Warfield KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Warfield, Kentucky.
1. The Coal House
HISTORICAL COAL INDUSTRY MONUMENT
The Coal House stands as a significant landmark in Warfield, highlighting the region's rich coal mining heritage. Visitors can explore this unique structure that pays homage to the industry that shaped the economic development of Martin County. The attraction offers insights into the historical importance of coal mining in Eastern Kentucky and serves as a reminder of the area's industrial past.
2. Middle Creek National Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Middle Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of an important Civil War battle that took place in Eastern Kentucky. The battlefield features interpretive signs, walking trails, and monuments commemorating the January 10, 1862 conflict that helped establish Union control in the region. Visitors can experience the peaceful grounds while learning about this significant moment in Kentucky's Civil War history through self-guided tours and occasional historical reenactments.
3. Van Lear Historical Society
COAL MINING HERITAGE CENTER
The Van Lear Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich coal mining heritage of this historic Eastern Kentucky community. Housed in a former company store building, the museum features photographs, mining equipment, and artifacts that tell the story of the once-thriving coal town. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the daily lives of miners and their families, including connections to country music star Loretta Lynn who was born in the community.
4. Devil Anse Hatfield Homeplace
FAMOUS FEUD HISTORICAL SITE
The Devil Anse Hatfield Homeplace offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the infamous leader of the Hatfield family during the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud. Located just across the Tug Fork River from Kentucky in nearby West Virginia, this historical site includes the family cemetery where the imposing marble statue of Anderson 'Devil Anse' Hatfield stands guard over family graves. History enthusiasts can learn about this famous American blood feud while exploring the peaceful mountain setting that was once the center of violent confrontations between two Appalachian families.
5. Warfield Missionary Baptist Church
HISTORIC LOCAL WORSHIP CENTER
Warfield Missionary Baptist Church serves as both a religious institution and a historical landmark in this small Kentucky community. The church building represents the spiritual heritage of the area and has been a gathering place for local residents for generations. Visitors interested in local architecture and community history will appreciate the traditional design and continued role this church plays in Warfield's cultural identity.
6. Warfield Park Community Center
LOCAL RECREATION HUB
The Warfield Park Community Center functions as the recreational and social heart of this small Kentucky city. The center hosts various community events, gatherings, and recreational activities throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. With its versatile facilities, the community center provides opportunities for sports, fitness, and cultural engagement in Martin County.
7. Old Hospital On College Hill
HISTORIC MEDICAL FACILITY
The Old Hospital On College Hill stands as a reminder of early healthcare in rural Martin County, Kentucky. This historic structure, located in the county seat of Inez just a short drive from Warfield, has been preserved for its architectural and historical significance. Visitors interested in local history and historic buildings will appreciate the opportunity to view this landmark that once provided medical care to the surrounding communities.
8. Tug Fork River
SCENIC STATE BORDER WATERWAY
The Tug Fork River forms a natural boundary between Kentucky and West Virginia, flowing directly alongside Warfield. This scenic waterway offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Appalachian region. Visitors can access the river from Warfield and observe the historic significance of this waterway that has shaped transportation, industry, and border relations in the region for centuries.
9. Martin County Historical Society Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Martin County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to the rich history of the county that includes Warfield. Located in nearby Inez, the museum offers exhibits on coal mining, early settlement, the Civil War, and other significant aspects of local history. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural heritage and historical development of this Appalachian region through carefully curated displays and knowledgeable local historians.
10. Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
FAMOUS ATV ADVENTURE TRAILS
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System offers over 600 miles of off-road trails across the border from Warfield in neighboring West Virginia. Adventure seekers can access these renowned ATV, UTV, and dirt bike trails from nearby Kermit, WV, which is connected to Warfield by a bridge across the Tug Fork. The trail system, named after the famous feuding families, attracts outdoor enthusiasts from across the country who come to experience the challenging terrain and scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
11. Warfield-Kermit Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Warfield-Kermit Bridge connects the cities of Warfield, Kentucky and Kermit, West Virginia across the Tug Fork River. This historic crossing has served as an important transportation link between the two states for generations, facilitating commerce and social connections. Visitors can walk or drive across the bridge to appreciate views of the river and experience crossing between two Appalachian states.
12. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a complete outdoor recreation experience within driving distance of Warfield in neighboring Floyd County. The park features Dewey Lake, extensive hiking trails, camping facilities, and the May Lodge which provides comfortable accommodations and dining options. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and seasonal events while learning about the pioneer woman Jenny Wiley, whose survival story against Native American captivity inspired the park's name.
13. Paintsville Lake State Park
SCENIC WATER RECREATION AREA
Paintsville Lake State Park showcases the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky with its 1,140-acre lake surrounded by forested hills. Located within a reasonable drive from Warfield, the park offers excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish, along with boating, swimming, and picnicking facilities. Visitors can explore hiking trails that provide spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic recreation area.
14. U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum
REGIONAL MUSIC HERITAGE CENTER
The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum celebrates the remarkable concentration of country music stars who were born or lived along this corridor in Eastern Kentucky. Through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia presentations, the museum honors artists including Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others who hailed from the region. Visitors traveling from Warfield can explore the rich musical heritage of Eastern Kentucky and understand how the cultural and economic conditions of coal country influenced some of America's most beloved music.
15. Mountain HomePlace
LIVING HISTORY FARM MUSEUM
Mountain HomePlace recreates a typical late 19th-century farm community in Eastern Kentucky with authentic restored buildings including a farmhouse, barn, church, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop. Located within driving distance of Warfield, this living history museum features costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, weaving, and farming. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and activities of rural Appalachian life while gaining insights into the self-sufficient lifestyle of the region's early settlers.