There are lots of trails to hike and the views are amazing! Their culture was notable for their pottery, agriculture, art. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. One of West Virginia's most intriguing attractions is also a little-known, almost secret place located in Moundsville. but you'll definitely want to stop for some great views of the bridge, the gorge, You can see the falls easily from the parking lot but if you want a closer look, you can scramble over, This was the original site of a lumber mill and a. community that used the river's current to power their m Did both the Haunted House offered for Halloween as well as flashlight tour, Haunted House was nicely done and scary and the flashlight tour was very informative and even kinda spooky itself. Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. I spent hours here. 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. But theres also a lot to be said for those hidden gems throughout our state. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, also known as Phillips-Sprague Mine in Beckley, West Virginia is a historic coal mine established around 1889 and was intended to be used as a drift mine. However, the town is remarkably well preserved by the National Park Service, and you can visit. Bluefield: School with Most Multi-Level Entrances Bramwell: Home of the Millionaires Bridgeport: Front Lawn Giraffe Buckhannon: Tiny Church Bunker Hill: Silo Missile Cameron: Archive of the Afterlife Charleston: Shoney's Big Boy Museum Charleston: West Virginia Lincoln Melancholia Chester: Mini-B-52 on a Pole Chester: World's Largest Teapot Other objects on exhibit at the Archive of the Afterlife include embalming tables, service display caskets, and a range of signposts and promotional pamphlets of various funeral homes in the area. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. Shenandoah National Park is an extremely popular National Park in VA that makes up part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Today, the state parks railroad consists of heritage converted log cars that operate on the same trail as that from 1901. See national parks, caves, museums and even the "World's Largest Teapot" on your next West Virginia vacation. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. A 20-feet table rock formation in Spencer, West Virginia has been confusing onlookers for ages some say it is a geological formation while others claim that it could be an ancient Native American totem. 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. Until 1992, the Congressional Fallout Shelter, formerly known as Project X, Project Casper and lastly Project Greek Island, remained a secret to the common public. Offer subject to change without notice. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Soak in the soothing springs of this state park, known for its warm waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and its bathhouses, where available spa services include massages and mineral baths. I am so glad that stumbled across this museum, they also have toys for sale in their. Theres a gift shop in this place where you can buy wonderful artworks. more, THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in West Virginia. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors including dormitories, meeting areas and more. Grab one and head out for a picnic lunch. Moderate hike with various overlooks prior to Diamond Point, Boat Tours & Water Sports in West Virginia, Military Bases & Facilities in West Virginia, Observatories & Planetariums in West Virginia, Game & Entertainment Centers in West Virginia, Fishing Charters & Tours in West Virginia, Things to do near Monongahela National Forest, Things to do near Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, Hiking and Swimming in Gers National Park, Ocean Wildlife Expedition; Swim With Whales, Sharks, & Rays Half-Day Boat Tour, Walking Brewery Tour Downtown Arts District Las Vegas, The Last Ride Private Golf Cart Ghost Tour, Review of: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Review of: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Review of: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, Review of: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Review of: Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Charleston WV by Zombie Scavengers, Space and Flight Tour in NE Ohio (full day, your group of 1-13), A Native Ancient Journey Across S.E. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. Play on the beach of the little lake here, and have fun on the inflatables on the water. West Virginia has its share of quirky attractions as well, including the "World's Largest Teapot" and the Mothman Museum, which tells the story of the local legend that inspired "The Mothman Prophecies," both a book and a film starring Richard Gere. WVU Jackson's Mill Farmstead The Rockies may be bigger, but there's something specialand sometimes spookyabout the Appalachians. A historic coal mine that doubles as a museum and tourist attraction. Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. Spectacular mineral formations fill these caves, which have been used for everything from smoking meat to stashing illicit liquor. Our favorite secret place is Fayetteville perched in the rim of the 800 foot deep New River Gorge and next the second longest steel arch bridge in the world. At Blackwater Falls State Park, you can also enjoy biking, fishing and geocaching in warm weather and, in the winter, slide down the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. But did you know that there is also an Indian burial mound here? You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Once a hideout of a fugitive cooper trader, the Coopers Rock State Forest is a slice of heaven miles from Morgantown. Stephano's, Morgantown On October 16th, 1859, John Brown gathered 22 men, including his three sons and five black men, and declared war on the Harpers Ferry federal complex as a way of retaliating against the practice of slavery. The Rock and the surrounding area is open to the public, however, the current landowner is still trying to get definitive information on the rocks age and history. 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. Every year, mid-March there is a celebration marking the day the first president of the United States of America first visited in 1748. More recent, human-made wonders are scattered throughout the rugged landscape, from the smallest church in the contiguous United States to a telescope that is a massive feat of engineering. Today, the old mining facility and its surrounding ghost town remain abandoned at large except for a few curious urban explorers who like hiking around the area every now and then. Rumsey invented and designed the technology behind the steamboat in 1787, approximately two decades before Fulton demonstrated his Steamboat in 1807. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. Home Travel Guides United States West Virginia (WV) 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in West Virginia. The creature distinctively resembled a moth, and hence, came to be known as the Mothman.. We even got to watch a storm roll out at Lindy Point that was so cool. Dubbed as the National Museum of the Paranormal, Archive of the Afterlife is filled with artifacts related to history, and in certain cases, paranormal or the afterlife (of course!). Apr 21, 2021 - Explore freaking travel's board "Secret Places In West Virginia" on Pinterest. 3. And there had been many executions of the prisoners. [Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. Here are some of their favorite spots: 1. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Completed in 1958, the shelter is no. However, every year, on the third Saturday of October, it is legal for anyone and everyone to jump off of the bridge! The tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles tints the water of Blackwater Falls, hence the name of this 57-foot cascade and state park in Tucker County. Housed under the West Virginia Wing ofThe Greenbrier Resort,the top-secret, super-sized bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. This short hike in Babcock State Park will lead you to a hidden pavilion that looks out over a cliff. Source: Gregory M. Davis Jr / shutterstock, Archive of the Afterlife "the National Museum of the Paranormal" / Facebook, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 15 Best Things to Do in Middleborough (MA), Congressional Fallout Shelter at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, New Vrindaban Palace of Gold, Moundsville, Berkeley Springs Castle, Berkeley Springs, George Washington's Bathtub, Berkeley Springs, Green Bank: A Town for 'Wi-Fi Refugees', Green Bank, Birthplace of the Steamboat, Shepherdstown. See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. birthdays and to support small, hometown businesses! Adventure seekers can also enjoy zip lining and canopy tours (including a nighttime MoonTrek), rappelling, mountain biking, guided hikes, horseback riding, cave tours, laser tag and paintball. 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. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. Located in the far west of West Virginia, Kenova is a town of 3,000 residents, but come Halloween each year, the town also becomes home to 3,000 pumpkins, all used to decorate the former mayors historic home into a grand Halloween extravaganza. Love West Virginia? We arrived late on a Friday and were told no worries, just stop at the camp office the next day. Parkgoers say the four-season destination is both pretty and enjoyable no matter when you visit. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988, the exhibition coal mine offers daily tours of the area and a history lesson on Appalachian coal mining. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. Did you know that carved deep into the mountainside of West Virginia isan emergency Cold War fallout shelter? Housed under the West Virginia Wing of The Greenbrier Resort, the top-secret, super-sized bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 15. Take the Island In The Sky hike, which is just a short half mile hike, to reach this little pavilion with great views. A new spout and a new flooring were added and the glass ball knob atop the teapot was replaced by a gold-colored basketball. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. 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 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. There had been a prison that had 4 different sections ranging from well behaved prisoners to ruthless criminals. This must-see experience is open to all! Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. Powered by Mai Theme, 14 Best Resorts in Georgia You Must Visit. Blooming rhododendrons. 8. A lighthouse on this West Virginia lake started as a joke, then the forces of nature helped make it a reality. Nice challenging hike. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it guided hotel tours are offered but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. The tour, available for visitors aged 10 and older, starts at $40 for adults and $20 for ages 10 to 18. West Virginia State Penitentiary, Including Jefferson Rock, Tygart Lake , and Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Including Kenova's Pumpkin House, Mothman Statue , and Blennerhassett Island. And, The Greenbrier, whichhas been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778, including26 presidents and countless celebrities,recently welcomed a new guest to check out this bunker: The Today Show. 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. But those who love adventure and spooky things can always visit this secret place of West Virginia. Today, the Bridge day is an annual event that sees a group of selected 450 BASE jumpers from all around the nation and the world gather here and jump from the bridge. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. Within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, visitors can explore the former lumbering town as well as a gift shop, restaurant, museum and theater. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. Dont worry, we wont tell anyone . A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Today they believe that there are the wandering souls of them. He added a spout, lid and handle so he could use the newly revamped structure to promote the region's then-booming pottery industry, selling teapots and other souvenirs from its window. Berkeley Springs State Park 549 State Parks By Bboston8 E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, (Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine). Opened in 1901 for the very first time, the Alderson Academy serves as a private school for the young children of the town. West Virginia: Lost Gold, Hidden Hoards, and Fantastic Fortunes - Commander Pulitzer This book contains ten legends of 14 trillion dollars of lost treasures in West Virginia. Lake Anne Van Gogh Bridge, Reston. Kerry Sanders and Today Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! The Mothman Museum is a small storefront museum regarded as the only collection of its kind in the world to be dedicated to the namesake insect and the legendary Mothman. 15 Secret Places And Hidden Gems In Virginia Natural Chimneys Park The Natural Chimneys Park is located in Augusta County Virginia. An an "Invitation Only private club" you need someone inside the club to get you an inviteoh and then I forgot to mention you have to pay $100,000! Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, and overnight lodging options that include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. Reportedly, the mountaintop is submerged in 180 inches of snow and makes the approaching roads almost impossible to access from autumn till spring. As the museum claims, some of the haunted items on display are more charged than others, for instance, the execution cap, the Annie portrait, and the defaced effigy doll. Time travel with sweets across history at this research-based candy store. Did you know that May 10th is celebrated as Mothers Day in the whole world? And this museum is dedicated to that Mothman. Travel the open country roads and discover more of West Virginia's most unique hidden gems, here. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. This has been a thriving mining city at the outset but by 1920 it had turned out to be a failure and was shut down. Relax on the beach or explore the island. Looking to explore more of the Mountain State? Samuel Taylor Suit was lucky in a lot of things (politics, business, whiskey distillery), but love wasnt one of them. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and decided to build his beloved wife a castle. The hike is steep, but well worth your effort. Visit Country Road Cabins in Hico, where you'll find 18 luxury cabins. whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours, The Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Print and Pack: The Ultimate Camping Checklist. Among the museums collection are the lost execution cap of Old Sparky, the execution chair used by West Virginia State Penitentiary, battle-damaged relics from World War II, and a huge room filled with items that are allegedly haunted or cursed. Construction on the bunker began in 1958, which was built 720 feet into the hillside under The Greenbrier. 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. Thank you! The Mount Wood Cemetery is located next to the property and is the final resting place of several first settlers of the city. A huge 100-foot radio tower installed approximately four miles away was connected to the bunker so that the congressmen could broadcast emergency messages. 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). Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. 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 is situated within the Appalachian region. Take a steam-powered ride straight out of the past on this Appalachian rail line. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. It's time to change your mind about West Virginia, and if you've found yourself on this page, chances are you're ready for the challenge and a memorable experience. With no other choice left, Brown took nine hostages from the federal complex heist and held them at a smaller engine house within the building. I recommend the self guided walking tour to see the massive Green Bank Telescope. He was patient, engaging, authentic, and provided an overflowing wealth of true stories and a lifetime of experiences. Read More Unique Stays in Almost Heaven, West Virginia January 9th, 2023 Even though the stone structure isnt the same one from George Washingtons time, today, the bathtub attracts tourists, hikers, and locals alike. The 14-feet-high and 14-feet in diameter teapot was installed sometime in the 1900s as an advertisement for Hires Root Beer in Pennsylvania and housed a small souvenir shop that also sold refreshments to visitors. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. So eventually it qualifies to be one of the best secret places in west Virginia. It is situated within the Appalachian region. My husband, son, and I love the Old Roman Baths an try to visit every year! And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia! After that, it changed hands a few times before being acquired by a local couple in 2006. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. Today, the bunker acts as an office to a data storage company and offers weekly guided tours. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. When George Washington was only 16, he worked as a surveyors assistant and paid frequent visits to the spa town of Berkeley Springs in West Virginia. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. Here are a few of our favorites. However, its a secret place that arouses our curiosity a lot. After almost 50 years, the teapot has been opened once again to sell refreshments to visitors. The Today Show crew chatted with Greenbrier Ambassador Frank Mosley, who has been with at the resort for about 60 years, to see how the place has evolved over time. The ultimate experience in West Virginia, Adventures on the Gorge, is an award-winning adventure outfitter and resort on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. At its peak, the community was home to over 400 permanent residents, though only 100 occupy the village now. Funnily, West Virginia is the southernmost state in the northern part of America and the northernmost state in the southern part so you could never tell up from down! Learn how top attractions and experiences are selected. Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! The process, as opposed to what people expected, worked. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Watch the Today Shows visit to the Greenbrier to learn more. Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The location of the facility, critical to its effectiveness, remained a secret for more than three decades. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes and places to stop for a picnic lunch. This wonderful construction is open to the public since 1973 and the owner boasts that inside this Mystery hole works against gravity. The owner of the museum hasnt only dedicated a book to the alleged Mothman but now also conducts a yearly Mothman festival. No fee or donation is required to visit the house which has been a popular attraction in the area for nearly three decades. (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism), Almost heaven, West Virginia. As the story goes, in 1925, the Mount Wood Castle property belonged to a doctor who wanted to transform into a dream project for his wife. This is a fascinating tour IF you're interest in history, especially mid-20th C and the Cold War. Recent Lists 12 Places to Enjoy a Retro Movie Experience Stepping into these classic. Hermosilla's Deli Market in Fairmont is the place to go when you're looking for a tasty deli sandwich stacked high with delicious meats and cheeses. Address: 104 Main St., Glen Jean, WV 25846. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. This lookout tower built in the 1930s is now an in-demand cabin with what might be the best view of the Seneca State Forest. 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. Hidden in West Virginia's Greenbrier Resort was a massive bomb shelter stocked with supplies for members of Congress in . Today, the castle is available to rent as an event space. Previous visitors confirm the prison tours, which start at $14 per adult and $8 per child aged 6 to 16, are all at once creepy, informative and enjoyable. Probably you do. After a few more attempts throughout the 1900s, the academy served as a rental apartment space till 1990s, however, the structure today stands in a dilapidated state with floors collapsing and certain areas completely inaccessible. The campsites are very nice, big enough for 2 large tents & the bathrooms are clean.