Bancroft West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bancroft, West Virginia.
1. The Kanawha River
WATERFRONT RECREATION SPOT
The Kanawha River offers residents and visitors of Bancroft a beautiful natural setting for boating and fishing activities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful waters while taking in the scenic West Virginia landscape that surrounds the river. The river serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation in the community, allowing people to connect with nature right in their hometown.
2. Bancroft Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Bancroft Park provides a gathering place for locals to enjoy outdoor activities including pick-up basketball games. The park offers a family-friendly environment where community members can socialize and stay active throughout the year. Visitors will appreciate the small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere that makes this park a focal point of Bancroft's community life.
3. Plymouth Historical Area
FORMER COAL MINING DISTRICT
The Plymouth Historical Area on the outskirts of Bancroft preserves reminders of the town's coal mining heritage. Visitors can take a walk through this area to see remnants of Bancroft's years as a thriving coal town during the 20th century. The site offers a glimpse into the industrial past that shaped the development and culture of this West Virginia community.
4. Nitro Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Nitro Antique Mall offers a treasure trove of collectibles, vintage items, and antiques for shoppers to explore. Visitors can hunt for unique finds while browsing through various vendor booths featuring everything from furniture to nostalgic memorabilia. The mall has earned a solid 4.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its diverse selection of specialty items and gifts.
5. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort provides visitors with an exciting gaming experience near the Bancroft area. The facility features slot machines, table games, and racing entertainment for those feeling lucky. Beyond gambling, guests can enjoy dining options and occasional live entertainment at this popular regional attraction.
6. Gritt's Farm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Gritt's Farm welcomes visitors to experience agricultural life with seasonal activities and farm-fresh products. The farm has earned an impressive 4.8 rating from visitors who appreciate its authentic rural atmosphere and family-oriented experiences. Seasonal offerings may include pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and farm tours that showcase West Virginia's agricultural heritage.
7. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
HISTORIC MEDICAL LANDMARK
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum stands as one of West Virginia's most fascinating historical sites, offering guided tours of the massive Gothic-style former mental hospital. Visitors can learn about the evolution of mental health treatment while exploring the impressive 19th-century architecture and grounds. The site provides both historical education and paranormal tours that attract history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
8. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE SITE
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park preserves the site of John Brown's famous raid and a pivotal Civil War location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Visitors can explore restored 19th-century buildings, museums, and exhibits that tell the story of this strategically important town. The park also offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers, making it a perfect blend of historical education and natural beauty.
9. Mothman Museum
CRYPTOZOOLOGY FOLK LEGEND
The Mothman Museum documents the famous local legend of the mysterious winged creature reportedly seen around Point Pleasant in the 1960s. Visitors can examine newspaper clippings, witness accounts, and memorabilia related to this fascinating piece of West Virginia folklore. The museum also explores the connection between Mothman sightings and the tragic Silver Bridge collapse, offering an intriguing look at how supernatural legends become intertwined with local history.
10. West Virginia State Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The West Virginia State Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the Mountain State through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors journey through time via a chronological path that highlights key moments in West Virginia's development from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's interactive displays and dioramas bring to life the state's coal mining history, indigenous peoples, and pivotal historical events.
11. Clay Center
ARTS AND SCIENCES COMPLEX
The Clay Center combines visual arts, performing arts, and sciences in one impressive facility located in Charleston. Visitors can explore the Avampato Discovery Museum with its interactive science exhibits, view fine art in the gallery spaces, and attend performances in the Maier Foundation Performance Hall. This cultural hub offers engaging experiences for all ages, making it a perfect educational destination for families exploring the region around Bancroft.
12. Heritage Farm Museum & Village
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Heritage Farm Museum & Village immerses visitors in Appalachian pioneer life through its collection of historic log structures and working demonstrations. The open-air museum features multiple buildings including a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, and pioneer homesteads that showcase the ingenuity and resilience of early settlers. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities and seasonal events that bring the region's rural heritage to life in an educational and entertaining manner.
13. New River Gorge National Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
New River Gorge National Park protects one of the oldest rivers in North America and offers spectacular scenery centered around its iconic steel arch bridge. Visitors can enjoy world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and miles of hiking trails that showcase the region's remarkable biodiversity and geological features. The park's blend of recreational opportunities and natural beauty makes it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience West Virginia's wild landscape.
14. Blackwater Falls State Park
SCENIC WATERFALL WONDER
Blackwater Falls State Park features its namesake amber-colored waterfall, one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. The park offers wooden walkways that provide spectacular viewing points of the 57-foot cascade as it plunges into the rugged Blackwater Canyon. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails, enjoy seasonal activities like sledding and cross-country skiing in winter, or simply take in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountain scenery.
15. Seneca Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Seneca Caverns invites visitors to descend into a fascinating underground world filled with dramatic limestone formations that have developed over millions of years. Guided tours lead through multiple chambers where guests can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing calcite formations while learning about the geological processes that created them. The caverns maintain a constant cool temperature year-round, making them a refreshing destination during summer months and a glimpse into West Virginia's hidden natural history.