood railroad worker. According to most versions of the tale, Henry was employed to help dig the tunnel for … Read more
When tourists arrive in Moundsville, West Virginia, they often come to see the massive Grave Creek Adena burial mound or tour the infamous West Virginia Penitentiary. Few may notice the small stone structures at the base of the mound across from the prison or know of the link between them. The small sandstone structure is … Read more
The Robert C. Byrd Institute and the West Virginia Food-and-Farm Coalition will present the second “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” Oct. 23 in Fairmont, West Virginia. To maintain momentum in the emerging craft-beverage economy, the summit has been established to support the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits, according to Bill Woodrum, RCBI director … Read more
Autumn is an ideal season for woodland walks and, to celebrate, six West Virginia state parks and forests are offering guided hikes with park naturalists in October 2019. Participants will receive a special West Virginia State Parks hiking patch and are encouraged to stay overnight in parks where lodging is available, according to parks chief … Read more
