The 10 Best Historic Sites in West Virginia, United States

May 8, 2022 Russell Mellin

As you would expect, The Mountain State displays rustic charm with dramatic river gorges, large limestone caverns and spectacular mountain views. West Virginia hosts outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers looking for fresh-air activities and serene mountain atmosphere. If stimulating city holidays are your preference, Charleston combines warm hospitality with a lovely riverside location. A family-friendly destination, you’ll discover children’s theatre, river park recreation and popular Bridge Road for shopping and dining. Smaller towns blend outdoor adventure with quaint village atmospheres. Set between the New, Greenbrier and Bluestone Rivers, Hinton is an historic rail town filled with turn-of-the-century architecture and a host of water activities at its doorstep – rafting, fishing, kayaking and more. In the heart of West Virginia, Summersville is a “Mountain Water Playground.” Its lakeside location encourages outdoor recreation from swimming and boating to scuba diving and rafting. And history buffs can trace Civil War battles throughout the states historic sites and state parks. Hiking or horseback riding along trails through deep hardwood forests is another family favorite, especially when you stop for a picnic along a clear mountain stream.
Restaurants in West Virginia

1. Cox-Morton House

640 Holly Rd, Charleston, WV 25314-1107
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Cox-Morton House

2. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

71 S Asylum Dr Mail: 71 Asylum Drive, Weston, WV 26452-1593 +1 304-269-5070 [email protected] http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 6,206 reviews

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

More European castle than American hospital, this former insane asylum offers historic and paranormal tours six days a week from April through October. Full Museum & Patient Art Gallery entry is included with your tour purchase. This Gothic National Historic Landmark holds 130 years of American history's dark side.

Reviewed By brettewert - Indianapolis, United States

Awesome- I’m a history buff, who works in mental health- loved the history and enjoyed seeing the awesome restoration efforts to preserve this piece of history. Staff was super knowledgeable and genuinely cared about the building. Have been long skeptical of religious beliefs and questioned life after death. Saw and experienced thing that rocked my to my core... this place is a must see- regardless of your motivations- it is a national treasure

3. Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum

814 Washington St W, Lewisburg, WV 24901-2029 +1 304-645-3398 [email protected] http://www.greenbrierhistorical.org
Excellent
81%
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5.0 based on 89 reviews

Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum

Reviewed By LambMom - Morgantown, United States

Arrived earlier than we had scheduled. The lady (I think her name is Debbie) greeted us warmly and was very flexible to let us start the tour earlier. She guided us through the whole house and was very knowledgeable. Definitely a great place for local history! Also the house was beautiful and maintained very well! Parking behind the house is quite convenient.

4. Dr. Robert B. McNutt House

1522 N Walker St, Princeton, WV 24740-2639 http://gotowv.com/company/dr-robert-b-mcnutt-house/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Dr. Robert B. McNutt House

5. Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility

White Sulphur Springs, WV +1 855-453-4858 http://www.greenbrier.com/Activities/The-Bunker.aspx
Excellent
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4.5 based on 465 reviews

Greenbrier Government Relocation Facility

A Cold War Bunker that was built between 1958 and 1961 underground on the grounds of the Greenbrier; the facility is open for tours.

Reviewed By YStonefan67

Visited,shopped and had lunch definitely going back have been here twice now going back with family to hopefully tour all the grounds and do the bunker tour :)

6. Beallair

Beallair Manor Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414
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4.5 based on 7 reviews

Beallair

A prominent 18th-century home featured on the George Washington Heritage Trail.

7. Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex

801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041-2241 +1 304-843-4128 http://www.wvculture.org/sites/gravecreek.html
Excellent
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4.5 based on 172 reviews

Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex

This historic site features a mysterious 69-foot-high Native American burial mound that was built between 250 and 150 B.C.

Reviewed By WarehouseDweller

We came to Moundsville specifically to see ....the Mound! Exceptional FREE visitors center with many artifacts from area inhabitants dating from a thousand years ago . Stone and bone tools and decorative items provide a glimpse into a native culture and way of live largely ignored by our educational system. Fascinating.

8. Charleston Baptist Temple

209 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301-1820 +1 304-346-9627 [email protected] http://www.chasbt.org/
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Charleston Baptist Temple

9. West Virginia Penitentiary

818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041-2235 +1 304-845-6200 [email protected] http://www.wvpentours.com/
Excellent
80%
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4.5 based on 883 reviews

West Virginia Penitentiary

Built in 1866 and in operation until 1995, this prison offers 90-minute guided tours of the facility from April 1, through November 30. Day tours, Paranormal events, October's haunted house, Elizabethtown Festival, are just a few of the events that take place at the facility on an annual basis.

Reviewed By Y8960RKamandas

First time ever visiting the prison & WOW! I was there for the history and the eeriness of the prison was out of this world. Our tour guide Lee was so knowledgeable, friendly and very interactive with us and all around great! Will definitely be back!!

10. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 +1 304-535-6298 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/hafe/
Excellent
70%
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4.5 based on 2,028 reviews

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or a weekend. We have something for everyone, so come and discover Harpers Ferry! Hours: Park Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset. Museums, Exhibits, and Visitor Center: Open 9:00am - 5:00pm Park Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Reviewed By kylesE8563QS

Accessible via Amtrak, Harpers Ferry is filled with history and surrounded by natural beauty.the many worthwhile sights are the Appalachian Trail Visitors Center, the Civil War Museum, John Brown's Fort,The C and O Canal National Historic Park, The African American Museum, St Peter's R.C. Church, and Jefferson Park.The town is located where the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers meet, and from the point one can see West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

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