West Virginia Things to Do

  This Julianna Street home can be yours...
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  • This Julianna Street home can be yours for $180000
      This Julianna Street home can be yours...
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  • View of Foliage from Whittaker Station
      View of Foliage from Whittaker Station
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  • View East from Whispering Spruce Trail
      View East from Whispering Spruce Trail
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  • Seneca Rocks
      Seneca Rocks
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  • View from Bald Knob
      View from Bald Knob
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Morgantown

by Ewingjr98

Morgantown began as Fort Morgan, which was established in 1772. The town and the fort were named after Zackquill Morgan, who fought in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Originally called Morgan's Town, it was chartered in 1785 and incorporated as a city in 1838. Today the city of Morgantown has about 27,000 residents, and is most notable as home to West Virginia University. Interestingly enough, the University has more students (28,000) than the town has residents! Located on the Monongahela River, Morgantown's industry relies heavily on shipping coal and other products through Pittsburgh to the Ohio River.

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New River Bridge

by Ewingjr98

Long the longest steel-arch bridge in the world, the New River Bridge on Rt 19 was recently surpassed by the Lupu Bridge in Shanghai, China. Completed in 1977, the New River Bridge reduced a 45-minute drive down into the valley to a 45-second sprint over the river with hardly a blink of the eye. At 876 feet above the river and 3,030 feet long the bridge designers overcame such obstacles as abandoned and unmapped coal mines to build a true engineering marvel.

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The Views Are Awesome

by lmkluque

After congratulating yourself for making it to the top, take a look around. The town and the natural country views are so impressive that just to see this is worth the trip! I am not much of an "outdoor/nature" person and I live in an area that people say is very beautiful, but nothing I've seen anywhere is as exceptionally beautiful as the town of Harpers Ferry and it's surrounds.Of course, there are shops and dining places, but it is the combination of the old town buildings nestled into the lush hills that is so charming and beautiful. Like the ornaments on a Christmas tree. I came here as a daytrip from Washington D.C., but if I had known what I would find I would have planned a longer visit. I just want you to have the option of making this more than a short tourist stop.

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Lower Town

by lmkluque

Not only is the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Armory & Arsenal located here, also this is a wonderful small town in the County of Jefferson. It borders the State of Maryland, is surrounded by the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and is the only place in the state of West Virginia where the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River are together. Did you know that the song by John Denver, "Take me home country roads" is actually about Harpers Ferry? Most people arrive to see the National Park, but the town is charming, offers shopping, dining, the vibe of a small commuinity as well as wonderful hiking, canoing and other outdoor activities. Walk around Harper's Ferry and see the views from different levels. This is a charming country town.

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United States Armory and Arsenal

by lmkluque

The site of the United States Arsenal made famous by John Brown's raid, a critical event preceding the Civil War. However, the HF Armory and Arsenal was important on it's own. Not only was this a place where arms and military equipment belonging to the United States were stored, they were also produced here.During the Civil War Harpers Ferry changed hands from North to South and back again many times. Of course, eventually it reverted back to Union possession and is now part of the US National Historic Park system for all of us to tour and enjoy.

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My Favorite Photo Op!

by lmkluque

St. Peter's is beautiful but I couldn't imagine climbing these steps every Sunday for Mass! It is however worth the climb at least once.The first thing that I noticed upon arriving at the top of the hill was the fantastic view. Right here, looking all round the term, "Wild West Virginia," comes to life. Though the town is visable just below, it is surrounded by natural elements that seem not to have been disturbed ever. Even the train trestle over the river seems very old and part of the natural scene.The priest at St. Peter's played a role in the occupation of Harper's Ferry by John Brown, but I don't think that is why this was the only church to survive. I'm sure that no one wanted to hike up that hill.If you happen to be in Harper's Ferry during the first two weekends of December, St. Peter's offers, concerts and other events during the "Olde Tyme Christmas in Harpers Ferry."

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Climbing Stairs, Not My Favorite!

by lmkluque

Climbing the steps up to St. Peter's Church in Harper's Ferry was not really what I wanted to do, but I did and was glad for making the effort. It was a lovely church and the view more breathtaking than the climb!This was not the first location of this church. Seems it was originally the first parish of Jefferson County and was a log cabin type building that washed away by flood, before even being used, That's when the decision was made to rebuild on top of the hill. It was the only church to survive, not only John Brown, but also the Civil War. In 1896 it was again rebuilt and has since become a mission of the parish of St. James the Greater. Tourist Mass is said on Sundays at 11:00 am and the church is open Saturdays and Sundays for doecent lead tours.

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Wheeling, West Virginia

by Ewingjr98

Wheeling is a small town of 28,000 that lies in the West Virginia panhandle, between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The area around Wheeling was explore by George Washington before the town was established in 1795 and incorporated in 1805. Wheeling was the site of the convention when West Virginia split from Virginia in 1863. Off and on for the next few years Wheeling was state capitol.Even though I grew up just a few hours from Wheeling, I never made it to or through this town until I was 35 years old! Now I know why.... there really isn't much here.

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Exhibition Coal Mine

by mikelisaanna

The Exhibition Coal Mine is a mine that tourists can enter to learn about mining from real coal miners. In addition to the mine, the complex also includes a group of former miners' homes - a bachelor miner's cabin, a mining family's home, and the superintendent's (boss') home. There is also a doctor's office, post office, barber shop, schoolhouse, general store, and moonshine on the museum's property. The mine tour lasts about 35 minutes and teaches you about basic mining techniques from the early 1900s, as well as safety issues, a miner's life, and the history of the mine. The tour guides are real coal miners, with thick West Virginia accents and a good sense of humor. There is a also a gift shop and a children's museum on the grounds. One admissions ticket get you access to the entire site and all of its features. It is a fun day and a great learning experience for the entire...

White Water Rafting

by JREllison

At least two of West Virginia's rivers can match up well with almost any rivier in the US for quality white water rafting. The Gauley during September and October, and the New River. Ours was a spring run on the New River. There are several river guide companies. We chose Rivermen because they can provide overnight lodging and gave the best price. Durning spring runs on the New River you have higher, faster water, with more excitment than fall runs. On the Gauley the high water is in the fall when they open the floodgates on the dam. Be perpared to get wet! The water can be cold so you might consider renting a wet suit.Each raft is accompnied by a guide in a kayak to insure anyone that falls overboard gets rescued. This kayaker also takes pictures of your trip that can be purchased.

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Fun things to do in West Virginia

Top 3 Hotels in West Virginia

Quality Hotel Conference Center  Harpers Ferry

 43 Opinions

 Hotels in Harpers Ferry

Sleep Inn Charleston  Charleston

 1 Review and 44 Opinions  This was a gem of a motel but it was a bit tough to locate. The motel was off the I-79 exit but... 

 Hotels in Charleston

Euro Suites Hotel  Morgantown

 62 Opinions

 Hotels in Morgantown

320 Hotels in West Virginia
 
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Reviews and photos of West Virginia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for West Virginia sightseeing.

Experience West Virginia
Things to Do: Cities in West Virginia
  1. Charleston Things to Do
  2. Parkersburg Things to Do
  3. Harpers Ferry Things to Do
  4. Morgantown Things to Do
  5. Wheeling Things to Do
  6. Helvetia Things to Do
  7. Berkeley Springs Things to Do
  8. Blackwater Falls State Park Things to Do
  9. Huntington Things to Do
  10. Point Pleasant Things to Do
  11. New Martinsville Things to Do
  12. White Sulphur Springs Things to Do
  13. Beckley Things to Do
  14. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Things to Do
  15. Seneca Rocks Things to Do
  16. Babcock State Park Things to Do
  17. Shepherdstown Things to Do
  18. Junior Things to Do
  19. Moundsville Things to Do
  20. Charles Town Things to Do
  21. Grafton Things to Do
  22. North Bend State Park Things to Do
  23. Hawks Nest State Park Things to Do
  24. Twin Falls State Park Things to Do
  25. Holly River State Park Things to Do
  26. Ripley Things to Do
  27. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Things to Do
  28. Pineville Things to Do
  29. Ronceverte Things to Do
  30. Sutton Things to Do
  31. Williamstown Things to Do
  32. Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area Things to Do
  33. Gilbert Things to Do
  34. Buckhannon Things to Do
  35. French Creek Things to Do
  36. Fayetteville Things to Do
  37. Grandview State Park Things to Do
  38. Weston Things to Do
  39. Canaan Valley State Park Things to Do
  40. Cleveland Things to Do
  41. Cass Things to Do
  42. Pence Springs Things to Do
  43. Marlinton Things to Do
  44. Philippi Things to Do
  45. Ravenswood Things to Do
  46. Davis Things to Do
  47. Harrisville Things to Do
  48. Kanawha Head Things to Do
  49. Summersville Things to Do
  50. Snowshoe Things to Do
  51. Clarksburg Things to Do
  52. Richwood Things to Do
  53. Webster Springs Things to Do

More Cities in West Virginia

 

Questions and Answers

lukksa profile photo

Q:  Forgot to ask before - Can you walk out on the bridge or is there an oerlook where you can look down on the river. Thanks 

TexasDave profile photo

A: You don't say which bridge--- I'm guessing the New River Bridge. If that is correct, then no, there is no place to stop on the bridge, but there are scenic overlooks... 

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