Keystone West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Keystone, West Virginia.
1. McDowell Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
McDowell Battlefield offers visitors a glimpse into West Virginia's Civil War history with well-preserved battle grounds and informative historical markers. Visitors can walk through the same terrain where Union and Confederate forces clashed, creating a tangible connection to the past. The battlefield site provides educational displays that explain the strategic importance of this engagement in the larger context of the Civil War.
2. Coal Camp Creations
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
Coal Camp Creations showcases authentic West Virginia crafts and art pieces created by local artisans from the region. The shop features handmade items that reflect the rich mining heritage and Appalachian culture of McDowell County. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs and gifts while supporting the local creative economy that keeps traditional craft techniques alive.
3. WV ATV Rentals
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
WV ATV Rentals provides exciting off-road adventure opportunities for visitors looking to explore the rugged terrain of southern West Virginia. Guests can rent all-terrain vehicles and access hundreds of miles of trails that wind through the beautiful Appalachian mountains. The rental service includes safety equipment and orientation, making this thrilling activity accessible to both beginners and experienced riders.
4. Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine
UNDERGROUND MINING HISTORY
The Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine offers visitors a rare opportunity to venture underground into a genuine former coal mine that once fueled America's industrial revolution. Guided tours take visitors deep into the mountain where former miners explain the techniques, dangers, and daily life experienced by coal workers throughout the region's history. The adjacent mining museum houses additional artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that further illuminate the crucial role coal mining played in developing the local communities near the West Virginia border.
5. Twin Falls State Park
NATURAL CASCADING WATERFALLS
Twin Falls State Park features two picturesque waterfalls cascading through lush forest settings, creating one of the region's most photogenic natural attractions. The park encompasses over 4,000 acres of pristine woodland with hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, golfing on the 18-hole championship course, and staying at the park's comfortable lodge with restaurant facilities.
6. McDowell's Marvelous Mystery Hunt
INTERACTIVE SCAVENGER ADVENTURE
McDowell's Marvelous Mystery Hunt provides an engaging scavenger hunt experience that combines adventure, local history, and problem-solving throughout McDowell County. Participants follow clues that lead them to significant historical sites, natural wonders, and hidden gems that many visitors might otherwise miss. The interactive experience can be enjoyed by families, couples, or friend groups looking for a unique way to explore the authentic character of southern West Virginia.
7. Montvale Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Montvale Park serves as a central recreational hub for both visitors and locals with its well-maintained facilities and natural green spaces. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and walking paths that wind through scenic wooded areas. During summer months, the park hosts community events, concerts, and gatherings that showcase local culture and create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
8. Maple Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RETREAT
Maple Park offers a peaceful retreat amid beautiful maple trees that provide stunning colors during autumn and welcome shade in summer months. The park includes well-maintained walking paths, benches for relaxation, and areas perfect for wildlife observation and birdwatching. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere that allows for contemplation and connection with nature just minutes from the historic downtown area.
9. Historic Keystone Downtown
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
Historic Keystone Downtown preserves the unique cultural heritage of one of West Virginia's few municipalities with an African-American majority population. Visitors can explore the streets that were once home to a thriving Black middle class during the coal boom, with several historic buildings still standing. The area known as the 'Free State of McDowell' represents an important chapter in African-American history where Black citizens found economic opportunities and political representation uncommon elsewhere in the early 20th century South.
10. Elkhorn Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAIL
Elkhorn Creek flows through McDowell County offering fishing, kayaking, and scenic spots for nature photographers. The waterway is framed by lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations created through centuries of erosion. Visitors can access several points along the creek for recreational activities or simply to enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing water in a tranquil natural setting.
11. Hatfield-McCoy Trails
LEGENDARY ATV PATHS
The Hatfield-McCoy Trails system offers over 600 miles of professionally managed off-road trails near Keystone, attracting adventure seekers from across the country. Riders can traverse various difficulty levels from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes that test even the most experienced ATV enthusiasts. The trail system is named after the famous feuding families and passes through stunning mountain terrain, abandoned mining areas, and remote wilderness that showcase southern West Virginia's rugged beauty.
12. Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area encompasses a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by forests teeming with native wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. The area features hiking trails, hunting grounds (in season), and peaceful spots for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and camping while experiencing the natural beauty that characterizes McDowell County's outdoor attractions.
13. Ashland Resort
PREMIER ATV DESTINATION
Ashland Resort serves as the largest private campground with direct access to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, offering comfortable accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. The resort provides cabins, RV hookups, tent sites, and amenities including showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store for riders and their families. After exciting days on the trails, guests can enjoy the resort's relaxing atmosphere with community campfires, picnic areas, and magnificent mountain views.
14. Coal Heritage Museum
MINING INDUSTRY HISTORY
The Coal Heritage Museum preserves and presents the rich history of coal mining that shaped McDowell County and southern West Virginia through comprehensive exhibits and authentic artifacts. Visitors can view historical photographs, mining equipment, and personal items that tell the story of the miners and their families who built communities like Keystone. The museum offers insights into both the tremendous wealth generated by the industry and the difficult, often dangerous conditions faced by workers who extracted the valuable mineral resources.
15. Historic Bramwell
MILLIONAIRE COAL TOWN
Historic Bramwell once boasted the highest concentration of millionaires per capita in America during the coal boom, with magnificent Victorian mansions still standing as testament to this prosperous era. Visitors can take guided tours of selected homes and buildings that showcase the opulent lifestyle of coal barons who established this remarkable company town. The well-preserved downtown includes a restored train depot, bank building, and other architectural treasures that transport visitors back to the early 20th century when coal was king in southern West Virginia.