9 Best Attractions To Visit In West Virginia

West Virginia is one of those states in the U.S. that deserves to have bragging rights when it comes to amazing stops. With its well-known vibrance related to historical, natural, and commercial landmarks and locales, there is quite a lot to take in as a newcomer. From the Mothman Museum to the World's Largest Teapot, you may come to realize how significant tourism is here with such marvels. These attractions are some of the best options for travelers looking to get out and explore the Mountain State in depth.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is special for family-friendly outings. This Harpers Ferry attraction contains unique historical sites and iconic landscapes that most would not overlook. With over 20 miles of hiking splendors and Appalachian Trail scenery, you can witness the breathtaking Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Towpath, Maryland Heights spectacles, and easygoing walkthroughs that make this stop truly unforgettable.

The park carries historical recognition for being associated with events such as John Brown's infamous 1859 raid, Thomas Jefferson's passage exploration through the Patowmack Canal, and George Washington's armory and arsenal from the 1790s. If you enjoy a combination of pre-Civil War foundations and natural surroundings, this is one of those places you will not want to pass up.

Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis

Around Blackwater Falls State Park, in the town of Davis, tourists will find something magical. This amber-colored water attraction features an eight-mile-long gorge that is perfect for an expedition. Seen as one of the most photographed spots in the state, the landmark is a nature lover's unparalleled getaway option.

With its 57-foot cascades, fallen hemlock, and red spruce needles, you will be amazed by the beauty of Allegheny Mountain environments. If you are looking to visit year-round attractions, this is surely one of the best ideas for both hiking and comfy lodging in the same area.

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville

In Moundsville, there is a surreal 19th-century landmark you should not miss out on. The West Virginia Penitentiary is a Gothic prison that houses paranormal visitations and tours, and stands as an ominous tourist structure that continues to raise eyebrows. Originally built in the 1860s, it was eventually transformed from a prison system into a historic photogenic stop after the 1990s.

While most people consider this prison to be a regular feature of a town that caters to history lovers, it is also a haunting element with paranormal events that reportedly occurred there. You can take 90-minute tours around the structure to learn more about famous ghost and spirit stories and how an overnight stay can really terrify you. If you plan to visit during the Halloween season, be sure to try exploring around midnight for some extra spooky thrills. Just be sure not to get scared by any shadowy silhouettes if they pop out at you.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, located in Cass, is an exciting vacation option for families who want to experience train rides in a historic way. Panoramic West Virginian scenery, teeming wildlife habitats, and steam locomotives will astound you. The park makes you feel like you are living in the past with its steam-driven locomotives and its Appalachian Mountain lumber origins.

Depart from Cass Depot and witness wilderness by train or bicycle rental, and take in all sorts of riverside tranquility for 11 miles along the railroad. If you choose to take the train, you can use its observation coach decks to see more of the mountains. Most tourists can pick between two different types of itineraries at the park: "Ride to the Top" for Bald Knob views, or the Whittaker Station itinerary for shorter trips.

Monongahela National Forest, Huttonsville

Found in Huttonsville, the Monongahela National Forest contains 900,000 acres of pure greenery. Established in 1920, the forest is a timber and recreational outing that will make you really feel like you are in paradise. With country roads, flowing streams, and abundant plant life, you will not feel like a stranger in nature.

If you choose to undertake an adventure here, you will see dozens of beavers, red and gray foxes, black bears, white-tailed deer, and other species. Remote environments filled with highland boggy areas, wondrous recreational woodlands, and vast fishing and angling spots are just some of the best parts of this landmark.

Mothman Museum, Point Pleasant

The Mothman Museum, located in Point Pleasant, has strange yet fascinating finds for you to uncover. Full of memorabilia and mysterious collectibles, this roadside attraction is a big contributor to pop culture phenomena about the "Mothman," a winged red-eyed cryptid that has been integral to state folklore since the 1960s. You can check out rare Silver Bridge disaster press clippings and see why "The Mothman Prophecies" was so trendy and popular amongst townsfolk. There are also fun moments to understand the purpose of the "Men in Black" who came to town to conduct investigations regarding the creature.

While at the museum, you may notice the legendary Mothman Statue, a standing testament to how the Mothman's presence continues to baffle minds and build up suspense. If you crave urban legend knowledge, then this one will definitely keep you curious.

Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, Moundsville

There is a sacred temple in Moundsville that you will likely never forget. Also referred to as "America's Taj Mahal," Prabhupada's Palace of Gold stands out as its own point of interest for being a major religious wonder in the country, not just the state. Around the shrine, you can encounter ancient Indian heritage and Appalachian valley scenery unlike any other.

For those who peek around inside or wish to tour the site, there are ornate chandeliers, mirrored walls, intricate marble and onyx designs, and a 4,200-piece crystal ceiling that will leave you in awe. You will also notice the fancy peacock windows around the shrine, which is a symbolic reference to Lord Krishna. Outside, you can find the renowned Lotus Pond, where themes of transcendence fuse with simple poetic beauty. For others, the Palace Rose Gardens may be more up their alley with sunlit water fountains and over 3,000 bushes and 150 rose varieties in a vivid bouquet.

Green Bank Observatory, Green Bank

Green Bank Observatory, located in Green Bank, is a nice option for itineraries that need a bit of astronomy and satellite photography. The observatory is essentially the site of a massive radio telescope that is used for scientific purposes, and also functions as a famous commercial stop for visitors who want to learn more about mountainside landmarks. Surrounded by mostly mountains and quiet zones, you can expect this to be a hidden gem on its own.

You may find this itinerary option to be a simple architectural marvel at first glance, but in reality, it is a strong scientific advancement in the face of human progress, and is also a powerful radio transmission tool. For those who enjoy astronomical sciences, it is a popular detour and attracts more than 50,000 people per year. If you get hungry while touring the observatory, the Starlight Cafe keeps you going with its grilled burgers and hand-dipped ice cream flavors.

World's Largest Teapot, Chester

This roadside attraction may appear somewhat bizarre when first encountered in Chester, but it is actually a cherished creation. Labeled the "World's Largest Teapot," the vessel was first built as a barrel advertisement for a root beer company in Pennsylvania back in the 1900s. Shortly after, it became a clubhouse for a mini golf course, leading to more commercial thrills. By the 1930s, the barrel was shipped to West Virginia and became a teapot when the town added a spout and handle to its layout.

Measuring at about 14 feet high and 14 feet across, it is an artistic focal point for both architecture lovers and fans of renovated equipment. While it seems like a simple and mundane object from afar, it proves to be a commercial success for both modern transformation and tourism-oriented splendors. There is even the "World's Largest Teapot Day" that is celebrated annually on behalf of this monument.

Book Your Next Trip for a Charming Adventure

These amazing attractions are just what you need for a good time while exploring West Virginia. With each capitalizing on history, natural beauty, and commercial amusement in various ways, you may not want to explore elsewhere for tourism. Regardless of travel experience, the Mountain State makes you feel right at home. This list will help you find something new and meaningful in the Mountain State that is worth remembering for a lifetime.