Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. We had a good guide but I forget his name (sorry). Several centuries later, in the 1920s, Conley T. Snidow, a businessman, purchased Clays land and built an amusement park. The other half of the book is a customizable personal logbook where you can list all the places where you hunt for treasures and what treasures you found in them. Offer subject to change without notice. Before achieving fame, the "World's Largest Teapot" was created as a giant keg for Hires Root Beer and then installed as a snack stand at a mini-golf course in Pennsylvania. It's been the subject of both true and fictional adventure stories in West Virginia. The bridge towers 876 feet above the New River, but don't worry guests are securely fastened to a cable, and tours move at a relaxed pace so you can feel comfortable (and stop for scenic views and photo ops along the way). Greenbrier Historian Bob Conte described to Today Show producers how the bunker was able to stay a secret for so long and how effective it could be at holding all of Congress. Here are some of their favorite spots: 1. Previous visitors say both kids and adults enjoy exploring the former coal mines with veteran miners, who lead guided tours in authentic "man trips," the cars used in mining operations. Uncover the Past in West Virginia's Newest National Park January 9th, 2023 New River Gorge has silently witnessed centuries of change. At 876 feet above the rapids and 3,030 feet-long, the staggering Gorge Bridge became a hotspot for BASE jumpers within just two years after it was opened to the public. But some deaths occurred again in this park. Thank you. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Self-guided tour was very easy to do and all formations were marked good with excellent information. Ohio (full day, your group of 1-13), Historic Sites Military Bases & Facilities, Points of Interest & Landmarks Science Museums, Architectural Buildings Religious Sites. In a period where education was limited to a privileged few, the school was a huge success but only for a short period of time since free public schools soon began to emerge. And, the Whipple Company Store is dedicated towards the role of coal in the transformation of the nations history and the men and their families involved in the trade. A small, family-operated coal mine and camp from roughly 1890 to 1910 that later became a commercial endeavor until it closed in 1953, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is now a highly rated attraction in West Virginia. Graham Hamrick spent several years practicing his embalming techniques on fruits and vegetables before he was certain that he could try it on real corpses. Located in the Allegheny mountains, of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed attractions in West Virginia and among the best hidden vacation spots in the USA. These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State. The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature came from the foothills of Appalachia. This secluded forest lake looks like a place in a storybook. The Palace of Gold was constructed between the 1970s and 1980s by a group of untrained devotee volunteers and cost approximately $600,000 in building material including onyx, teak, marble, and several 22-carat gold leaves. West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track. Rachel is proud to live in wild and wonderful West Virginia. It is said that West Virginians are great at keeping secrets, so much so that for three decades they managed to hide a two-story bunker which can be used to hide and survive if there is ever a nuclear attack. The world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. Whether you splurge for an overnight stay or not, don't miss the Bunker Tour, where you'll discover a former emergency fallout shelter and top-secret government relocation facility for Congress from the Cold War period. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. It's also recognized because of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. After an action-packed day, visitors can grab a bite to eat at any of the three on-site restaurants and retreat to their choice of accommodations, which include everything from cozy cabins to glamping tents with views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding forest. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. We will certainly be back. This fine dining restaurant is surprisingly hidden under a bowling alley. The Greenbrier, or Americas Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Hard to access and hemmed in by explosive activity, these graveyards are stuck in limbo. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. The staff are very helpful and nice, the baths are easily big enough for 2 adults and 1 child, could comfortably fit 2 adults and 2 children. Theres a reason that John Denver described West Virginia as almost heaven. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachianssome of the oldest mountains on the planetthe state is filled with rocky peaks, deep cave systems, and rolling hills. The water is warm, but comfortable even for kiddos. Until 1921, there were no roads in and out of Thurmond, but only a single rail line that connected the outside world to the thriving coal depot of Thurmond. I took a Developmentally Disabled adult there for a fun experience and they were great with him. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. 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You can spend the night in a treehouse in this forested campground in the small community of Bluewell. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Read More Unique Stays in Almost Heaven, West Virginia January 9th, 2023 The park is just beautiful! Originally discovered in the late 1700s by Joseph Tomlinson, an English Immigrant who built his home just opposite the mound, the human remains buried in the mound were actually discovered by his descendant Jesse, who dug tunnels into the mound and found two burial chambers. It seems perfect for a family day - lots of rocks to play on and a shallow area for wading and splashing and tables for an outdoor picnic. Today they believe that there are the wandering souls of them. Learn how top attractions and experiences are selected. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. It is situated within the Appalachian region. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission less than $5 for adults is cheap. No fee or donation is required to visit the house which has been a popular attraction in the area for nearly three decades. The sheer scale of this 9,300 acre recreation area means that to truly appreciate it you need to set apart the better part of a week to explore it. Located in the Appalachian region of the United States of America, West Virginia is officially dubbed as the Mountain State. Neighboured by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio Pennsylvania, and Maryland, it is the 10th smallest state in the nation which gained statehood in 1863. The Mount Wood Cemetery is located next to the property and is the final resting place of several first settlers of the city. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. West Virginia State Penitentiary, Including Jefferson Rock, Tygart Lake , and Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Including Kenova's Pumpkin House, Mothman Statue , and Blennerhassett Island. E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, (Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine). Dorsal, our tour guide, is a gifted story teller and knowledgeable coal mining expert. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful, Videos and audio explanations supplement the excellent visual display of. more, THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in West Virginia. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore Americas wonders. However, the town is remarkably well preserved by the National Park Service, and you can visit. See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. It was made in case of a nuclear attack. Play on the beach of the little lake here, and have fun on the inflatables on the water. If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. And it is one of the most beautiful romantic places to visit in the area. Find this hidden photo spot with our guide: Van Gogh Bridge in Reston Virginia. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. A visit in the winter affords opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 15. The creature distinctively resembled a moth, and hence, came to be known as the Mothman.. Made popular over the decades, the Mothman has been the subject of many movies (the Mothman Prophecies) and shows on television. In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. And, his property was donated to the City of Wheeling. Bring lots of water and a ready attitude. Tour is well organized and thorough. Stepping into these classic theaters is like a blast from the past. However, in 1980, the teapot was shut down for business and after a decade later, it was moved to its current location. All rights reserved. I spent hours here. Seeming mostly wooden and with no hair, one of the women (according to a letter from her brother) is a former resident of the Weston insane asylum. and there are multiple overlooks with panoramic views of the bridge, river and gorge. Blooming rhododendrons. It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. Tags: Travel, US Vacations, Mid-Atlantic Vacations. Nearly a ghost town, this little town has only 5 living residents today. Though most of the castle and the cemetery is sitting dilapidated now, it is still a beautiful sight to explore, especially for ghost chasers and urban explorers.