Terra Alta West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Terra Alta, West Virginia.
1. Cranesville Swamp Nature Preserve
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL WONDER
Cranesville Swamp Nature Preserve offers visitors a rare glimpse into a boreal ecosystem typically found much further north. The preserve features a boardwalk trail that winds through the wetland, allowing visitors to observe unique plant and animal species that thrive in this special habitat. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the educational signage that explains the ecological significance of this 'frost pocket' where cold air settles to create unusual microclimate conditions.
2. High Ground Brewing
CRAFT BEER MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
High Ground Brewing welcomes beer enthusiasts to sample locally crafted brews in a relaxed mountain setting. Visitors can enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers while taking in views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape. The brewery often features live music events and food trucks to complement their rotating selection of seasonal and flagship beers.
3. Preston Country Club
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GOLFING
Preston Country Club offers golfers a challenging course set against the beautiful backdrop of West Virginia's mountains. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels throughout the golf season. After a round, visitors can relax at the clubhouse which provides refreshments and a chance to socialize with fellow golf enthusiasts.
4. Alpine Lake Resort
MOUNTAIN RETREAT GETAWAY
Alpine Lake Resort provides a perfect mountain escape with its serene lakeside setting and numerous recreational activities. Guests can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the pristine lake or explore miles of hiking trails through the surrounding forest. The resort offers comfortable accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to vacation rentals, making it ideal for both short visits and extended stays in the mountains.
5. Alpine Dog Park
CANINE MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Alpine Dog Park welcomes four-legged visitors and their human companions to enjoy a specially designed outdoor space for dogs to exercise and socialize. The fenced area provides a safe environment where dogs can run off-leash while owners relax and enjoy the mountain setting. Regular visitors appreciate the park's clean facilities and friendly atmosphere that fosters a community among local and visiting dog lovers.
6. Preston County History House Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Preston County History House Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Terra Alta and surrounding communities through its collection of historical artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore displays featuring pioneer tools, Civil War memorabilia, and photographs that tell the story of the region's development. The museum's knowledgeable volunteers provide insights into local history, making each visit an educational journey through Preston County's past.
7. Terra Alta Independence Day Celebration
HISTORIC PATRIOTIC TRADITION
Terra Alta Independence Day Celebration holds the distinction of being West Virginia's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, drawing visitors from across the region. The festivities typically include a grand parade through the town, live music performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. Families particularly enjoy the variety of food vendors, carnival games, and community spirit that has made this celebration a cherished tradition for generations.
8. Terra Alta Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Terra Alta Park provides residents and visitors with a well-maintained outdoor space for various recreational activities including baseball and picnicking. The park features playground equipment, sports fields, and shaded areas perfect for family gatherings and community events. Its central location in town makes it an accessible destination for quick outings or day-long activities in the fresh mountain air.
9. Swallow Falls State Park
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL SHOWCASE
Swallow Falls State Park, located a short drive from Terra Alta, features Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall, the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls. Visitors can explore the park through a well-maintained hiking trail system that leads to several stunning waterfalls including Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls. The park's old-growth hemlock forest provides a cool, shaded environment for summer hiking while the waterfall views are spectacular year-round, especially after rainfall or during winter ice formations.
10. Fun Time Water Sports
LAKE RECREATION ADVENTURES
Fun Time Water Sports offers exciting water-based activities on nearby Deep Creek Lake, just a short drive from Terra Alta. Visitors can rent jet skis, boats, and other equipment to enjoy a day of thrilling aquatic adventures in the region's premier recreational lake. Certified instructors provide lessons for beginners, ensuring that everyone from novices to experienced water sport enthusiasts can safely participate in the fun.
11. Herrington Manor State Park
ALL-SEASON OUTDOOR RECREATION
Herrington Manor State Park offers year-round outdoor activities in a picturesque setting just a short drive from Terra Alta. Summer visitors can enjoy swimming in the 53-acre lake, hiking on forest trails, or renting canoes and paddleboats, while winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing on groomed trails. The park's historic cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, provide cozy accommodations for those wanting an extended wilderness experience.
12. WWII Museum
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVATION
The WWII Museum in Rowlesburg showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories from the Second World War with special emphasis on local contributions to the war effort. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing military operations, home front activities, and the strategic importance of the B&O Railroad that ran through Rowlesburg during wartime. The museum's dedicated volunteers offer insightful guided tours that bring history to life, making it a meaningful educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.
13. Fallingwater
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
Fallingwater, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, stands as one of the most famous residential buildings in America, built dramatically over a waterfall. Located within driving distance of Terra Alta, this architectural marvel seamlessly integrates human habitation with the natural environment through innovative use of cantilevers, natural materials, and site-specific design. Visitors can take guided tours of the interior, which features original furnishings and art collections, while experiencing the harmonious relationship between the structure and its woodland surroundings.
14. Flight 93 National Memorial
SOLEMN SEPTEMBER 11 TRIBUTE
Flight 93 National Memorial honors the passengers and crew who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they courageously prevented the hijacked aircraft from reaching its intended target. The contemplative space includes the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot musical instrument holding 40 wind chimes representing the voices of those who perished, as well as the Memorial Plaza marking the crash site. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits at the visitor center, which tells the story of Flight 93 through personal artifacts, recordings, and testimonials that create a powerful and moving experience.
15. Garrett County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Garrett County Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Maryland's westernmost county, which shares borders with Terra Alta's Preston County. Visitors can explore extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the area's development from Native American settlements through the logging and coal mining eras to the present day. The museum's thoughtfully arranged exhibits include a recreated early 20th-century general store, antique medical equipment, and displays highlighting the region's transportation history, providing an engaging window into the shared Appalachian heritage of the area.