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

Observatory in remote West Virginia mountains to remain open

by David Sibray

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.
Attractions

Monarch butterflies need your help at Cacapon State Park

by David Sibray

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
Attractions

Cranberry nature center hosts family fest this weekend

by Clyde Craig

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
Attractions

World Scout Jamboree to crowd middle New River Gorge

by Clyde Craig

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.
Attractions

New Deal-era community center in need of financial assistance

by David Sibray

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.
Attractions

Train history, ghost town attract hundreds to Train Day

by David Sibray

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

Canada geese groom at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area near Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Attractions

Applications being accepted for McClintic waterfowl hunt

by Will Reedy

Waterfowl hunters who wish to hunt from a shooting station in the controlled waterfowl hunting zone of McClintic Wildlife Management Area, near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, must submit their application by midnight Aug. 11, 2019. According to Kem Shaw, wildlife biologist for the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife, hunting is by permit only on a … Read more

Re-enactors stroll the grounds of the Blennerhassett Mansion on Blennerhassett Island.
Attractions

History Alive! programs come to state parks this summer

by David Sibray

Historical figures from Mark Twain to Sacagawea will visit West Virginia state parks on weekends this summer as part of the West Virginia Humanities Council’s History Alive! program. These living-history portrayals by scholars will provide a passage through time for student and adult audiences, according to Paulita Cousin, a naturalist at Blackwater Falls State Park … Read more

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co. will launch its 35 Parks West Virginia Pale Ale at Pipestem Resort State Park.
Attractions

Greenbrier Valley Brewing debuts 35-Parks WV Pale Ale

by Bianca Bosworth

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co.’s new “35 Parks WV Pale Ale” will be available at Pipestem Resort State Park beginning June 20 in celebration of West Virginia Day. The park’s official brewery, Greenbrier Valley features several of its flagship beers at restaurants in the park, which also supports regional West Virginia craft beers from Weathered Ground … Read more