Junior West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Junior, West Virginia.
1. Tiny Church
CHARMING HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Tiny Church is a quaint historical landmark that draws visitors to Junior for its miniature architecture and unique character. Visitors appreciate this small but significant structure that reflects the area's rich cultural heritage. The church provides an excellent photo opportunity and glimpse into the religious history of rural West Virginia.
2. Glendale Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY RECREATION
Glendale Park offers visitors a tranquil outdoor space to relax and enjoy nature in Junior. The park features recreational facilities for families and individuals looking to spend time outdoors. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, walking paths, and open green spaces throughout the seasons.
3. Halliehurst Mansion
HISTORIC VICTORIAN ESTATE
Halliehurst Mansion stands as an impressive Victorian landmark on the campus of Davis & Elkins College in nearby Elkins. This grand historical mansion showcases stunning architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of West Virginia's industrial-era elite. Tours of the mansion provide insights into the region's rich cultural and economic history.
4. Elkins City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY URBAN OASIS
Elkins City Park provides a welcoming green space in the heart of Elkins, just a short drive from Junior. The park offers a variety of recreational facilities including playgrounds, sporting fields, and picnic areas for visitors of all ages. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events and festivals that showcase local culture and traditions.
5. The Delmonte Market
CHARMING LOCAL MARKETPLACE
The Delmonte Market attracts visitors with its unique selection of local goods, crafts, and culinary delights in Elkins. This popular marketplace showcases the region's artisanal traditions and provides a taste of authentic West Virginia culture. Visitors enjoy browsing the diverse offerings while interacting with friendly local vendors who share stories about their handcrafted products.
6. Blackwater Falls State Park
MAJESTIC NATURAL WONDER
Blackwater Falls State Park features the iconic amber-colored waterfall that plunges nearly 60 feet before flowing through an eight-mile gorge. The park offers spectacular views throughout all seasons, with winter transforming the falls into breathtaking ice formations and autumn bringing vibrant foliage. Visitors can explore over twenty miles of hiking trails, go fishing in Pendleton Lake, or stay overnight at the lodge or campground facilities.
7. Seneca Rocks
DRAMATIC MOUNTAIN FORMATION
Seneca Rocks stands as an impressive natural landmark with its dramatic 900-foot quartzite formation rising from the North Fork Valley. This distinctive geological feature attracts climbers from across the country with over 375 mapped climbing routes of varying difficulties. Visitors who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can enjoy the interpretive center, hiking trails, and breathtaking views from the observation platform.
8. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
HISTORIC RAILWAY ADVENTURE
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers visitors a journey back in time aboard steam-driven locomotives that once hauled lumber up the steep grades of Bald Knob. The historic town of Cass has been preserved as a reminder of West Virginia's logging heritage, with restored company houses available for overnight stays. Passengers on the scenic train rides enjoy spectacular mountain views while learning about the area's rich industrial history.
9. West Virginia Wildlife Center
NATIVE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
The West Virginia Wildlife Center provides visitors with up-close views of native animals in their natural habitats, from raccoons to mountain lions. This educational facility is dedicated to presenting realistic and factual understanding of West Virginia's diverse wildlife species and their environments. Families particularly enjoy the opportunity to observe these creatures while learning about their behavior, biology, and conservation status.
10. The Mystery Hole
QUIRKY GRAVITY-DEFYING ATTRACTION
The Mystery Hole delights visitors with its quirky, gravity-defying phenomena that challenge perceptions of physical reality. This unique roadside attraction has entertained generations of travelers with optical illusions and seemingly impossible physical demonstrations. Guests of all ages enjoy the kitschy atmosphere and the memorable experience of a place where normal laws of physics appear to be suspended.
11. Summersville Lake
PREMIER RECREATION DESTINATION
Summersville Lake spans over 2,700 acres with crystal-clear waters reaching depths of 300 feet, making it one of West Virginia's top tourist destinations. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of aquatic activities including scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and snorkeling in this stunning mountain lake setting. Sarge's Dive Shop provides equipment rentals, guided tours, and classes for those wanting to fully experience this spectacular freshwater playground.
12. New River Gorge National Park
AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve showcases a spectacular river-cut canyon spanned by an iconic steel arch bridge that stands as an engineering marvel. Designated as the nation's 63rd national park in 2020, this stunning area offers incredible biodiversity and recreational opportunities including world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and hiking. Adventures on the Gorge Resort connects visitors with professional guides for experiencing the park's thrilling outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.
13. The Greenbrier
LEGENDARY LUXURY RESORT
The Greenbrier stands as an elegant historic resort that has welcomed distinguished guests including presidents and royalty since 1778. This luxurious destination features world-class golf courses, a rejuvenating mineral spa, and lavish accommodations set amid 11,000 acres of stunning West Virginia landscape. Visitors can tour the formerly secret Congressional bunker, enjoy fine dining at multiple restaurants, or participate in over 55 activities ranging from falconry to off-road driving adventures.
14. Clay Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE AND ART
The Clay Center engages visitors with interactive exhibits that make science accessible and fascinating for all ages. This comprehensive cultural complex houses hands-on scientific displays, an art gallery, and a performance hall that hosts a variety of educational and entertaining programs. Families particularly enjoy exploring the geo-cave to learn about Earth science and participating in gameshow-style quizzes about the human body.
15. Harpers Ferry
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR TOWN
Harpers Ferry offers visitors a journey through American history at the scenic confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. This well-preserved historic town played a pivotal role in the Civil War and features restored 19th-century buildings, museums, and living history demonstrations. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area on hiking trails that provide spectacular views of the water gap carved through the Blue Ridge Mountains.