Sutton West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sutton, West Virginia.
1. Flatwoods Monster Museum
LEGENDARY ALIEN ENCOUNTER
The Flatwoods Monster Museum showcases the legendary encounter from 1952 when locals reported seeing a ten-foot tall creature following the crash of what appeared to be a spacecraft. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the sightings and subsequent reports of the mysterious being that many believe still lurks in the woods today. This quirky museum has become a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, drawing visitors from across the country to this small West Virginia town.
2. West Virginia Bigfoot Museum
SASQUATCH RESEARCH CENTER
The West Virginia Bigfoot Museum, established in 2021, has quickly become a major attraction bringing thousands of visitors to downtown Sutton annually. This immersive museum serves as a hub for cryptozoology enthusiasts, researchers, and curious travelers looking to learn more about the possibility of an undiscovered species in the region's remote forests. The museum also hosts the popular West Virginia Bigfoot Festival each year at Holly-Gray Park, which now draws approximately 20,000 guests.
3. Sutton Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Sutton Lake offers a pristine natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based recreation in the heart of West Virginia. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking along its scenic shoreline surrounded by rolling Appalachian hills. The lake's calm waters and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers looking to escape the bustle of everyday life.
4. Elk River Water Trail
SCENIC PADDLING ADVENTURE
The Elk River Water Trail provides paddlers with a serene journey through some of West Virginia's most beautiful landscapes. Winding through Sutton and the surrounding countryside, this gentle river offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in crystal-clear waters. The trail's accessibility and natural beauty make it popular with both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking a peaceful day on the water.
5. Downtown Sutton Historic District
CHARMING ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
Downtown Sutton Historic District showcases well-preserved buildings that reflect the town's rich history and architectural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets lined with historic structures housing local businesses, antique shops, and eateries. The district creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transports travelers back in time while offering modern amenities and shopping experiences.
6. Elk Theatre
HISTORIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Elk Theatre is a charming and historic cinema that has been a beloved fixture of the Sutton community since its construction in the 1930s. With its classic marquee and vintage facade, this iconic theater hosts films every weekend as well as special events throughout the year. Inside, visitors can enjoy an authentic cinematic experience complete with a traditional concession stand offering movie snacks and treats.
7. Holly-Gray Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Holly-Gray Park serves as a central gathering place for community events and outdoor recreation in Sutton. The park hosts the enormously popular annual West Virginia Bigfoot Festival, which attracts around 20,000 visitors to the area. With its open spaces, recreational facilities, and natural setting, the park provides residents and travelers with a versatile venue for everything from casual picnics to major regional celebrations.
8. Braxton County Visitors Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Braxton County Visitors Center welcomes travelers to the region from its convenient location in Historic Downtown Sutton. Inside, guests can access comprehensive information about local points of interest, outdoor recreational activities, and upcoming events throughout the area. This helpful resource serves as the perfect first stop for visitors seeking to maximize their experience in Sutton and the surrounding Braxton County region.
9. The Landmark Arts Center
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Landmark Arts Center, transformed from a stunning historic church, has become the vibrant epicenter of Braxton County's arts scene. This remarkable venue hosts the renowned Landmark and community youth theatre ensembles, who deliver multiple performances annually within its historic walls. Recent sold-out shows have featured beloved classics such as Grease, Mary Poppins, and Annie, captivating audiences with exceptional talent and a passion for the performing arts.
10. Mountain Lakes Amphitheater
OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE
The Mountain Lakes Amphitheater offers an enchanting outdoor venue for live performances throughout the summer months in Sutton. Set against the backdrop of West Virginia's natural beauty, this open-air theater hosts a variety of musical concerts, theatrical productions, and community events. The amphitheater's unique setting combines cultural entertainment with the region's scenic splendor, creating memorable experiences for both performers and audiences.
11. Flatwoods Monster Chairs
EXTRATERRESTRIAL SCAVENGER HUNT
The Flatwoods Monster Chairs offer an engaging scavenger hunt experience established by the local convention and visitors bureau throughout Sutton and Braxton County. Visitors are encouraged to locate all five specially designed chairs, each commemorating the legendary alien encounter that put the area on the paranormal map. Upon completing the hunt and finding all chairs, participants earn a special "Braxxie" sticker as a memento of their extraterrestrial adventure.
12. Elk River Hotel
CHARMING RIVERFRONT LODGING
The Elk River Hotel provides a unique riverfront lodging experience in the heart of downtown Sutton. This locally owned inn offers comfortable accommodations just minutes from all the attractions Sutton has to offer. The hotel serves as a relaxing retreat for travelers, combining convenient access to local points of interest with the peaceful ambiance of its riverside setting.
13. Phoenix Artspace
INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE PARK
The Phoenix Artspace, developed in a renovated historic bank building, combines a sculpture park with an interactive workspace where visitors can observe artists at work. World-renowned sculptors Bill Hopen and Ai Qiu, who specialize in bronze and other materials, have transformed this once-burned building into a creative haven. This innovative attraction offers tourists the unique opportunity to witness the artistic process firsthand while enjoying the displayed sculptures throughout the property.
14. Sisters Antiques LLC
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Sisters Antiques LLC invites visitors to browse through a carefully curated collection of vintage items and collectibles in downtown Sutton. This charming antique shop offers everything from decorative pieces to practical items with historical significance, making it a must-visit for collectors and casual shoppers alike. The store contributes to Sutton's reputation as a delightful destination for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and stories behind items from bygone eras.
15. Everything Fiesta
COLORFUL POTTERY COLLECTION
Everything Fiesta showcases an impressive collection of vibrant Fiesta dinnerware that has become a destination for collectors and enthusiasts visiting Sutton. The shop features both vintage and contemporary pieces in the full spectrum of colors that have made this American-made pottery famous since its introduction in 1936. Visitors can explore displays of rare items, limited editions, and everyday pieces that highlight the enduring appeal of this iconic tableware brand.