Other Destinations and Attractions in West Virginia

In the hill country in the south-west of the state, the New River has cut through the rock to form a gorge up to 1000 ft deep. The 52 mi. long stretch of the river between Hinton and Fayetteville, with a whole series of rapids, offers good walking and rafting and magnificent views. The gorge is spanned by the longest steel arch in the world.

The 1930's are preserved at the Arthurdale Heritage New Deal Museum. This large facility consists of 165 buildings that were part of an experiment put in place by the government of the time. The Arthurdale Heritage New Deal Museum site is on over 1200 acres and the idea was to establish a community to help people displaced by the 1930 Depression era. Tours of different buildings are available.

Located on the campus of Bethany College, the Bethany Mansion preserves the life and times of the college's founder, Alexander Campbell. The Bethany Mansion was built in the late 18th Century and is typical of large dwellings built at that time. Extensive renovations to the building in 1992 brought the Bethany Mansion up to its former glory.

Three Rivers Avian Center was founded in 1990 on 102 acres on the southern portion of the New River Gorge National River. Three Rivers provides veterinary and rehabilitative care, public education, as well as research and conservation.

Visitors can attend public tour days on the first Saturday of month from May to October. Presentations include live birds - from hummingbirds to eagles, wading birds to soaring birds.

Railroad enthusiasts will want to visit the Cass Scenic Railroad. The huff, puff, and smoke from the restored locomotives give the visitor the experience of railroad travels of yore. The rail trip runs to Cass, a pleasant spot for a bite to eat and to wander around.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.

Pilgrim Glass was a manufacturer of cranberry and cameo glass. Glass items included domestic glassware, artware, bowls, decanters, giftware, jugs, stemware, tableware, and vases. The plant closed in August, 2001.

History buffs interested in the background of the Washington and John Brown families will want to visit the Charles Town Jefferson County Museum. Helpful staff and well-organized data make for a pleasant and productive visit. The museum is located in the lower level of the Charles Town Public Library.

Camp Washington-Carver began in 1942 as a 4-H camp for West Virginia's African-American youth. Today it serves as a multi-cultural retreat featuring music concerts and theater during the summer months. A highlight of Camp Washington-Carver is the Great Chestnut Lodge, the largest log structure of its kind in the world.

Blackwater Falls State Park is a great spot to get out and enjoy nature. As the name suggests, the water coming over the falls does appear black due to acids contained within it. Picnic and walking trails are located throughout the park.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park provides an excellent insight into one of the major battles of the US Civil War. The Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park does an excellent job of explaining the combatants and their relative strategies. Visitors can visit and walk around on the restored battlefields. Picnic sites are available.

To take a step back in time to see what the very early settlers experienced, be sure to visit Pricketts Fort in Fairmont. This recreated fort built according to the designs of the original fort of 1774 is a fascinating sight to see. Not only is the building recreated, the life and times are as well with costumed performers performing their daily duties.

The Fayette Theatre opened on December 20, 1938 as a modern showhouse that could seat up to 500 patrons. One of the most notable features was the large neon "FAYETTE" sign.

The Fayette County Historical Society undertook the restoration of the theatre over a 14 year period, which included adding an enclosed dressing room, better seats and advance equipment and lighting.

Today the theatre presents year-round musical and drama presentations.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a great spot for a family outing. The center has a wide variety of wildlife spread throughout its 300 acres. A boardwalk, just over a mile long takes visitors by animals that would otherwise be hard to locate in their natural environment. Interpretative signs and helpful staff will enhance the visitors knowledge of the local species.

If you like your whitewater fast and large, the Gauley River National Recreation Area is for you. The park is located where the Gauley River squeezes through several gorges and narrow points in the surrounding countryside. As a result fast water and large wave emerge. The Gauley River National Recreation Area has been a long time favorite of whitewater rafters and kayakers.

The National Radio Observatory is a fascinating attraction. Home to the worlds largest steerable dish in the world, the National Radio Observatory is a sight to be seen just for its sheer size. A science museum with hands on exhibits along with a café and gift shop is all on site.

The Old Mill in Harmon provides a glimpse of the way flour used to be made. This restored grist mill allows visitors to see the inner workings of a water powered operation. The sounds, rumbles and dust complete the experience.

Those of a literary persuasion will find the Pearl S Buck Birthplace Museum in Hillsboro of interest. This museum showcases the life and times of Pearl S Buck, the 1932 Nobel Prize winning author of the book 'The Good Earth'. The Birthplace Museum is housed in a beautifully restored mansion.

The Museum in the Community is as its name suggests - a museum located in the heart of Hurricane. Located in a strip mall, the Museum in the Community has grown to become an integral part of the local arts and culture scene. The Museum in the Community has hosted over 100 exhibitions and 75 performances since its inception.

Feeling adventurous or are interested in white water rafting, mountain biking, or snowshoeing of interest, the New & Gauly River Adventures Company can help you. Be sure to stop in and see about the latest adventures, prices and departure times.

The name, Pocahontas County Historical Museum, may remind visitors of the Disney movie, but step inside and much more awaits the visitor. Everything you could possibly want to know about Pocahontas County is laid out for your viewing pleasure through photos and other displays. The museum is located in Marlinton.

The Matewan Walking tour traces the history of the town and will be a particular joy to those interested in the infamous McCoy - Hatfield Feud. The Matewan Walking Tour passes by a variety of buildings, most of which were built around the turn of the 19th Century.

The Lost River State Park has all the amenities a visitor to the great outdoors may expect. Hiking trails, picnic sites, and comfort stations are all available on 3,712 acres. One unique aspect to Lost River State Park is the availability of restored log cabins for rent.

This century old family run business is located in Milton, West Virginia. The Blenko Glass Company produces a wide range of glass products, many in fantastic colors and shapes. Tours of the glass works are available and it is fascinating to see the artisans at work.

The Homer Laughlin China Company is the United States largest domestic pottery company. It produces a wide variety of china in its 37-acre facility. Over 1100 employees work at the Homer Laughlin China Company which operates an onsite gift shop.

The Graham House is one of the oldest homes in West Virginia. The history of Graham House and its importance in the State's history are well laid out for the visitor. It was built in the late 1800's and has been restored to its original glory.

Pipestem Resort State Park offers a wide choice of activities to the visitor. There are several 18-hole golf courses, a couple of luxury lodges and a gondola. This scenic area encompasses part of the gorge of the Bluestone National Scenic River.

The Those Who Served War Museum is a fitting testament to those who have served their country in times of conflict. Wartime memorabilia is laid out and information on the various conflicts is available. The Those Who Served War Museum is a sobering reminder of the hard facts of war.

It may seem at times that West Virginia is full of underground delights and this is especially true at Seneca Caverns. At this attractions visitors will find a wide variety of underground formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. Seneca Caverns is West Virginia's largest cavern and has the added attraction of allowing visitors to pan for gemstones.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad makes the claim that visitors will see Bald Eagles on over 90% of their trips. The Potomac Eagle takes visitors on a 3-hour trip through a beautiful valley formed by the Potomac River. There is an onboard gift shop and one of the rail cars is open air.

Fort New Salem is a recreation of what life used to be like in the pioneer days. Visitors can visit many log homes, now lovingly restored, to smell, touch, and experience days gone by. There are 18 log homes on the site that is located on the property of the Salem International University Campus.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a well preserved civil war battle site commemorating the events of September 10, 1861. The Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park makes for a great outing as there are hiking trails, picnic sites, and three overlooks over the Gauly River. Interpretive signs provide insight into the battle and its historical influence in the development of the United States.

Ongoing research into cattle, sheep and poultry takes place at the Reymann Memorial Farms. The site is spread over 966 acres, 350 of which is wooded. Reymann Memorial Farms play an important part of the agricultural research facilities located throughout West Virginia.

Watters Smith State Park provides hours of enjoyment for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Swimming, horseback riding, picnicking, among other activities, are available. Also at Watters Smith State Park are a museum and a log home that provides a glimpse of life in the 1870's.

White Sulphur Springs, at the south end of the Monongahela National Forest, is an elegant spa, whose warm springs were already known to the Indians.

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.

The world famous Fenton Art Glass company is one of the areas key attractions. Skilled artisans create fascinating items of all shapes and colors before your very eyes. A gift shop and museum is on premises.

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.