Tunnelton West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tunnelton, West Virginia.
1. Tunnelton Train Depot
HISTORIC RAILROAD LANDMARK
The Tunnelton Train Depot is an iconic site dating back to 1912, once bustling with passengers and freight along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Restored by dedicated community members, the depot now serves as an engaging museum showcasing the region's railroad history. Visitors can explore the preserved structure and its exhibits, learning about Tunnelton's formative role in the transportation boom.
2. Buckhorn Run Waterfall
SCENIC MOUNTAIN WATERFALL
Buckhorn Run Waterfall, just outside Tunnelton, offers a stunning natural spectacle with its multi-tiered 60-80 foot slide cascading through rugged terrain. Adventurous hikers can follow the drainage uphill to witness its tallest, most dramatic drop. This secluded spot rewards nature lovers with tranquility and striking views of West Virginia's mountainous landscape.
3. Tunnelton Senior Center
COMMUNITY GATHERING VENUE
The Tunnelton Senior Center is a spacious community hub providing a variety of activities and classes for local residents. With offerings like Tai Chi, BINGO, and social events, the center fosters a welcoming and lively atmosphere. It remains an important venue for socialization and lifelong learning in Tunnelton.
4. Cool Springs Park
ROADSIDE AMERICANA STOP
Cool Springs Park is a beloved roadside attraction just north of Tunnelton, filled with quirky outdoor displays, vintage farm equipment, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The park features a rustic country store and a miniature train ride delighting visitors of all ages. Its whimsical grounds invite travelers to explore and relax in rural West Virginia charm.
5. Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo
FAMILY ANIMAL ADVENTURE
Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo in nearby Kingwood offers visitors close encounters with a wide variety of exotic and native animals. The zoo provides educational programs and opportunities to feed certain creatures, making it a hit with families and school groups. Its engaging exhibits encourage curiosity about wildlife and conservation.
6. Arthurdale Heritage Museum
HISTORIC NEW DEAL COMMUNITY
The Arthurdale Heritage Museum preserves the story of America's first New Deal homestead community, established to help struggling families in the 1930s. Visitors can explore original buildings, exhibits, and artifacts that illustrate daily life during the Great Depression. The site provides an immersive experience into an important chapter of American social history.
7. Cheat River Outfitters
WHITEWATER RAFTING EXCITEMENT
Cheat River Outfitters in Albright offers thrilling guided rafting trips along the Cheat River, famed for its scenic rapids and forested banks. Adventurers can choose from a variety of experiences, from high-adrenaline whitewater to relaxed family floats. The outfitter also provides kayaking and tubing, making it a go-to spot for outdoor recreation.
8. Kingwood Civic Center
EVENT AND PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Kingwood Civic Center serves as a social and cultural centerpiece for Preston County, hosting concerts, festivals, and community gatherings year-round. Its spacious auditorium and meeting facilities accommodate a wide range of public and private events. Visitors appreciate its welcoming environment and robust event calendar.
9. Preston County Buckwheat Festival
TRADITIONAL FALL CELEBRATION
The annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival in Kingwood celebrates local agricultural heritage with parades, amusement rides, crafts, and of course, buckwheat pancakes. Drawing crowds from all over the region, the festival highlights the community's spirit and traditions. It remains a favorite fall event for families and visitors alike.
10. Cathedral State Park
OLD-GROWTH FOREST RETREAT
Cathedral State Park is a natural wonder, boasting one of West Virginia's last stands of ancient hemlock trees and lush, shaded trails. Visitors can hike through the tranquil forest, marveling at towering trees and diverse wildlife. The park offers a peaceful escape into nature's primeval beauty.
11. Terra Alta Lake Park
RECREATIONAL LAKE DESTINATION
Terra Alta Lake Park features a pristine lake ideal for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, surrounded by scenic woodland. The park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and seasonal camping for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides a relaxing venue for water-based activities and leisurely getaways.
12. The Old Hemlock Foundation
HISTORIC HOME AND TRAILS
The Old Hemlock Foundation preserves the historic home and property of writer and naturalist George Bird Evans, nestled in picturesque Bruceton Mills. Guests can tour the house, peruse memorabilia, and explore woodland trails. The site celebrates Evans's legacy and a love for Appalachian wildlife.
13. Frostburg Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Frostburg Museum, just over the state line in Frostburg, Maryland, offers exhibits on local history, industry, and culture in a preserved 19th-century school building. Visitors can explore rooms filled with artifacts from the coal, railroad, and glassmaking eras. The museum provides insight into Appalachian life and regional development.
14. Prickett's Fort State Park
RECONSTRUCTED FRONTIER FORT
Prickett's Fort State Park in Fairmont features a remarkable reconstruction of a 1774 frontier fort, offering live demonstrations and interactive programs on colonial life. Visitors can enjoy costumed interpreters, traditional crafts, and seasonal events throughout the year. The park combines immersive history with scenic settings by the Monongahela River.
15. Rowlesburg Rail Trail
SCENIC BIKING PATH
The Rowlesburg Rail Trail follows an old railway bed, offering cyclists and hikers panoramic views of the Cheat River Valley. Well-maintained and gently graded, the trail is suitable for all skill levels and popular for birdwatching and photography. It encapsulates the natural and transportation history of the region.