Set within the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains, the leafy state of West Virginia is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and the state’s mountainous terrain provides a wealth of activities to enjoy from hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, whitewater rafting, and wildlife watching.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, also known as the Phillips-Sprague Mine, is a well-preserved historic coal mine at New River Park in Beckley, Raleigh County.
513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV 25801, Phone: 304-256-1747
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Situated on a small island in the Ohio River, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a unique state park that features beautifully manicured grounds and a replica of a Palladian Mansion once owned by Harman Blennerhassett, which is now a museum.
137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101, Phone: 304-420-4800
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass, Pocahontas County, is home to the 11-mile-long Cass Scenic Railroad, which takes people on a journey back in time to the steam-driven locomotive era.
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston celebrates and promotes the performing arts, visual arts, and the sciences.
1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301, Phone: 304-561-3570
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is located on Droop Mountain in Pocahontas County, which was the site of the last major battle of the American Civil War in West Virginia.
683 Droop Park Road, Hillsboro, WV 24946, Phone: 304-653-4254
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Nestled at the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a vast protected area that spreads from the Shenandoah Valley in Jefferson County to Washington, Maryland, and Loudoun Counties in Virginia. Based in and around Harpers Ferry, the national historical park spans 3.5 square miles and is famous for being the place that abolitionist John Brown raided in 1859, expediating the American Civil War. The fort as which the raid took place can be explored in the quaint town of Harpers Ferry, which is part of the National Historical Park and boasts beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and a Civil War Museum. Visitors can also soak up scenic views where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, and the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center features exhibits on the world-renowned long-distance hiking trail.
171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Hinton Railroad Museum
The Hinton Railroad Museum in Hinton celebrates the history of the area’s railroad and boasts an array of fascinating exhibits relating to railroading. Established to preserve the history of the railroad and teach visitors more about one of the most critical developments in the nation, the museum has an informative collection of railroad memorabilia. Displays include artifacts from the early days of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, uniforms, model trains, equipment, and tools that were used during the time of the ‘Steel Drivin' Man,’ John Henry, and a John Henry Woodcarving exhibit with works by a local artist.
206 Temple St, Hinton, WV 25951, Phone: 304-466-6100
Hovatters Wildlife Zoo (West Virginia Zoo)
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo, also known as the West Virginia Zoo, is a zoo in Kingwood that is home to over 30 different species of native and exotic animals from all over the world. Open seasonally from April to October, and on weekends in November, the zoo is home to a variety of animals, including cougars, black bears, deer, baboons, and tigers, among others. The Hungry Bear Café serves a selection of light fare and drinks; a pavilion can be rented for special events and private functions.
291 Wagner Ln, Kingwood, WV 26537, Phone: 304-329-3122
Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum
The Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum in Wheeling is home to a fantastic collection of classic toys and operating model trains. The nostalgic spot has several rooms with different exhibits such as a miniature room filled with tiny toys; a transport room with all types of transport toys such as trains, cars, boats and planes; a doll room with dollhouses, baby dolls, and Barbie dolls; a games room with board games, and pinball-type games; and train room with all kinds of toy trains and operating model trains. The museum also offers guided tours, and a unique gift shop selling all sorts of vintage toys and other childhood memorabilia.
144 Kruger St, Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 877-242-8133
Lost World Caverns
Located just outside Lewisburg, Lost World Caverns is an underground natural series of caverns that features a vast and magical wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites.
907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, Phone: 304-645-6677
Museum of Radio and Technology
The Museum of Radio and Technology documents the development of electronic communication and entertainment.
1640 Florence Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, Phone: 304-525-8890
Oglebay Good Zoo
The Oglebay Good Zoo is an accredited animal sanctuary that is home to more than 50 species of animals, 20 of which are rare or endangered.
345 Zoo Cir, Wheeling, WV 26003, Phone: 304-243-4100
Prickett's Fort
Prickett's Fort State Park is a 188-acre state park north of Fairmont that commemorates life on the Virginia frontier during the late 18th century through a living history style of interpretation.
88 State Park Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554
Beech Fork State Park
Nestled in the hills of southwestern West Virginia, Beech Fork State Park is a state park on the tailwater shores of Beech Fork Lake in Cabell and Wayne Counties. The 3,144-acre park offers an array of outdoor and recreational activities from water-based fun on the 720-acre lake such as boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking to camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.
5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, Phone: 304-528-5794
Berkeley Springs State Park
Based in the center of Berkeley Springs, Berkeley Springs State Park is a 3,144-acre park that is set on land that has been used as a health resort since the late 1700s. The park is best known for its historic Roman bathhouse, which is built in the Federal style and offers visitors an opportunity to soak in the medicinal and therapeutic waters that are at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. The Museum of the Berkeley Springs can be found on the second floor of the bathhouse and exhibits various historical items of natural and cultural significance to the springs and town. The town of Berkeley Springs is home to charming shops, restaurants, cafés, and boutique stores, as well as a range of accommodation from hotels to self-catering guesthouses.
2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
Bluestone State Park
Bluestone State Park is a 2,154-acre park located along the western shore of Bluestone Lake in Summers County. Facilities in the park include a marina and boat launching site, a swimming pool, canoe, and kayak rentals and a picnic pavilion that can be rented out for special celebrations from mid-April through November.
78 HC, Hinton, WV 25951, Phone: 304-466-2805
Three Rivers Avian Center
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) is dedicated to wild bird conservation and teaching the public about the importance of maintaining and preserving the ecosystem.
Brooks Mountain Rd, Brooks, WV 25951, Phone: 304-466-4683
Coopers Rock State Forest
Situated along the edge of Cheat Lake and the steep canyons of the Cheat River, Coopers Rock State Forest is a 12,747-acre state forest in the Monongalia and Preston counties that offers a variety of outdoor recreation.
61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
