was by far our favorite thing to do while staying at the Greenbrier. Spruce Knob is also the highest tip in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Looking to explore more of the Mountain State? The owner of the museum hasnt only dedicated a book to the alleged Mothman but now also conducts a yearly Mothman festival. To seek revenge, Clay killed several Native Americans. 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. 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. However, every year, on the third Saturday of October, it is legal for anyone and everyone to jump off of the bridge! He lived at the top of the drugstore at the time. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. 8. The castle property overlooked the famous Berkeley Springs spa town and was, in fact, the place where the couple first met. 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. Unfortunately, the poor doctor got caught up in drug trafficking and was sent out to prison before his project could ever be completed. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. This is literally in our backyard and I cannot wait for the. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away. 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! I recommend the self guided walking tour to see the massive Green Bank Telescope. We will certainly be back. A small storefront museum explores the history and myth of West Virginia's famous urban legend. (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism), Almost heaven, West Virginia. 11. 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. 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!). 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. See where wines are made and try some samples before you buy. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. An abandoned coal mine reached by a steep hike. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Harpers Ferry is also known as the psychological midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail and, as such, attracts thru-hikers to the historic Lower Town's restaurants and nearby vacation rentals. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddle boarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything. 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. From the pretty to the paranormal, these are the top things to do in West Virginia. Established in 1901, the town was meant to serve the states Pulp and Papers company town to bring lumber and other products to and from Cass mill. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. The West Virginia State Museum also manages a few historic sites throughout the state including West Virginia Independence Hall and Camp Washington-Carver. Probably you do. Powered by Mai Theme, 14 Best Resorts in Georgia You Must Visit. February 1, 2022 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. 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. 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. They were able to capture on video for the first time that shows the bunker in its original state and all the elements that made it possible for hundreds of people to live and work here. Spend a day at the waterpark, and don't forget to enjoy the Nature Zone, miniature golf and go-karts. Did you know that May 10th is celebrated as Mothers Day in the whole world? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This fine dining restaurant is surprisingly hidden under a bowling alley. Whats your favorite hidden place in West Virginia? Made popular over the decades, the Mothman has been the subject of many movies (the Mothman Prophecies) and shows on television. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. 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. Eventually, Griffith moved to the house with his family and the number of pumpkins grew to 500, then 1,000, and by the year 2,000, the number had grown to 2,000. 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. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. Spectacular mineral formations fill these caves, which have been used for everything from smoking meat to stashing illicit liquor. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. 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. Reportedly, the mountaintop is submerged in 180 inches of snow and makes the approaching roads almost impossible to access from autumn till spring. Construction on the bunker began in 1958, which was built 720 feet into the hillside under The Greenbrier. West Virginia is a surprising place filled with awesome natural adventures, affordable sleeping places and quirky one-of-a-kind restaurants. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. You will receive your first email soon. Dorsal, our tour guide, is a gifted story teller and knowledgeable coal mining expert. Bring lots of water and a ready attitude. 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. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll find a lot to love. Apparently, the tradition started here at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins at first. Tours start at $12 for adults and $6 for children. 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. Constructed to protect the entire U.S Congress in case of a nuclear event, the shelter is located underneath the Greenbrier Resort. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes and places to stop for a picnic lunch. WVU Jackson's Mill Farmstead The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. 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. It is situated within the Appalachian region. Did you know that carved deep into the mountainside of West Virginia isan emergency Cold War fallout shelter? Thousands of jack o'lanterns light up Halloween at this historic West Virginia home. The 22-acre fishing resort will reconnect you to nature and leave you refreshed and relaxed. 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. Wow. 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. You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and, if you'd like to stay a few days, camping in tents, RVs or on-site cabins. 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. Volunteers involved with the decoration wanted to stop at 2,000 but Griffith insisted to make it 3,000 one pumpkin for one resident each. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. Founded in 1968 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, creator of International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the inhabitants of the community aim at practicing and preserving the teachings of Hindu Lord, Sri Krishna. Even though theres a dark history behind this land a businessman called T. Snidow bought this land to build an amusement park. Explore the story of the New River Gorge region from ancient waters to national . Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862. 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. The building later came to be known as John Browns Fort. It's secluded enough that it feels like your own secret garden. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. Blackwater Falls is a unique and beautiful park. In 1995, the US government ended the lease agreement with The Greenbrier, and later that year, the resort began offering tours of the historic facility. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful small towns in West Virginia. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. 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. 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. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. Lexies mission was to push herself to break beyond her normal surroundings, and to discover the vastness of the globe that could be accessible to a single female traveler. 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. As such, it offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, ATV riding, zip lining, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling at state parks and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the country's newest national park. 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. The grist mill was truly iconic. Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. Its all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven. Thurmond Ghost Town is an abandoned town for several years. Between 1966 and 1967, the inhabitants of Point Pleasant, West Virginia reported spotting a mysterious, man-like creature with red eyes and massive wings. rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. Thanks Google maps! 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. 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. The term knob is primarily used to denote the highest point on a ridge in the southern Appalachians. Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Attracted by the embalming procedure, the Smithsonian Institution offered to put his mummies on display, on the condition that Hamrick will have to share his secret procedure with the institution. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Wonderment Puppet Theatre is a MUST SEE!! The development of the mine started in 1905 and it was first put to use in 1906 for shipping coal. 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. Even if you don't fish, there are plenty of ways to relax in nature. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. One day, Mitchell Clay, the head of the European family was out hunting, when a bunch of Native Americans murdered his youngest son, knifed his daughter to death, and burnt his eldest son alive. Accommodation options inside the park are limited to camping, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts within a short drive. 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. 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. Nice challenging hike. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. Well worth the time to stop. The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy. Offer subject to change without notice. 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. A behind the scenes look at the bunker beneath the Greenbrier Resort with The 'Today' Show on NBC. On May 31, 1992, The Washington Post published an article, The Last Resort, which exposed the facility. Home of a 28-foot tall stalagmite known as the War Club. However, its a secret place that arouses our curiosity a lot. Lovely drives through the park, and nice to park and hike along the way. Sponsored by West Virginia Department of Tourism. 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. The Adena culture was a Native American culture that thrived in 1000 to 200 BC. 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). So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. You can find it in western VA near Shenandoah National Park. Here are a few of our favorites. It's no secret that West Virginia is one of the best places to go white water rafting. Wildflower hikes. Two years later in 1961, Civil War began and till date, Browns act is regarded as quite the stepping stone for the historic war. Once a hideout of a fugitive cooper trader, the Coopers Rock State Forest is a slice of heaven miles from Morgantown. The park is just beautiful! Just down the road from the castle is this stunning garden and natural area. 15. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. Surprisingly, the shelter was only meant to house the Congressmen and their aids while their family was supposed to find shelter elsewhere. 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. Love West Virginia? Thus it becomes one of the best secret places that you can find in West Virginia. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore Americas wonders. Hubby & I really enjoyed it! These abandoned places in West Virginia harbor unique and colorful stories: 1. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and decided to build his beloved wife a castle. 3. 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. Here are 25 places to see yetis, sea monsters, Sasquatch, and other cryptids. Today, the Grave Creek Mound has an adjacent museum and research center that is dedicated to the findings and study of the prehistoric burial site. In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. This wonderful construction is open to the public since 1973 and the owner boasts that inside this Mystery hole works against gravity. Inside the chambers, balls and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant, and furniture stands atop impossible surfaces. 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. I spent hours here. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Unfortunately, Rumsey passed away during a fundraising campaign for his newfound technology and everybody forgot about the actual creator. The largest piece of cut lead crystal adorned a grave for 75 years and is now the shining star of a glass museum. The most famous waters are in the Gauley River, between Summersville and Fayetteville, in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. 2022 9. And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia! However, within a short period of time, a little girl died due to a swing accident, and in another incident, a little boy drowned in the parks swimming pool. The campsites are very nice, big enough for 2 large tents & the bathrooms are clean. Visit Country Road Cabins in Hico, where you'll find 18 luxury cabins. This amusement park in Huntington is a great place to spend the day on rides with the family. 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. 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! Home Travel Guides United States West Virginia (WV) 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in West Virginia. 7 Secret Places in Washington State-Must Visit Before End. However, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia Rumsey is still regarded and revered as the creator of the steamboat. See. And there had been many executions of the prisoners. Four more died in various accidents at the park, after which the site was finally left abandoned. She began inspiring others particularly women and young girls, to head out and explore the world. So I think that these facts would be helpful for you to sneak a peek at the secret places in west Virginia. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Some of the graves date as far back as to the 1700s. and loved exploring the buildings and exhibits. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. Built in an octagonal shape, the store was operational until 1954. 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. State.]. If you're road-tripping through West Virginia, consider making a stop at this quirky attraction, which measures 12 feet high and 44 feet wide. Self-guided tour was very easy to do and all formations were marked good with excellent information. We drove here on a rainy/foggy day from New River Gorge and the, The long drive up the forest roads is well worth it when arriving at, happy that just a very short walkway took us over a wooden bridge over a cleft in the. Here are some of West Virginias most underrated places that deserve more attention. It turned out that she hadnt anticipated that money could run out, which it did, and in 1913, the Berkeley Springs Castle was publicly auctioned. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Stefanos in Morgantown serves some delicious, gourmet food in a romantic setting. An interesting learning experience about telescopes of all kinds and their uses and users. We did several of the easy trails and all of them were beautiful! You can spend the night in a treehouse in this forested campground in the small community of Bluewell. 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. Some travelers also suggest a visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful foliage. Visit a replica of the estate where Aaron Burr allegedly plotted a treasonous scheme against the United States. Club 33, California. Produced only in these mountains, it's regularly named best in the world. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here. Today, the worlds largest teapot stands together with a small creamer and attracts visitors from all around. Tasting notes include flabby, flinty, and wet dog. However, the room is not the only attraction in the area. Real buffalo roam the campground, and you can get a taste of the meat in the restaurant. Even though the stone structure isnt the same one from George Washingtons time, today, the bathtub attracts tourists, hikers, and locals alike. Samuel Taylor Suit was lucky in a lot of things (politics, business, whiskey distillery), but love wasnt one of them. And were going to uncover some of the secret places in West Virginia through this. 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. It is located right at the crossroads of two mighty rivers- the Shenandoah and Potomac, and there is a large overlook that you can see Virginia and Maryland from known as 'The Point'. 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. Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors including dormitories, meeting areas and more. After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel.