7 Most Beautiful College Towns In West Virginia
John Denver sang "almost heaven, West Virginia," and it's true that the state has many beautiful sites and landscapes that make you feel like you might actually have been transported to heaven. But the mountains and lakes aren’t the only beauty the state holds. The historic universities, the museums, and the structures are all unique in their own way. To create your own travel experience, visit one of the seven most beautiful college towns in West Virginia and take in all that the Mountain State has to offer.
Morgantown
The home of West Virginia University, Morgantown offers multiple opportunities for outdoor adventure as well as campus related activities. Stop by West Virginia University and visit their Core Arboretum. The public space features a botanical garden as well as an old growth forest preserve. The arboretum is designed with the hopes of supporting research, learning, and service efforts by providing resources and the chance to study plants, animals, and natural growth processes. For another garden stop, there is also the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Located in Tibbs Run Preserve, this space was designed by a graduate of WVU and features ponds, meadows, gardens and boardwalks, amongst other natural landscapes. To learn more about Morgantown visit the Morgantown History Museum. The museum features collections dedicated to historical events, individuals and achievements. A few permanent displays at the museum are the Don Knotts exhibit, as well as a vintage printing shop, glassware and pottery. For a final night of fun in town, head over to the Ruby Amphitheater, located at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. The outdoor concert venue is located in the heart of historic downtown and has free concerts all summer long.
Fairmont
Fairmont State University, located in none other than Fairmont, features a central gathering place for students and the community at Falcon Park. The park has designated spaces for education and interaction that include a trail system, yurt, community space, hammock hangout and a sensory garden. For more outdoor time, visit Valley Falls State Park and bask in the four waterfalls created by Tygart Valley River. There are also plenty of trails within the park for hiking and biking. Another notable state park is Prickett’s Fort State Park. Although this park is more of a historical park than a scenic one. Featured is a reconstruction of Prickett’s Fort, a refuge during colonial times. The park honors Virginia frontier life in the late 18th century. For one final unique historic stop in Fairmont, make your way over to the Telephone Museum. The museum details just how intricate telephone operating systems used to be. Displays include switchboards, payphones, booths and other standard equipment. Tours are led by former employees of the industry.
Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is home to the historic Shepherd University. Originally formed in a vacant courthouse in 1871 with 42 students, it has grown and prospered since then. The town is full of history, and you can learn that history from Historic Shepherdstown and Museum. Print a map and take the walking tour of the historic district, then visit the museum. Artifacts, furniture and documents that represent the town can be found within. The upstairs of the museum features a room depicting an old hotel bedroom, complete with a ghost and all. William Payton Smith is the rumored ghost who occasionally makes an appearance. And speaking of ghosts, for a thrilling interactive experience talk a walk with Shepherdstown Mystery Walks. Mystery walks and ghost tours are just the beginning of this adventure. Learn about the ghosts who occupy homes and the quiet town of Shepherdstown. Not only do you get the chance to hear stories from the folks who have encountered ghosts, but you get a tour of the oldest town in West Virginia on your walk. For a more traditional tourist attraction, visit the John Rumsey Monument. The 75-foot granite column that overlooks the Potomac River is dedicated to the pioneer of steam navigation. For one final stop in town check out O’Hurley’s General Store. This small store sells the finest assortment of merchandise. Browse their items for anything from barrels to hardware, toys to jewelry, and sleds to anvils. They even sell frogs.
Philippi
Alderson Broaddus University may have closed, but the town that cradled it still has unique beauty and sites with plenty of reasons to visit. Start by learning about the town’s eclectic history at the Barbour County Historical Museum. The displays showcase mining, farming, homemaking and the first land battle of the Civil War. And perhaps even more outrageous, Philippi Mummies. Crafted by a self-taught embalmer, Graham Hamrick started small with rodents and eventually embalmed two unclaimed female cadavers donated by the Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum (formerly WV Hospital for the Insane). They are currently on display at the museum. For a less morbid visit, stop by the Adaland Mansion. The 23-room classic Greek Revival has been restored with great detail to its original 1870 construction. Make reservations to join them for a buffet, tea or a public event. For an outdoor excursion make your way to the Philippi Covered Bridge. Used in the Civil War by both Confederate and Union troops, the bridge that stretches across the Tygart Valley River is a local landmark and historical icon. For one final stop, visit the Teter Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area. Fishing, camping and boating are the main sources of recreation across the 137 acres, with some hunting as well.
Elkins
The town of Elkins is an essential part of student life at Davis & Elkins College. The community is an extension of campus that makes students feel safe and welcomed. Visit Elkins and feel that same warm welcome. Begin your stay at the Kump Education Center. The historic house provides events, workshops and projects for outdoor education as well as historic restoration guidance. For another educational stop, visit the West Virginia Railroad Museum. The museum is led by experienced volunteers that will educate on the rich railroad history in West Virginia. Participate in engaging learning experiences or peruse the displays. Another enriching learning experience located in the historic Dardin Mill (along with the WV Railroad Museum) is the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. With constantly changing exhibits the center has a new exhibit every year for interactive learning. Learn about the rich cultural and forest heritage throughout the Appalachia. One final stop to make in Elkins is the Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area. With four miles of hiking trails the recreation area is an idea area for enjoying the peacefulness and views of the forest. The loops are for foot traffic only, and located along them are bridges, benches and informational kiosks.
Charleston
Self-claimed “Charleston’s University”, the University of Charleston prides themselves on being an integral part of the community, as well as the community being part of the university. Through partnerships and organizations, students are able to take part in all Charleston has to offer. You too can take part in Charleston’s offerings through tourism and sightseeing. Visit Charleston and stop at the Clay Center. With three floors of interactive learning, the Clay Center consists of a discovery museum, planetarium, art museum and performance hall. Experience a little of everything here. For another educationally related trip, visit the West Virginia State Museum. The museum focuses on culture and history including art, paleontology, archeology and geography. The museum opened in 1894 and some of its first exhibits include artifacts from the World’s Columbian Exposition. For another enticing stop, head to the Capitol Market, 2023’s Runner-Up for Best Place to Buy WV Made Products. With multiple vendors selling an array of products stop by for seafood, meat, soups, chocolate, cheeses, wine and much more. Lastly, for some fresh air and picturesque landscapes, go to Daniel Boone Park or the Kanawha State Forest, the latter of which offers over 60 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and viewing wildflowers and birds. Take a rest at one of the picnic shelters or spend a night at one of the campsites.
Martinsburg
Valley College calls Martinsburg home. And you can call it home for a few days with a visit. Stop by some of their major tourist sites and start with the General Adam Stephen House. Once in ruins, this 1700s house has been restored to the historic museum it is today. Built over a natural cave, it features stone steps leading to the basement to view the cave excavation site. The cave became plugged with earth and since 2002 a caver’s organization has worked tirelessly on its excavation. For an above-ground trip, visit the Belle Boyd House. Another historical house turned into a museum. Belle Boyd was a spy during the Civil War and her childhood home is decorated in Victorian style and open for tours. Displays representing the history of Berkeley County can be found in the second-floor bedrooms. For a truly unique historic stop. Visit the Martinsburg Roundhouse. It is the only remaining cast iron framed roundhouse in the world. This historical landmark is currently open for tours, and special events. The intentions are to transform the space into shops, a marketplace and recreational center. For one last stop in Martinsburg head to Orr’s Farmers Market. Bakery items, local produce, pick your own strawberries and homegrown asparagus are just a few of the items offered. Pick up some local favorites or visit the barnyard for animal viewing and hayrides.
College towns offer a unique experience. The colleges oftentimes feature historical, extravagant buildings and vast campuses. They provide beauty to smaller regions. But within those towns also lies more beauty, and history. Outdoor adventures and hands on learning are just a few of the experiences offered. Visit one of these seven beautiful college towns and take in all that there is with your own personalized itinerary.
