All Other Destinations and Attractions in West Virginia

One of the area's best-known attractions is Theater West Virginia. Each summer Theatre West Virginia in Beckley puts on two outdoor plays in the Cliffside Amphitheatre at Grandview. The two plays are the Hatfield-McCoy Feud and the Honey in the Rock, a civil war drama. Theatre West Virginia has been producing these two outdoor events for over 40 years.

The Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia/ Mountain Homestead merged with the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in 2002. This fascinating museum packs an amazing amount of information into a small area. The Mountain Homestead, located nearby provides an interesting insight into early pioneer life through displays located throughout the buildings on site.

Shoppers get your credit cards ready! Tamarack is a massive art, crafts, and food emporium exhibiting and selling the work of many hundred entrepreneurs. The Tamarack center has many dining options and is a great spot to shop for the perfect memento of your trip to Beckeley, or West Virginia in general.

Blennerhassett Island State Park is located in the environs of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Visitors first tour the museum and then take a sternwheeler paddle boat across to the island. Once there visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including picnicking, horse drawn carriages and bike riding. The Blennerhassett mansion is located on the island and all three levels of the home can be toured.

The lifeblood of arts and culture in Parkersburg, West Virginia is the Art Center. This facility frequently hosts art exhibitions along with a wide variety of other cultural events. The Center also runs an informative and well renowned educational program.

The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History features a video about the Blennerhassetts and the history of the island, as well as displays of artifacts and tools dating to the island's ancient residents.

The Petersburg Gap is result of the erosion powers of the North Fork of the Patterson Creek. The creek has cut through Oriskany Sandstone and has created 800 foot cliffs on either side. Two hiking trails lead into this remote area and are quite strenuous. The Petersburg Gap is also called the Greenland Gap.

For those with a desire to head underground, the Smoke Hole Caverns are not to be missed. A weird and wonderful world of stalactites, stalagmites, and even helecitites, await the visitor. The caverns are cool so be sure to bring a light sweater.

Although not much to look at besides large mounds on the ground, it's what lies beneath these hills at Grave Creek Mount Historic Site that is fascinating. Successive burials by the Adena indigenous peoples over the years 150-250 BC has forever locked history in its place. On location at the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site there is the Delf Norona museum that explains the history.

The West Virginia State Penitentiary was originally built in 1886 and operated until 1995. Tours of this decaying old structure are available and include a mock hanging. Also shown on the trip is "Old Sparkie", Virginia's old electric chair. Visitors can choose to be locked up in the cells if they wish.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in Western Hemisphere. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Andrews, which called for long rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, assuring that each of the connecting structures received an abundance of therapeutic sunlight and fresh air. The original hospital, designed to house 250 people, was open to patients in 1864 and reached its peak in the 1950's with 2,400 patients in overcrowded and generally poor conditions.

Jackson's Mill Historic Area preserves a slice of American history. The boyhood home of Thomas J "Stonewall" Jackson, the mill provides an insight into this famous man's life. The current mill was built in 1841 and looks much the same today as it did back then. The Jackson's Mill Historic Area is located on the grounds of the West Virginia University Jackson's Mill Center for Lifelong Learning and State 4-H Camp.

The West Virginia University Jackson's Mill Center for Lifelong Learning and State 4-H Camp makes for a pleasant outing. The historical grounds are open to the public and can be toured at your leisure. There is an airstrip for those who prefer to arrive by plane and a public pool is open in the summer time. The West Virginia University Jackson's Mill Center for Lifelong Learning and State 4-H Camp frequently hosts large events and festivals.

For a step back in time to the early farming methods and life of the West Virginia settlers, be sure to visit the West Virginia State Farm Museum. This well-done museum showcases what life used to be like and is in fact a working farm. Methods and tools from the 19th Century are used to produce a wide variety of crops and products.

For those craving a bit of wilderness after lots of urban touring, the C.F. McClintic Wildlife Management Area is just the answer. A large tract of land containing hardwood forests, brush and wetlands, the C.F. McClintic Wildlife Management Area offers visitors a great escape.

The Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is easily located in the town of Point Pleasant owing to its 84 ft/ 28 meter tall obelisk. The Tu-Endie-Wei State Park commemorates the battle of 1774 where Virginia militiamen took on the local natives. Also located at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is Mansion House, museum featuring settler furnishings.

The Adaland Mansion in Philippi, West Virginia, is a beautiful old brick home that has been turned into a museum. The Adaland Mansion highlights furniture and décor from the 1870's. An interesting barn is also on the site and can be viewed as well. The mansion is open to the public for tours, be sure to check the schedule for times and costs.

The Barbour County Museum is located next to the famous Philippi covered bridge in West Virginia. A fascinating insight into the very first land battle of the US Civil War is provided along with other history and displays. The staff is friendly and helpful and can answer almost any question about the area and its history.

When the snow falls in West Virginia, locals immediately think of strapping on their skis and heading to Snowshoe. This large ski hill offers a fine variety of ski runs for all abilities. At the base is an authentic ski town. Comfortable accommodation can be found at one of the many hotels. For those not interested in downhill skiing, cross country skiing is an option or if you prefer machine assisted mobility, snowmobile tours are available as well. Snowshoe is also open in the summer and has a golf course to test your skills, downhill mountain biking, and numerous hiking trails.

Located within the Monongahela National Forest, the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center provides excellent displays on the wonderful natural areas nearby. Interactive displays and on staff rangers help the visitor plan their visit. The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is located in the Southern end of the Monongahela National Forest.

More than just engineers will be interested in the Bluestone Dam. This impressive structure was built to control flooding on the New River. The large lake in behind the dam, Bluestone Lake, provides boaters and anglers with a large area to enjoy the great outdoors.

Bluestone Lake was created when the Bluestone Dam on the New River was put in place. Bluestone State Park has camping and boating facilities along with cabin rentals. There are many great picnic sites, a pool, and for the more adventurous, hiking trails lead to impressive views.

The Hinton Railroad Museum traces the history of the railroads and how their development lead to the boom times in Hinton from 1890-1920. A fascinating display carved completely out of wood depicts railroad activities. The museum is located in the historic Cox Department Store.

This comprehensive museum covers wars and conflicts from every conceivable war the United States has been involved in since its inception. History, artifacts, and memorabilia are all on display.

Long a favorite with rock climbers, the Seneca Rocks make an impressive sight as they tower over 900 feet above the visitor. The visitor center located nearby provides an excellent insight as to the formation of the Seneca Rocks and acts as a resource center for the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.

The powers of erosion are on display at Smoke Hole Canyon. Hikers can view this impressive sight by taking the 24-mile long North Fork Mountain trail. The name Smoke Hole comes about from the near constant mist that rises from the raging and boiling river as it squeezes through the narrow parts of the 20-mile long canyon.

Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia. Topping out at an impressive 4863 ft, Spruce Knob provides views in all directions. The best part is that there is a road right to the top so virtually no exertion is required.

Of interest to even those who do not share a passion for all things green and living, the 91 acre Core Arboretum in Morgantown is well worth a visit. Numerous hiking trails pass through the dense stand of old growth forest and an open lawn area highlights a wide variety of unique and interesting tree species. The Core Arboretum is named after Professor Earl Lemley Core.

Getting around in Morgantown is easy with the Personal Rapid Transit system. The system connects West Virginia University with the central part of town. It runs on an elevated track and the total length of the route is 4 miles / 6 kilometers.

If the temperature is climbing and you are overheating, make a beeline for the Lost World Caverns. These amazing underground caverns boast of stalagmites and stalactites in unique forms. Self-guided tours take about 35 minutes and for the more adventurous, a 4.5-hour Wild Cave tour is available.

As the namesake suggests, the Old Stone Church is indeed made of stone. Limestone, in fact. Erected in 1796, the Old Stone Church is a beautiful building with some unique architectural features not found in modern churches. If you are in town on a Sunday, regular services still take place.

The North House History Museum showcases furniture and other items from the past two centuries. Housed in a magnificent Antebellum home, the North House History Museum will keep the visitor entertained for quite some time.

Electronic buffs will not want to miss the Museum of Radio and Technology. This fantastic museum houses a fascinating variety of electronic items and traces the history of their development. The friendly and helpful museum staff is more than willing to answer any of your questions. The Museum of Radio and Technology is also home to the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The Huntington Museum of Art is well worth a visit for the wide variety of items in its collections. Eight permanent exhibits showcase items ranging from firearms to folk art. The Huntington Museum of Art also features rotating art exhibits so be sure to check with the box office for events.

Mother's of the world rejoice, a town has erected a shrine in their honor. The Mother's Day Shrine is in Grafton, West Virginia is a beautiful monument to these unsung heroes. The Mother's Day Shrine provides history and information on the world's very first Mother's Day celebrated in Grafton on May 10, 1908.

If you are visiting Grafton, West Virginia, be sure to pack a picnic lunch and head out to Tygart Dam and Lake. Here you will find a beautiful lake and picnic grounds with out door activities galore. The Tygart Dam and Lake area is blessed with abundance of hiking, walking, and biking trails and of course, a swimming area.

Noted for its healing waters that have attracted people from a wide area, Berkeley Springs State Park makes a great destination. Historical plaques detail the history of the springs and make for interesting reading.

The historical Ice House in Berkeley Spring is the home to the eclectic Morgan Arts Council and is the host to frequent art shows. The Ice House is a unique building and was built in the early 20th century. It is worth a visit even if you are not interested in art.

The Bluefield area is rich in coal and it has been mined here for many years. The records of all that activity are contained within the Eastern Region Coal Archives. Primarily of interest to those on a research project, the Eastern Region Coal Archives provide a wealth of information.

The Science Center of West Virginia in Bluefield is a great spot for a family outing. Interactive displays will delight both children and adults alike. The Science Center covers all the areas of science and explains them to the lowest common denominator.

This uniquely named home in Ansted was built circa 1830 for Confederate Colonel George W. Imboden. It is done up in Antebellum style and now the headquarters for the Fayette County Historical Society. Contentment is listed on the National Register and was named by the colonel's second wife after all the happy days she spent there.

Hawk's Nest State Park is a hot spot for white water rafting enthusiasts. The New River rushes through narrow canyon and provides a wild ride for those willing to test their mettle. Also at the park is a lodge and a cable car that ferries visitors up to the highest points for panoramic views.

The mystery hole will leave you scratching your head at how what you see defines reasoning. Although a bit of a tourist trap, this campy experience is worth the price of admission. Many people actually take the tour twice as they are so baffled. To commemorate your visit, a gift shop is handy with lots of souvenirs.

Located in Coopers Rock State Forest, the Henry Clay Iron Furnace is reachable only by foot or mountain bike. The trail is approximately 1 mile long and ends at the remains of the Henry Clay Iron Furnace. The Henry Clay Iron Furnace was restored in 2000 with invasive vegetation removed. The Henry Clay Iron Furnace was used to create iron bars which were turned into utensils and other implements.

Located at the Fenton Art Glass Company is the Fenton Glass Museum. This museum holds over 2000 pieces. Some of the pieces date back to 1880 and the amount of color is stunning. The Fenton Glass Museum also has a theatre where they show a 22-minute film on glass manufacturing.

It is because of the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery that fishermen in West Virginia enjoy strong catches of Rainbow Trout. Literally millions of fish have been born here and in turn released into the wild to fend for themselves. The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery was constructed in 1900 and utilizes the natural springs found at the site.