9 BEAUTIFUL WEST VIRGINIA PLACES TO VISIT
West Virginia blends the perfect combination of breathtaking, panoramic views, deeply-rooted heritage, and historical significance. Almost anywhere you visit, West Virginia will encompass all these elements. We’ve narrowed them down to 9 Beautiful West Virginia Places to Visit.
Wheeling
Tucked between Ohio and Pennsylvania on the Ohio border, Wheeling offers plenty to see and do. Everyone will find what they’re looking for: shopping, history, adventure, or culture. For starters, Oglebay Institute has been a cultural center of Wheeling for nearly 100 years. The institute supports fine arts, museums, and environmental education.
Capitol Theatre and Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum also offer history and entertainment. Also, make sure to check out the Wheeling Suspension Bridge that crosses the Ohio River.
Charleston
Home to West Virginia’s state capital and nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Charleston boasts scenic views, historic trails, and plenty of art and culture to go around. Visit the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and gaze at the stars from the planetarium. Next, explore the gold-domed capital or the Governor’s Mansion. Discover history and nature at Kanawha State Forest. Finally, sample the flavor of Charleston by visiting Capitol Street.
Morgantown
Nestled in mountaineer country, the city boasts a full complement of historic tours and events, including Cannon Hill, Dent’s Run Covered Bridge, and the West Virginia University Tomchin Planetarium & Observatory.
Morgantown’s merchants also celebrate National Chocolate Lover’s Day each year in April, and the city hosts numerous festivals and activities all year long.
Matewan
West Virginia is also known for its mining heritage. The town of Matewan remembers the rich and often dark history of mining. The Mine Wars Museum tells the story of tragedy and a battle for labor rights.
Weston
West Virginia is historically known for its glass-making, and Weston is one of the hotspots on the glass trail. Home to the Museum of American Glass, Weston demonstrates the beauty and craft of glass-making. It’s also the boyhood home of Stonewall Jackson. Visit the pastoral beauty of Jackson’s Mill Farmstead or the Mountaineer Military Museum.
Logan County
Located along the southern border, Logan County whispers the tales of the Hatfields & McCoys, labor’s largest uprising in Blair and the county’s namesake. Explore the Hatfield & McCoys trails, Blair Mountain, and Chief Logan State Park.
Lewisburg
West Virginia has some of the most beautiful small towns in the country, including Lewisburg. Located near the Greenbrier River, Lewisburg was one of Andrew Carnegie’s beneficiaries. In 1902, he built Carnegie Hall, which today brings events, exhibits, and performances to the community.
A short trip beyond city limits will bring you to Lost World Cavern. There you can explore the underground caverns. History also thrives in the city. Visit the Old Stone Presbyterian Church that served as a hospital during the American Civil War or tour the Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum.
Fayetteville
Located next to the nation’s newest national park, Fayetteville may be small, but it has a big presence. Visit New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, where you can walk across the New River Gorge Bridge for a panoramic view of the gorge. Or attend the Historic Fayette Theater for special events, plays, and more.
Harpers Ferry
Tucked between the Shenandoah River and the Potomac River, Harpers Ferry boasts historic trails and breathtaking scenery. Be sure to visit all things John Brown-related, including the John Brown Fort, John Brown Wax Museum, and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Trails take you to Civil War battlefields, the Lockwood House, Jefferson Rock, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.