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.
More than 30,000 visitors now tour the old West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville every year, and officials say traffic is expected to increase as the landmark enters its 23rd year as a tourist attraction. Suzanne Park, executive director of the Moundsville Economic Development Council, says expanding media coverage and a concerted effort to market the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Until 1834, nearly every residence in the Kanawha Valley near present-day Charleston was built of hewn timbers. Then along came James Craik, whose Greek Revival home, counted among the state’s best examples of Greek Revival architecture, still stands. Now a museum, an afternoon at the residence, “Elm Grove,” also known as the … Read more
As often as I’ve visited North Bend State Park, I only just found out about Old Stone Face —one of many fascinating landmarks at this park in the hills east of Parkersburg, West Virginia. This is the second time in a month that someone’s directed me to a “profile rock,” as they’re often called — … Read more
Legendary springs across West Virginia are attracting new audiences among health-conscious people longing for a return to simpler times. Once supposed curative, “healing” springs have attracted travelers in search of better health since the 1700s, says Jonathan Bellingham, whose family has managed Capon Springs for four generations. Now, these bubbling springs—which notably include Capon and … Read more
Bald eagles—never before seen in southern West Virginia—have become inhabitants over the last decade, and naturalists at Pipestem Resort State Park are inviting the public to help survey these beautiful birds them during its twelfth annual spring survey March 1-3. Part of the park’s epic Winter Birding Weekend, activities will include a bird-watching instruction program … Read more
A recent study of the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s AmeriCorps program suggests its heritage tourism programming is an important economic engine for West Virginia, according to Danielle Parker, executive director for the alliance. The study found that more than half of travelers who visit the program’s heritage sites traveled from more than 50 miles … Read more
Lushly forested West Virginia is a ideally suited to the production of rich, golden honey, and North Bend State Park is fostering the industry this year by hosting a free beekeeping program February 28. Master Beekeeper Janet Clayton will host a free program at 6:30 p.m. at the park lodge during which she will discuss … Read more
The eighth annual Winterfest celebration at Coopers Rock State Forest Feb. 9 provides guests free hikes, introductory courses in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and wintry competitions, including a new Men’s Snowball Showdown. Near Morgantown, West Virginia, the forest famously overlooks the canyon of the Cheat River from the summit of the Chestnut Ridge and is a … Read more
Governor Jim Justice today announced an $11-million investment package for Pipestem Resort State Park that will include new outdoor-adventure infrastructure and updated park accommodations. Beginning this spring, visitors to Pipestem, in southern West Virginia, will be able to enjoy a new splash park, lake adventures, guided trout-fishing trips, stand-up paddleboard tours, rock climbing and rappelling … Read more
There’s often no time to waste when rescuing a historic landmark, which is why West Virginia’s Preservation Alliance is expanding its endangered-properties program to accept nominations and provide assistance year-round. The alliance will continue to publish its anticipated list of endangered properties annually, but staff will now provide assistance as soon as submissions are approved, … Read more
