The Greenbrier is a luxury resort in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains near White Sulphur Springs. Visitors have been coming to this portion of the state since 1778 to "take the waters." The Greenbrier now sits on 11,000 acres (4,500 hectares) of land and features 710 guest rooms, 20 restaurants and lounges, over 55 indoor and outdoor activities and sports, and 36 retail shops.

This can be seen as one of the Best Day Trips from West Virginia. Drive through the main gate today and you'll feel transported back in time. If you have the time, it's a fantastic spot to spend the night, but many of its attractions, including the retail shops, restaurants and bars, and the casino, are also open to day guests. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to explore the declassified Bunker, which was cut into the mountainside under the hotel in the late 1950s to serve as an emergency shelter for Congress during the Cold War.

While the alternatives for spending time at The Greenbrier are practically limitless, the dining experience is the ideal complement to any occasion or weekend trip. Eight restaurants and a team of chefs serve everything from rich Southern cooking to international cuisine—local, farm-to-fork freshness and everything in between. Any first-time visit should, of course, include dinner in the Main Dining Room. Stately columns, elegant chandeliers, and full-length windows set the tone for an evening of exquisite Southern cooking, which is frequently inspired by fresh vegetables produced from The Greenbrier's 43-acre Chef's Garden. Reservations and a dress code are necessary.

Address: 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, United States

Phone: +1 844-837-2466

Opening hours: open 24 hours

Rating: 4.6/5.0, 2,999 Google reviews

Website: https://www.greenbrier.com/

Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Tucker County, West Virginia, in the Allegheny Mountains. The park's focal point is Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot cascade where the Blackwater River exits Canaan Valley and enters the rocky Blackwater Canyon.

Blackwater Falls State Park, established to safeguard a wonderfully magnificent tract of land along the Blackwater River, is the state's most popular park. The Blackwater Falls, along with Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook, are among the most photographed sights in the state. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque views all year by taking the steps to the falls or using the viewing platforms.

A short walk leads from the parking lot to an observation platform overlooking the falls, and a steeper part leads directly to the pool at the base. If you have time, you may also fish in the river, trek on the park's magnificent paths, or visit the environment center. Blackwater Falls State Park has a mountain lodge, 39 fully furnished cabins, and a 65-unit tent and trailer park.

Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, United States

Phone: +1 304-259-5216

Opening hours: 6AM–10PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 4,772 Google reviews

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a West Virginia state park and heritage railroad located in Cass, Pocahontas County. The Cass Scenic Railroad, an 11-mile-long heritage railway owned by the West Virginia State Rail Authority and operated by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, is part of it.

Cass has remained basically unchanged. The refurbished corporate houses are now available for rent as vacation cottages throughout the year. Seasonal highlights include the company store and museum, town and locomotive shop excursions, and the Last Run Restaurant. The Last Run Restaurant is one of WV's 101 Unique Places to Dine.

The park's 11-mile-long heritage train and realistic company town are among the most popular tourist attractions in the state. Steam-powered locomotives were a common element of everyday life for many years, and if this period of history interests you, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is the ideal site to travel back in time. The railroad was created in 1901 to transport lumber to the local mill, and tourists can now board a renovated lumber flat car for a ride up to the Bald Knob viewing location. The tour includes a packed lunch, and the train station's gift shop and café are open daily. It is considered as one of the Best Day Trips from West Virginia.

Address: 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927, United States

Phone: +1 304-456-4300

Opening hours: 8AM–8PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 1,238 Google reviews

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/cass-scenic-railroad-state-park/

Coopers Rock State Forest is a 12,747-acre state forest in West Virginia's Monongalia and Preston counties. Its southern boundary is bordered by Cheat Lake and the canyon section of the Cheat River, a popular whitewater rafting river in the eastern United States.

The vistas are what draw people here, and the most popular point in the park is the Coopers Rock overlook, which offers amazing 360-degree views of the canyon below. However, there are several chances for outdoor pleasure. The park is a great place to go rock climbing, and it has around 50 miles of hiking trails, including a three-mile circle track that leads out to Cheat Lake. Coopers Rock welcomes anyone, whether you want to spend the day hiking with a group, enjoying a relaxed picnic with family, or driving deep into the forest for the breathtaking overlook.

The gorgeous overlook is perfect for relaxing or inviting friends and family in any season. It's also a terrific photo opportunity and has been labeled one of the most "Instagrammable" spots in Mountaineer Country—and for good cause. If you want to camp in the great outdoors, Coopers Rock State Forest has two campgrounds: the McCollum and Rhododendron Campgrounds.

Address: 61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, United States

Phone: +1 304-594-1561

Opening hours: 7AM–8PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 2,651 Google reviews

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/coopers-rock-state-forest/

The Gauley River National Recreation Area in southern West Virginia protects a 25-mile stretch of the Gauley River and a 5.5-mile stretch of the Meadow River. It is located near Summersville, West Virginia. The river is the only way to get around most of the national recreation area.

The Gauley, like the New and Bluestone Rivers, has carved a gorge that is home to a variety and abundant species. Many rare and threatened species live in oak, beech, yellow poplar, hemlock, and dogwood forests, including the Allegheny woodrat, cerulean warbler, eastern hellbender, and finescale saddled darter. Some plant communities rely on high-energy rivers like the Gauley for survival. The Gauley River is a prime example of a high-energy system that sustains uncommon plant species and their ecosystems. Virginia Spiraea, Appalachian Blue Violet, and Balsam Squaw-weed are among the rare flora found here.

The Gauley River National Recreation Area, established to protect a 25-mile length of the Gauley River, is a remote park best renowned for its tremendous whitewater rafting, often regarded as some of the greatest in the world. The upper section of the river necessitates rafting experience, but the lower section is gentler, and numerous local outfitters offer rafting tours for people of all skill levels. If you want to do something a little less strenuous, the river also has good fishing, and tourists may bring their own gear or organize a tour with a local firm.

Address: 36 Fayette Station Rd, Victor, WV 25938, United States

Phone: +1 304-465-0508

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 278 Google review

Website: https://www.nps.gov/gari/index.htm

Lost World Caves is an underground natural system of caverns found just outside Lewisburg, West Virginia. The caves were designated a National Natural Landmark in November 1973 because they "include terraced pedestal-like stalagmites, flowstone, curtains, rimstone, domepits, and waterfalls."

Lost World Caverns is a public cave for those interested in experiencing and understanding the karst geography of the Greenbrier River basin. A half-mile track travels through the main areas of the cave system; the road is lined with informational signage, and a self-guided tour takes around 45 minutes. If you're feeling more daring, opt for a four-hour Wild Cave Tour, which takes tourists deep into the cave system, where they can expect to get filthy as they scramble and crawl through tiny caves. This is one of the Best Day Trips from West Virginia that you should experience.

Make time to visit the dinosaur museum and learn about the creatures that inhabited the globe millions of years ago. In 1964, the remains of a prehistoric cave bear (Arctodus pristinus) were unearthed at Lost World. Imagine what else might be undiscovered! Geodes, minerals, model fossils, and other fascinating, scientific artifacts are available in the gift shop. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time outside if the weather permits. Meanwhile, meet the farm's horses, goats, llamas, and even a macaw. They are always interested in new visitors.

Address: 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, United States

Phone: +1 304-645-6677

Opening hours: 9AM–5PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 1,385 Google reviews

Website: https://www.lostworldcaverns.com/

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unit of the United States National Park Service dedicated to the preservation and protection of the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. The park is rich in cultural and ecological history, and it provides several scenic and recreational opportunities. The New River begins in North Carolina and flows north through Virginia into the West Virginia highlands, where it joins the Kanawha River, which flows to the Ohio River. Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, history, hiking, and other activities are available within the park.

The New River Gorge National River, which runs from Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park, is one of North America's oldest and most scenic rivers. Begin your adventure at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, where you can hear an informative video and walk down a boardwalk to the New River Gorge Bridge, before ascending to the Grandview lookout point for some stunning views. If you have extra time, you may also trek the Endless Wall Trail, go whitewater rafting down the Lower Gorge, or see the Nuttallburg mining town ruins. Hikers can also join in National Park Foundation activities that promote parks as locations for health and wellness, not just natural beauty! If you're in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia, don't miss out on this one.

Address: 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, United States
Phone: +1 304-574-2115
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Rating: 4.8/5.0, 1,651 Google reviews
Website: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm

Seneca Caverns is a karst show cave in Germany Valley, West Virginia, near Riverton. It has been used commercially since 1930. The Teter Hall is the cave's largest room, measuring 60 feet tall and 60 feet broad in certain places. The Seneca Caverns are limestone caves hidden underground in Germany Valley, rich with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The caves were discovered by humans as early as the 1400s, when the Seneca Indians utilized them for ceremonies, and they've been open for commercial tours since the 1930s.

The Seneca Cavern tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes a mile of hiking. As you descend 165 feet below ground, there are quite a few steps, but the paths are clear and well-kept. The entire trail is lit, has handrails, and will be led by a guide. Exploring the dark, chilly, alive cave beneath the green ground is thrilling and enchanting. Awe and wonder will be inspired by rocks and minerals formed by millions of years of still-present water movement. After your tour, you can go gem mining, explore the gift shop, or have a picnic.

The Stratosphere Cavern trip is suitable for people aged 12 and up with a sense of adventure. This one-of-a-kind adventure demands bravery and skill, but it is well worth the effort. There are no lights other than those we bring in, and some climbing is required. On this 45-minute excursion, mandatory tour guides provide instruction and information. Seneca Caverns is three miles southeast of Riverton, West Virginia, off Routes 33 and 28.

Address: 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814, United States

Phone: +1 304-567-2691

Opening hours: 11:30AM–7PM

Rating: 4.6/5.0, 514 Google reviews

Website: https://senecacaverns.com/

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park is a state park in West Virginia that runs along the banks of Stonewall Jackson Lake, an impoundment on the West Fork River. The lake is a United States Army Corps of Engineers project. The first park, which opened in 1990, included a campsite, marina, multi-purpose facility, and park headquarters. With almost 82 miles of magnificent shoreline, this is one of West Virginia's most undeveloped and scenic lakes.

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, which encompasses more than 1700 acres surrounding the pristine Stonewall Jackson Lake, is a relatively new state park with plenty of modern amenities for tourists to enjoy. The Visitor's Center has intriguing displays with information about the area, but the true reason people come here is to fish and paddle on the lake, trek along the park's 16 miles of trails, and hunt on public hunting fields. Day visitors and resort guests alike can enjoy some of the best bass and muskie fishing in the state, as well as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, boating, and more!

Another great draw is the 18-hole golf course, and if you're missing big city conveniences, the park also has a full-service spa and three fantastic restaurants. Stonewall Resort State Park has a picturesque lakeside camping area, a AAA Four Diamond Adirondack-style lodge, and ten lakefront villas.

Address: 940 Resort Dr, Roanoke, WV 26447, United States

Phone: +1 304-269-7400

Rating: 4.5/5.0, 230 Google reviews

Website: https://www.stonewallresort.com/

The Grave Creek Mound in West Virginia's Ohio River Valley is one of the largest conical-type burial mounds in the United States, reaching 62 feet tall and 240 feet in diameter. Around 250-150 BC, members of the Adena civilisation hauled more than 60,000 tons of soil to develop the site. This place provides one of the Best Day Trips from West Virginia.

Visitors can also visit the Delf Norona Museum, which has interpretative exhibits and a huge collection of items uncovered at the site. The museum and mound are open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, and informative seminars can sometimes be scheduled in advance.

Throughout the year, Grave Creek Mound Historical Site hosts educational and professional programs. Garden Planting Days in the spring, Fossil Day in March and September, and the annual Archaeology Day event in October are all popular public programs. On Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons, the Lecture and Film Series delivers events on archaeology or Appalachian culture and history. The outdoor Interpretative Garden, located next to the Mound, displays crops that were first cultivated by indigenous peoples, such as gourds and sunflowers.

Aside from the museum and historical site, the complex also has a gift shop specialized in West Virginia-made items, an outdoor picnic area, and a 136-seat theater. The Grave Creek Archaeological Complex is open to the public all year.

Address: 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, United States

Phone: +1 304-843-4128

Opening hours: 9AM–5PM

Rating: 4.8/5.0, 400 Google reviews

Website: https://wvculture.org/explore/grave-creek-mound/

The West Virginia State Farm Museum is a 50-acre plot of land dedicated to the preservation of West Virginia's early pioneer and farm life legacy. It provides as a window into the past for future generations. It has 32 buildings to see. It is self-guided, and information is available in each building. The museum is a non-profit organization that seeks volunteers, particularly groups, to assist with maintenance work and event management throughout the year. In addition, the museum's dining room and pavilions can be booked for private events. Guided tours require bookings.

The WV Farm Museum is an excellent place to learn about the life of the early pioneers who settled West Virginia. Visitors are able to tour the property's 32 buildings on their own, which include an ancient doctor's office, a rustic log church, and a small store. There is also a small collection of farm animals, some of which have been named after museum employees. Between the beginning of April and the middle of November, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and guided tours can be scheduled with enough sufficient notice. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Address: 1458 Fairground Rd, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, United States
Phone: +1 304-675-5737
Opening hours: 9AM–5PM
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 139 Google reviews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WVStateFarmMuseum/

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, later known as the Weston State Institution, was a Kirkbride psychiatric hospital in Weston, West Virginia, run by the government of the United States state of West Virginia from 1864 to 1994. The main edifice of the hospital is said to be one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States, as well as the second largest hand-cut sandstone building in the world, with the only larger one being in the Moscow Kremlin.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has a complex history that includes Civil War raids and a horrible time of overpopulation, and from April to October, visitors can learn all about its interesting past by taking a guided history tour. If you're interested in the building's eerie history, you can also join a terrifying two-hour paranormal tour. This Gothic National Historic Landmark houses the dark side of American history dating back 130 years.

Address: 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, United States
Phone: +1 304-269-5070
Opening hours: 11:30AM–6PM
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 2,481 Google reviews
Website: http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/

The Phillips-Sprague Mine, also known as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, is a historic coal mine in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia, located at New River Park. The mine opened around 1889 on what had previously been a drift mine.

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum is one of many interesting things to do in West Virginia. You will view the underground mine and a historic coal camp on your coal mine tour. This interactive and historical tour will immerse you in the life of a coal miner. Riding the historic coal mine's dark passages is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Notably, the tours are led by senior coal miners who provide personal accounts of their mining experiences and duties. Following your mine tour, you'll want to check out the Youth Museum, which has interactive displays for kids. Your child will enjoy learning about West Virginia history with exhibits on the solar system, the Appalachian border, and restored historical structures. In an interesting and educational manner, knowledgeable tour guides enthusiastically discuss the significance of each building. Furthermore, the property is set in a perfectly maintained setting, with grassy lawns, bright flowers, and picnic places serving as the backdrop to your tour of the property.

Finally, there is a fantastic gift shop on site that sells souvenirs, West Virginia curiosities, and homemade fudge. Check out this top tourist destination in West Virginia.

Address: 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV 25801, United States

Phone: +1 304-256-1747

Opening hours: 10AM–5PM

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 1,354 Google reviews

Website: https://beckley.org/coal-mine/

Carnegie Hall is a concert hall in New York City's Midtown Manhattan. It is located at 881 Seventh Avenue, on the east side of the street between West 56th and 57th Streets. It is one of the most prominent venues in the world for both classical and popular music, designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill and built by benefactor Andrew Carnegie. Each season, Carnegie Hall hosts over 250 concerts and has its own artistic programming, development, and marketing departments. It is also available for leasing to performance groups.

This is one of the Best Day Trips from West Virginia. Carnegie Hall, where the arts come to life, is without a doubt one of the trendiest spots to visit in West Virginia. On their main stage, this prestigious theater showcases theatrical, musical, and dance performances. Whatever the season, you can count on Carnegie Hall to deliver a tremendously engaging live concert.

In addition to the performing arts, Carnegie Hall hosts art and historical exhibits. Three galleries feature changing exhibits of artwork by local artists. One of the exhibition rooms doubles as a board room, where educational programs is frequently held. So maybe you'll take an art lesson while you're here.

In addition, Carnegie Hall has a dance and performance studio where both children and adults can participate in stimulating workshops. Finally, the Ivy Terrace of the hall is a grassy area where the facility hosts free concerts and other live acts. In a nutshell, Carnegie Hall is your one-stop shop for all things artistic. Whether you go tonight or this weekend, Carnegie Hall is sure to impress!

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Phone: +1 212-247-7800

Rating: 4.7/5.0, 6,709 Google reviews

Website: https://www.carnegiehall.org/

The Mothman Museum is dedicated to the mythology of the Mothman, displaying handwritten eyewitness reports from the night of November 15th, 1966, as well as original press clippings on the Mothman sightings in Point Pleasant and the Mason County area in general. Props from the film The Mothman Prophecies, starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Debra Messing, and Will Patton. The Silver Bridge has collapsed. Newspaper articles, documents, and other mementos Bethesda's online game Fallout 76 includes The Mothman and The Mothman Museum.

The Mothman Museum, probably one of the creepiest things to do in West Virginia, pays attention to a series of odd incidents that occurred in the little town of Point Pleasant. Residents of the little hamlet were perplexed when unexpected sightings such as frightening lights in the sky, mysterious "guys in black," and a red-eyed living form now known as Mothman began. The museum honors these odd incidents.

Notably, the museum exhibits expertly displayed cases containing news articles, photographs, videos, and other items related to the tragedies. The museum also exhibits Mothman paintings, comics, costumes, reproductions, and a vast range of relics. Whether you're familiar with Mothman's bizarre narrative or you're just interested by peculiarities, you'll enjoy your visit to the Mothman Museum.

The museum's gift shop, best of all, offers the world's largest and most diversified selection of Mothman souvenirs and memorabilia. Finally, there are many unanswered questions about who or what Mothman is/was, but there's no doubt that you'll enjoy visiting this unique West Virginia attraction.

Address: 400 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, United States

Phone: +1 304-812-5211

Opening hours: 10AM–5PM

Rating: 4.6/5.0, 2,397 Google reviews

Website: https://www.mothmanmuseum.com/