Huttonsville West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Huttonsville, West Virginia.
1. Kumbrabow State Forest
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Kumbrabow State Forest offers visitors a chance to experience West Virginia's natural beauty with its dense forests and scenic mountain vistas. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas nestled within this pristine wilderness. The forest's high elevation provides cool temperatures even during summer months, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
2. Cheat Summit Fort
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Cheat Summit Fort stands as a significant Civil War historical site where visitors can explore the remnants of this Union stronghold. The fort played a crucial role in the early Western Virginia Campaign during the American Civil War. History enthusiasts can walk the grounds where soldiers once stood guard and learn about the strategic importance of this mountain fortification.
3. Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site
PIVOTAL BATTLE LOCATION
Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site preserves the location of a decisive early Civil War battle that helped secure western Virginia for the Union. Visitors can walk interpretive trails that highlight key positions and events from the July 1861 conflict. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains while providing educational exhibits about this important historical event.
4. Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center serves as an educational gateway to the Monongahela National Forest with interactive exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna. The center provides valuable information about the region's unique ecosystem, including the nearby Cranberry Wilderness and Glades. Visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, explore nature trails, and gain a deeper understanding of West Virginia's natural heritage.
5. Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad
SCENIC HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES
Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers nostalgic train excursions through some of West Virginia's most spectacular mountain scenery. Passengers ride in vintage railcars pulled by historic steam and diesel locomotives along the pristine Greenbrier River. The railroad provides several different excursion options, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains from a unique perspective.
6. Huttonsville State Farm Wildlife Area
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
Huttonsville State Farm Wildlife Area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation in a pastoral mountain setting. The area features a mix of fields, woodlands, and wetlands that attract diverse species of birds and mammals throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and hunting while experiencing the tranquil beauty of this managed wildlife habitat.
7. Tygarts Valley Church
HISTORIC PRESBYTERIAN LANDMARK
Tygarts Valley Church stands as a beautiful example of 19th-century religious architecture, having been built in 1883 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The Presbyterian church features traditional craftsmanship and design elements that showcase the cultural heritage of early Appalachian settlements. Visitors can admire the historic structure and learn about its significance to the religious and social development of the Tygart Valley region.
8. E.E. Hutton House
VALLEY'S HISTORIC HOMESTEAD
E.E. Hutton House was constructed in 1898 on the site of the original log cabin built by Jonathan Hutton, the valley's first settler. The beautiful historic home reflects the rich history of the Tygart Valley and its development through successive generations. Visitors can appreciate the architectural significance of this landmark structure that bears the name of the family for whom the town of Huttonsville was named.
9. West Virginia State Wildlife Center
NATIVE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
West Virginia State Wildlife Center offers visitors the chance to observe native animals in naturalistic enclosures along a 1.25-mile walking trail. The facility houses black bears, elk, mountain lions, bison, and numerous other species that are indigenous to the Mountain State. Educational programs and interpretive displays enhance the visitor experience by providing insights into West Virginia's diverse wildlife and conservation efforts.
10. Monongahela National Forest
VAST MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Monongahela National Forest encompasses over 919,000 acres of breathtaking Appalachian wilderness with diverse ecosystems ranging from river valleys to high mountain plateaus. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, pristine fishing streams, scenic drives, and campgrounds throughout this massive forest reserve. The forest's spectacular landscapes include notable features such as Spruce Knob (West Virginia's highest point), Seneca Rocks, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
11. Fancy Paws
UNIQUE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Fancy Paws offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about various animal species in an intimate setting. This highly-rated attraction provides educational experiences that focus on wildlife appreciation and conservation. Visitors of all ages can enjoy up-close encounters with animals while gaining insights into their behaviors and natural habitats.
12. Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY
The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, now part of Historic Route 250, passes through Huttonsville as a living monument to 19th-century transportation engineering. This historic highway played a crucial role during the Civil War as both Union and Confederate forces used it to move troops and supplies through the mountainous terrain. Modern travelers can follow the same route taken by settlers, soldiers, and merchants, enjoying scenic vistas and accessing numerous historic sites along the way.
13. Beverly Heritage Center
CIVIL WAR ERA MUSEUM
Beverly Heritage Center combines four historic buildings to create a comprehensive museum experience focusing on the area's rich Civil War history. The center houses fascinating exhibits on early settlement, the Battle of Rich Mountain, and life in this former Randolph County seat. Visitors can explore artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that bring to life the complex story of this pivotal region during America's most divisive conflict.
14. Elkins Depot Welcome Center
HISTORIC RAILWAY HUB
Elkins Depot Welcome Center occupies a beautifully restored train station that once served as the hub for the West Virginia Central and Pittsburg Railway. The center provides visitors with information about local attractions, accommodations, and events throughout Randolph County and the surrounding region. Exhibits within the historic building showcase the area's rich railroad heritage and its impact on the development of Elkins and nearby communities like Huttonsville.
15. Augusta Heritage Center
APPALACHIAN CULTURAL PRESERVATION
Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College offers programs dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional Appalachian arts, crafts, and music. The center hosts renowned workshops, concerts, and festivals that attract participants and performers from around the world. Visitors can experience authentic mountain culture through demonstrations, exhibitions, and archival collections that highlight the rich cultural heritage of West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region.