Newburg West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newburg, West Virginia.
1. Arthurdale Heritage Museum
HISTORICAL COAL MINING COMMUNITY
The Arthurdale Heritage Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the first New Deal community established under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings and artifacts that tell the story of this historic coal mining community and its significance in American history. The museum provides guided tours that bring to life the struggles and resilience of the coal miners and their families who once called this area home.
2. Cool Springs Park
RUSTIC OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Cool Springs Park welcomes visitors with its charming rustic atmosphere and variety of outdoor recreational activities near Newburg. The park features picnic areas, walking trails, and a small pond where families can enjoy fishing and connecting with nature. Its convenient location makes it a perfect spot for travelers to take a break and experience the natural beauty that West Virginia is known for.
3. The International Mother's Day Shrine
HISTORIC CELEBRATION SITE
The International Mother's Day Shrine stands as a testament to the origin of Mother's Day, which was first officially celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia. Housed in a historic church building, the shrine commemorates Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother's Day to honor her own mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of the holiday and the cultural impact of this special day that now celebrates mothers worldwide.
4. Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge spans the Potomac River, connecting Maryland and Virginia with its impressive engineering. Travelers crossing this historic bridge are treated to panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons. The bridge serves not only as a vital transportation link but also as a reminder of the region's commitment to connecting communities across waterways.
5. Maryland Veterans Memorial Museum
MILITARY HISTORY COLLECTION
The Maryland Veterans Memorial Museum honors the service and sacrifice of American military personnel through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning multiple conflicts, providing insight into the experiences of those who served their country throughout history. The museum offers a powerful and educational experience that connects guests to the human side of military service and the impact of war on communities.
6. Crain Memorial Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO MARYLAND
The Crain Memorial Welcome Center serves as a friendly introduction to Maryland for travelers entering the state. The center provides maps, brochures, and knowledgeable staff who can offer recommendations for local attractions, dining options, and accommodations. Visitors can take a break from their journey, stretch their legs in the pleasant surroundings, and gather valuable information to enhance their Maryland experience.
7. Cheat River
SCENIC WHITEWATER ADVENTURE
The Cheat River offers outdoor enthusiasts some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences in the eastern United States near Newburg. Its rapids range from gentle flows perfect for beginners to challenging sections that test the skills of even experienced paddlers. The river winds through spectacular gorges and lush forests, providing breathtaking scenery that showcases West Virginia's natural beauty throughout all seasons.
8. Cathedral State Park
ANCIENT HEMLOCK FOREST
Cathedral State Park protects one of the last virgin hemlock forests in West Virginia, with some trees estimated to be over 500 years old. Visitors can wander through the peaceful woodland on well-maintained trails, where the towering hemlocks create a cathedral-like atmosphere with their majestic presence. The park offers a serene escape into nature, with opportunities for bird watching, photography, and connecting with an ancient ecosystem that has remained largely untouched by human development.
9. Tygart Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Tygart Lake State Park centers around a stunning 1,750-acre lake nestled among the rolling hills of West Virginia near Newburg. The park offers a variety of water activities including swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking trails that provide scenic views of the lake and surrounding forests. Visitors can enjoy comfortable accommodations at the park's lodge or cabins, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and extended vacations in nature.
10. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo
EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo allows visitors to get up close with exotic and native animal species in a family-friendly environment near Newburg. The zoo features interactive experiences including feeding opportunities with certain animals, creating memorable encounters for guests of all ages. Each visit supports the zoo's commitment to animal conservation, education, and providing quality care for its diverse collection of wildlife.
11. Valley Falls State Park
CASCADING WATER FEATURES
Valley Falls State Park showcases the beauty of the Tygart Valley River as it flows over a series of picturesque waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that offer various vantage points of the falls, as well as fishing, picnicking, and photography in this scenic natural setting. The park preserves the history of a once-thriving community while providing a peaceful retreat where the sound of rushing water creates a soothing backdrop for outdoor recreation.
12. Preston County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Preston County Historical Society Museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of Preston County's development and the lives of its residents. Exhibits include everything from Native American artifacts to items from the area's industrial past, agricultural heritage, and everyday life throughout different eras. Visitors gain insight into how this region of West Virginia evolved over time and the cultural influences that shaped its communities.
13. West Virginia Botanic Garden
NATURAL PLANT COLLECTIONS
The West Virginia Botanic Garden transforms a former reservoir into a living museum of native and cultivated plant species accessible from the Newburg area. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, woodland trails, and wetland areas that showcase the diverse flora of the region in a tranquil setting. The garden hosts educational programs throughout the year, including workshops on gardening, conservation, and the ecological importance of plants in the Appalachian ecosystem.
14. Cooper's Rock State Forest
PANORAMIC VISTA POINT
Cooper's Rock State Forest offers one of West Virginia's most spectacular overlooks, providing breathtaking views of the Cheat River Gorge from its main viewpoint. The forest features over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse forests, massive boulders, and historical sites including an abandoned iron furnace. Rock climbers are drawn to the challenging sandstone formations, while families enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and the opportunity to spot wildlife throughout the 12,747-acre forest.
15. Cranesville Swamp Preserve
RARE ECOLOGICAL TREASURE
Cranesville Swamp Preserve protects a rare ecosystem known as a 'frost pocket,' where unique climate conditions support plant and animal species typically found much further north. Visitors can explore the preserve via a boardwalk that winds through the wetland, providing opportunities to observe unusual plants, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. This ecological treasure represents one of the southernmost examples of a northern boreal bog, making it a destination of special interest to nature enthusiasts and scientists alike.