ELKINS, W.Va. — A new $11.6 million event and conference center, scheduled to open this summer, is expected to bring conferences, weddings, entertainment, and increased tourism to downtown Elkins, marking one of the largest recent investments in Randolph County’s hospitality industry.
The Railyard Event & Conference Center, a 28,000-square-foot venue built on the site of Elkins’ historic railroad roundhouse, is preparing for a phased opening beginning in mid-July. Local leaders say the project is designed to expand the region’s capacity to host large-scale gatherings while strengthening the area’s growing tourism economy.
Located along Roundhouse Way in downtown Elkins, the facility features a 9,374-square-foot conference center, banquet space for nearly 600 guests, a performance theater, and flexible gathering areas for conventions, corporate retreats, weddings, community events, and live entertainment.
A venue designed to expand Elkins’ tourism economy
Officials involved in the project say the venue fills a longstanding gap in north-central West Virginia, where large event spaces for conferences and major gatherings have been scarce.
Shane Jones, general manager of The Railyard Event & Conference Center, celebrated the project’s ability to host large events.
“This venue was built to do something West Virginia hasn’t had in this part of the state—host major events at a level that competes with anywhere in the region, without losing what makes Elkins feel like home,” Jones said.
The opening comes as Elkins continues to market itself as a hub for heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, and remote-worker recruitment. The venue will also serve as the new home for Ascend West Virginia, the state’s nationally recognized initiative to attract remote workers and new residents.
Project leaders say the facility’s location puts visitors within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, and the area’s popular rail excursions, while also providing access to destinations throughout the Allegheny Highlands and the Monongahela National Forest.
The conference center, food service operations, and gathering spaces are expected to open first, with installation of theater equipment and fixtures continuing through the summer. A formal grand opening celebration is planned after all components of the facility are fully operational.
Beyond conferences and private events, The Railyard is expected to become a new entertainment venue for the region. Organizers have announced plans for two original in-house productions, “The Mainline Show” and “Echoes of Icons,” with additional programming to be announced in the coming weeks.
Robbie Morris, director of the Randolph County Development Authority, says bookings are already being scheduled ahead of the opening.
“What’s opening this summer is more than a building—it’s an economic engine for Randolph County, a draw for visitors who haven’t had a reason to stop in Elkins before, and a stage for the businesses and events that will define our downtown for the next generation,” Morris said.
Managed by Taylor Hospitality, The Railyard is part of a broader effort to strengthen tourism and hospitality opportunities in the mountain region and to create a venue that serves both local residents and visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic.
As opening day approaches, local officials are betting that the combination of conferences, entertainment, weddings, and tourism will help establish Elkins as one of West Virginia’s emerging destination communities.
Why the Allegheny Highlands is one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing tourism regions
The Allegheny Highlands region of eastern West Virginia has emerged as one of the state’s premier outdoor recreation and heritage tourism destinations, drawing visitors with its mountain scenery, trout streams, historic towns, and year-round adventure opportunities.
Anchored by communities such as Elkins, Davis, Thomas, and Marlinton, the region offers access to attractions including the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley, Snowshoe Mountain, and the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
Tourism leaders have increasingly focused on expanding lodging, events, and visitor services to capitalize on growing interest in outdoor travel and experiential tourism.
The new Railyard Event and Conference Center represents part of that broader effort, providing a venue capable of attracting conferences, weddings, trade shows, and entertainment events that can bring additional visitors and spending to local businesses while helping position the Allegheny Highlands as a destination for both recreation and group travel.