Visit West Virginia and Discover These Fantastic Places

One of the best things about living in West Virginia is that there are so many incredible attractions right on your doorstep. Not only is this state covered with natural wonders, but it also has a rich and exciting history. There are plenty of fun things to do whether you love hiking, shopping, fine dining, or educational tours. If you're in the mood to visit WV attractions, make sure to check out these top-rated places.

Parks and natural wonders

When visiting West Virginia, make sure you take the time to check out some parks in the area. The state is part of the Appalachian Mountains region, so it has plenty of rolling hills, soaring cliffs, and beautiful forests. Here are some of the best parks to check out.

Blackwater Falls State Park

This park gets its name from the deep brown hue of the water that flows through the park. The Blackwater River is over five stories tall and winds through an 8-mile gorge. This park is a great spot for a hike, or you can rent a cabin or campsite if you want to stay at the park and explore it more.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

This is the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, so it has an incredible landscape. One of the highlights of this park near Beckley is the steel arch bridge that stretches over the river and is the site of rappelling and BASE-jumping events. The park is popular for rock climbing, but it also has easier trails, fishing spots, bird-watching locations, and other attractions.

Canaan Valley State Park

This park has a unique wetlands habitat that makes it stand out from other state parks. Instead of sharp cliffs and rapid waterways, Canaan Valley Park has gentle slopes and flat areas that make it a favorite with skiers and golfers. The resort in the park is one of the premier skiing destinations, and during the offseason, it's also a great place for camping, swimming, biking, and fishing.

Historic attractions

West Virginia was home to some of the earliest European settlements, so it's no surprise that it holds some incredible historic attractions. Visitors can learn more about the colonial era, the Civil War, and many other fascinating periods. Whether you're a dedicated history buff or not, it can be fun to check out these sites.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry is known for being the site of John Brown's raid—which helped to incite the Civil War—so it's a favorite spot for Civil War enthusiasts. The town contains historic sites dating back to the 1780s and hosts reenactments for everything from baking to blacksmithing. It's a great place to walk around and feel like you're experiencing historic times. There are also plenty of fun events like taking carriage rides and trying your hand at metalworking, so this area can keep you busy for hours.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

This National Historic Landmark has both historic and paranormal appeal. The site contains a massive Victorian building reminiscent of a European castle. As a former insane asylum, the attraction is a favorite for those who are interested in the darker side of history. It contains tours of the site, a museum that covers the history of psychiatric care, and an art gallery of artwork made by patients. There are also multiple paranormal tours, including overnight visits to the site.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

This town pays homage to the steam locomotive industry and the logging industry. You can ride an old train through the forest, visit a recreated logging camp, and stay at the cottages that housed loggers. In addition to historic attractions like a walking tour and a history museum, you can explore neat sites like the old Company Store and the Last Run Restaurant.

Berkeley Springs State Park

Historic Berkeley Springs is home to a mineral spa that's been a travel destination since colonial times. It has a Roman bathhouse from the 1810s and a museum that commemorates the park and renowned visitors like George Washington. In addition to enjoying the mineral springs at the park, visitors can check out the surrounding town, which includes many other historic attractions and sites such as the Samuel Taylor Suit Cottage. Don't let the latter's humble name deceive you. The sprawling 9,300-square-foot edifice, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is also known as the Berkeley Springs Castle.

Sightseeing

Here are some other fun spots to visit in West Virginia:

Lost World Caverns

This complex of caves and underground caverns is a fascinating place to explore. Guests can walk through certain areas on their own or book a tour to go through the less well-traveled areas. The site also contains a natural history museum with Ice Age mammals and dinosaur exhibits, and it has a fascinating gift shop filled with rocks and fossils.

The Green Bank Observatory

This observatory is situated in one of the darkest spots on the east coast. The lack of light pollution and noise pollution makes it an ideal place to observe stars and planets. Visitors can browse the observatory, see the massive telescopes, and learn interesting things at the Science Center and lecture hall. Those interested in astronomy can sign up for overnight experiences to see the wonders of space for themselves.

Milan Puskar Stadium

For sports fans, Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown is a fantastic place to stop on any trip. This massive stadium is the home field for the West Virginia Mountaineers, and it hosts a variety of Big 12 football games. The area around the stadium is also fun enough to make this a good spot for a weekend trip. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafés around, and you can also check out local parks and recreation centers.

Get peace of mind while visiting West Virginia attractions

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Vivint's helpful security and automation systems ensure that your home stays safe while you're taking in the many wonders of West Virginia. To find out more about our systems, contact the Vivint team today at 855.822.1220.