Thus it becomes one of the best secret places that you can find in West Virginia. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. 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. There's so much to do that the park offers a variety of overnight accommodations, from tent camping to lodge guest rooms. Well worth the time to stop. 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. It has consisted of standard bunk-style beds, furniture, TV, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel too. At its peak, the community was home to over 400 permanent residents, though only 100 occupy the village now. Nicknamed the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountain region. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. These abandoned places in West Virginia harbor unique and colorful stories: 1. A small storefront museum explores the history and myth of West Virginia's famous urban legend. Its 53-mile stretch of the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world) is famous for whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours and rapids up to Class V, widely considered some of the most challenging to navigate. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. WV Museum of History rivals the best in our nation. Click here to read our full article. Wheeling in West Virginia is known to be super rich in mythology. Parking is a challenge at some of the trail heads, we had to walk a little way down a road to actually start a hike. Of course, the park also offers other ways to take in its otherworldly landscape think scenic driving routes, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and free, ranger-led activities including junior ranger programs. Rumsey invented and designed the technology behind the steamboat in 1787, approximately two decades before Fulton demonstrated his Steamboat in 1807. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Watch the Today Shows visit to the Greenbrier to learn more. Wildflower hikes. 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. But that's not all. The prison compound was divided into four sections the Alamo for the most ruthless inmates, the mainline for everyday assortments of prisoners, the Rat Row for the heightened protection of the snitches, and the Honor Hall for the well-behaved trustees.. I'm cold blooded but I think a hour would be too much! Dont worry, we wont tell anyone . Today, the state parks railroad consists of heritage converted log cars that operate on the same trail as that from 1901. Ruins 8 Museums And Collections 7 Geology 5 History & Culture 5 Abandoned 5 Architectural Oddities 5 History 5 Industrial 4 Nature 4 Subterranean Sites 4 Coal 4 Cemeteries 4 Places To Stay 3. Travel the open country roads and discover more of West Virginia's most unique hidden gems, here. [Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. Apr 21, 2021 - Explore freaking travel's board "Secret Places In West Virginia" on Pinterest. The steamboat that was apparently demonstrated by Fulton was built on the foundations of a technology invented by James Rumsey. A historic coal mine that doubles as a museum and tourist attraction. West Virginia is a surprising place filled with awesome natural adventures, affordable sleeping places and quirky one-of-a-kind restaurants. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Apparently, the tradition started here at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins at first. Parkgoers say the four-season destination is both pretty and enjoyable no matter when you visit. 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. Home Travel Guides United States West Virginia (WV) 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in West Virginia. 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. No purchase necessary. 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. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. 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. 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. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies. 1. The Mothra is a mysterious figure with red eyes with wings that wandered in Point Pleasant. The grist mill was truly iconic. I thought I would spend an hour or two on the second leg of a business trip. whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours, The Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Print and Pack: The Ultimate Camping Checklist. In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. See why the food and atmosphere is an unexpected delight. That's how John Denver referred to the state in his American classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads," one of West Virginia's four state songs. Wonderment Puppet Theatre is a MUST SEE!! The owner of the museum hasnt only dedicated a book to the alleged Mothman but now also conducts a yearly Mothman festival. 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. For the price of admission this place is a must if in the area. The castle property overlooked the famous Berkeley Springs spa town and was, in fact, the place where the couple first met. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful small towns in West Virginia. This tour is a must see! Time travel with sweets across history at this research-based candy store. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, youll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Stefanos in Morgantown serves some delicious, gourmet food in a romantic setting. Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. After a treacherous fight between the two sides, Brown was finally captured and executed in 1859. (304) 558-3500. 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. Read more here. While most researchers visit the town to observe signals from the cosmos, most come here to take refuge at the town which falls under the National Radio Quiet Zone. 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. 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. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Admission $22 for adults and $12.50 for those younger than 18 includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. And, his property was donated to the City of Wheeling. 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. The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy. It's a National Historic Park with Civil War sites including battlefields, remnants of campsites and, most notably, John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum. 15 Secret Places And Hidden Gems In Virginia Natural Chimneys Park The Natural Chimneys Park is located in Augusta County Virginia. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. Visit a replica of the estate where Aaron Burr allegedly plotted a treasonous scheme against the United States. 20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia's Country Roads The Mountain State is filled with surprises, from giant telescopes to elusive cryptids. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. From the pretty to the paranormal, these are the top things to do in West Virginia. JayDee's is off the beaten path in Inwood. It works on buildings too. At some point during that time, someone suggested that it be changed to a junior college offering two-year college level programs. Though the two inventors had around 20 years in between them, needless to say, that they were equally talented, and both men contributed heavily to the American innovation. However, by the time the lane was constructed, most of the population had moved out. 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. Completed in 1958, the shelter is no. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. It's secluded enough that it feels like your own secret garden. Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862. Researchers claim that the formation of the 69-foot-tall hill must have taken around 60,000 tons of earth! From family-friendly paths to long, scenic overnight camp-and-hike trails, come see why West Virginia is called the Mountain State. 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. Including Hippodrome Cinema, Tampa Theatre, and Kinema in the Woods, Including Huanglong Travertine Pools, Socotra Island, and Morin-ji Temple. The best West Virginia oddities and offbeat attractions, road trip and vacation recommendations from Roadside America's writers and experts -- museums, statues, roadside stops, odd buildings, weird folk art. If you're feeling extra brave after mastering this walkway, you can even come back for Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest single-day festival, where thousands gather every October to watch daredevils jump off the bridge into the gorge below. 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. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. Speaking of secrets West Virginia comes to our mind nonchalantly due to several reasons. However, he wasnt one to give up. 15. Though the Swami in-charge was charged with fraud and racketeering and was sentenced to 20 years of jail time in 1996, the current residents still continue to preserve their culture and religious beliefs as best as they can. 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. Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. West Virginia. This red-eyed chrome beast pays homage to the popular modern myth of West Virginia's insectoid monster. 2022 9. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Located aptly in the town of Moundsville, West Virginia Grave Creek Mound may seem like an unremarkable grass hill, but in reality, it is a prehistoric burial site which is regarded as the largest of its kind in the United States of America. Whether it be a wooded trail that leads to a gorgeous overlook, a little-known swimming hole, or perhaps an out-of-this-world restaurant, the Old Dominion is just full of surprises. 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! 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. Stonewall Jackson Lake is a hidden gem in Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. 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!). 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. The NBC show traveled south, camera crew in tow, to get exclusive access to the bunker and the people who had have been instrumental in the success of the bunker. The residents of the town are not only bothered but physically pained due to all the electromagnetic activities that are found otherwise outside of the town. See. And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia! She has a huge impact on people with her growing fan base on social media. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 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. It is largely because of him that the place now known as Berkeley Springs State Park remains the popular wellness destination it is today.