The process, as opposed to what people expected, worked. Thurmond Ghost Town is an abandoned town for several years. Thousands of jack o'lanterns light up Halloween at this historic West Virginia home. 5 Best City to Live in South Dakota With Photos, 7 Water Parks in Oregon-Things to do in Oregon. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock Source: Forsaken Fotos / Flickr Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock As the story goes, up until 1783, Mercer County was inhabited by Native Americans, however, an attempt by a European family to settle in the area caused disturbances. What most of us ignore is the fact that the abundance of coal and the trades involved with coal mining is what helped the United States of America to be built. The museum is looking a little bit dated, but still well maintained and informative. But those who love adventure and spooky things can always visit this secret place of West Virginia. You can spend the night in a treehouse in this forested campground in the small community of Bluewell. Yet it isn't at the top of many travelers' bucket lists (if it even has a place on those lists at all). Can you help further? 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr. Charleston, WV 25314. Surprisingly, the shelter was only meant to house the Congressmen and their aids while their family was supposed to find shelter elsewhere. Previous visitors say this Charleston museum is truly impressive, with some advising you'll need a few hours to see everything it has to offer. The building later came to be known as John Browns Fort. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. 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. Dine At The Historic Spot In West Virginia Where Two Presidents Headquartered In The Civil War, Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Ride On A Historically Unique Rapid Transit System In West Virginia, This Fascinating West Virginia Hotel Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Decades Now, This Quirky Vault In West Virginia Holds One Of The States Most Closely-Guarded Secrets, 10 Perfect Places In West Virginia For People Who Hate Crowds, This Hidden Destination In West Virginia Is A Secret Only Locals Know About, 12 Secret Spots In West Virginia Where Nature Will Completely Relax You, 5 Little Known Beaches In West Virginia Thatll Make Your Summer Even Better. The exhibition comprises 1,500 feet of restored walkways and 3,000 feet of historic tracks. 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! You can take a two-hour round trip to Whittaker station, a five-hour round trip to Bald Knob, or a five-hour round trip to Spruce Ghost Town. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. These 8 Hidden Places Are Virginia's Best Kept Secrets Virginia is a state full of hidden gems and secret places to discover. Don't Hold Back Your Things to Do in North Charleston South, You Haven't Seen These 4 Waterfalls in Iowa, Things to do on fremont streets are Scarier than Clowns, The 8 Best places to visit in California in winter, 15 best cities in Nepal to visit in 2022 |, Best Gulf Beaches In Florida-5 Amazing Destinations, 4 Amazing Places to visit in Malta-2023(with photos), 5 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BORA BORA-WITH PHOTOS, 5 TOP MOST ATTRACTIVE BEACH RESORTS IN FLORIDA, 10 Best Things to do in Kanab Utah -with photos, 10 Fun Things to do in Crete Island-Greece Travel Guide. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Reachable via hike, Blackwater Falls is one of West Virginia's most photographed destinations, as are other park highlights including Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook. This former fire tower found new life as a communications hub complete with a scenic overlook. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. Nearly a ghost town, this little town has only 5 living residents today. Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track. Green Bank, West Virginia is a rustic town perched on the rolling hills of Appalachia which is designed for those who suffer from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity. In other words, the town provides respite to all those who wish to stay away from the all-consuming social world that surrounds us all day, every day. 7 Secret Places in Washington State-Must Visit Before End. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. With these 33 'gotta-do' stops along the way, you'll create memories for a lifetime. Go 120 feet underground to explore stalagmites (some of which measure up to 80 feet tall) and stalactites at Lost World Caverns, one of the top things to do in West Virginia. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. West Virginia has its share of famous spots that everyone visits, and for good reason these places are truly remarkable. Spend a day at the waterpark, and don't forget to enjoy the Nature Zone, miniature golf and go-karts. A particularly creepy abandoned hospital that sparks interest for lovers of the supernatural. 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. Once a top secret U.S. government relocation facility for Congress, The Greenbrier Bunker is now open to visitors interested in learning about the history of this bunker! After that, it changed hands a few times before being acquired by a local couple in 2006. He was patient, engaging, authentic, and provided an overflowing wealth of true stories and a lifetime of experiences. Near-constant high winds deform the trees on Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. 8. Thank you! Constructed to protect the entire U.S Congress in case of a nuclear event, the shelter is located underneath the Greenbrier Resort. 1. The brainchild of Eleanor Roosevelt, her "Little Village" was a collectivist dream. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. 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 This 22 acre resort along the Elk River has some of the best fishing in West Virginia. 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. 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. The location of the facility, critical to its effectiveness, remained a secret for more than three decades. Originally, I tried to visit an art gallery but they were nowhere to be found. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. The hike is steep, but well worth your effort. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Visit Country Road Cabins in Hico, where you'll find 18 luxury cabins. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. 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. 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 peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. You'd never guess that such a gorgeous restaurant is hiding underneath a bowling alley! One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. was by far our favorite thing to do while staying at the Greenbrier. 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. Today, new owners Will and Sandra Morrison run the store just like it was in the 1970s. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission less than $5 for adults is cheap. 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I thought I would spend an hour or two on the second leg of a business trip. We meet our grown children at this park and camped at one of the rugged campsites for 2 nights. Also known as the Good Counsel Friary, this historic home looks like something from a fairy tale. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. A small storefront museum explores the history and myth of West Virginia's famous urban legend. West Virginia is the only American state to be situated completely within the Appalachian Regional Commission and hence, is popularly called as Appalachia. The Mountain States majestic mountains hills and cool trout waters are famous for several outdoor adventure and recreational activities. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available. Kerry Sanders and Today Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! The owner of the museum hasnt only dedicated a book to the alleged Mothman but now also conducts a yearly Mothman festival. An interesting learning experience about telescopes of all kinds and their uses and users. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. Read more here. Nice challenging hike. Once a hideout of a fugitive cooper trader, the Coopers Rock State Forest is a slice of heaven miles from Morgantown. 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. This wonderful construction is open to the public since 1973 and the owner boasts that inside this Mystery hole works against gravity. Address: 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814 Website: www.senecacaverns.com Also Read: Top 10 Most Amazing Caves & Caverns in the USA 5: New River Gorge Bridge Adobe Stock/Patrick Jennings Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. 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. 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. But that's not all. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. 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. Unfortunately, Rumsey passed away during a fundraising campaign for his newfound technology and everybody forgot about the actual creator. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and decided to build his beloved wife a castle. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. Secret places in West Virginia-The wonderful Mountain State or West Virginia is a state where there are lots of hidden gems throughout the state. However, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia Rumsey is still regarded and revered as the creator of the steamboat. Grab one and head out for a picnic lunch. This secluded restaurant gets most of their customers from ski resorts in the winter, but they also have farm-to-table dinners throughout the year. Between 1966 and 1967, the inhabitants of Point Pleasant, West Virginia reported spotting a mysterious, man-like creature with red eyes and massive wings. Hubby & I really enjoyed it! Before being surrounded by modern bathhouses in the 1780s, the primitive warm springs offered hollowed-out trenches filled with fresh water springs that maintained a constant 72 degrees temperature and were lined with sand and stones. Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! Have been twice now and both times when we first get in I'm sorry that I booked only 30 minutes, but after 25 minutes I realize that I need to get out. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Spectacular mineral formations fill these caves, which have been used for everything from smoking meat to stashing illicit liquor. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd . 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. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. Brown and his gang succeeded in their mission, however, they were discovered by the militia the next morning who surrounded the group and cut off their only escape route. Another great hidden gem in Morgantown, the West Virginia Botanic Garden is secluded enough that you'll feel as though you've found your own secret garden. Looking for a great staycation? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Becky did a great job giving the tour, was very informative and And if you are a hiker, then you will also experience lots of RRR&R which is, The houses, church, and schoolhouse and really fun and informative. The park is just beautiful! But some deaths occurred again in this park. Above ground, Wilson built a gift shop that is painted in the most bright colors and is covered in strange yet intriguing artwork, for instance, a Big Gorilla hovering over the store and an old Beetle crashing into the store. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. 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. Thanks Google maps! No purchase necessary. The 22-acre fishing resort will reconnect you to nature and leave you refreshed and relaxed. 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. 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. Whatever you do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Bridge Walk, where guided tours are offered on a catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. The Shepherdstown Museum houses a half-built replica of Rumseys steamboat. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. It's one of the unique things to do in West Virginia, full with fun, excitement, and plenty of activities. Explore the story of the New River Gorge region from ancient waters to national . Blooming rhododendrons. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. As the second-largest coal-producing U.S. state, West Virginia is also home to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where curious travelers can ride through the passages of a former coal mine. Here is the most interesting part - the stalactites used by the organ are spread over 3.5 acres, and due to the enclosed nature of the location, the music can be heard all around the caves - all 64 acres of it. Thank you. 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. Reportedly, the mountaintop is submerged in 180 inches of snow and makes the approaching roads almost impossible to access from autumn till spring. We will certainly be back. 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. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Opened in 1901 for the very first time, the Alderson Academy serves as a private school for the young children of the town. During its Eisenhower-Era use, the bunker provided the following: Over the 30 years that it was an active facility, technology was constantly updated so that the bunker was always ready in case of emergency. Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. and there are multiple overlooks with panoramic views of the bridge, river and gorge. 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. Take a steam-powered ride straight out of the past on this Appalachian rail line. 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. Address: 907 Lost World Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901. 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. From family-friendly paths to long, scenic overnight camp-and-hike trails, come see why West Virginia is called the Mountain State. You will receive your first email soon. 2023 Atlas Obscura. After a treacherous fight between the two sides, Brown was finally captured and executed in 1859. In 1942, the mill and the town were sold to Mower Lumber Company, however, in 1960, both were shut down for business as a result of a rapid decline in the timber industry in the area. Lovely drives through the park, and nice to park and hike along the way. 15. Nestled in among the many attractions for the New River Gorge national park, this state park was actually my favorite part of our trip. 1. Hidden in West Virginia's Greenbrier Resort was a massive bomb shelter stocked with supplies for members of Congress in . The "mysteries" of this quintessential roadside oddity were almost destroyed by neglect but were saved by fans of kitschy wonder. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. JayDee's is off the beaten path in Inwood. Ford expanded the mine to a great length, unfortunately, however, in 1928 the operation had to be shut down, most likely due to railroad guidelines. 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. It's also recognized because of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 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. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away.