Top 50 best museums in West Virginia

The Huntington Museum of Art and Conservatory, located in Huntington, West Virginia, is a significant cultural institution in the region. It holds the distinction of being the largest art museum situated between Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Richmond. The museum offers a wide range of collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and nature trails spread across its 52-acre campus.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which was later renamed the Weston State Hospital, served as a psychiatric hospital from 1864 to 1994 in the city of Weston, West Virginia. After its closure, it was reopened as a tourist attraction, reverting to its original name. The hospital's rich history and architectural significance make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and mental health.

The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is situated at the meeting point of the Potomac River and the Shenandoah River, in and around the area of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for visitors.

Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an open-air living history museum located in Huntington, West Virginia. The museum's primary focus is on the history and culture of the Appalachian region. It provides an immersive experience into the past, offering a unique perspective on the way of life in Appalachia.

The West Virginia Penitentiary, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, is a gothic style prison that operated from 1866 to 1995. Today, it serves as a tourist attraction, museum, training facility, and filming location. The prison's design is similar to the 1858 state prison in Joliet, Illinois, featuring a castellated Gothic stone structure complete with turrets and battlements. The site offers a unique glimpse into the history of the American penal system and the architectural styles of the time.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is situated on Blennerhassett Island, a small island nestled in the Ohio River in Wood County, West Virginia, USA. This state park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located in Cass, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, the park is home to a heritage railroad that offers a glimpse into the past. The park's location in the heart of West Virginia's stunning landscape makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Monongalia Arts Center, also known as MAC, is situated in Morgantown, West Virginia, in close proximity to the West Virginia University campus. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the university or the city itself. The center, which opened to the public in 1978, serves as a non-profit arts and culture hub, showcasing the work of visual and performing artists and nurturing interest in the arts through ongoing educational programs.

Oglebay Park offers a variety of recreational facilities and attractions. These include two championship golf courses, two standard courses, one par three course, eleven tennis courts, a large outdoor pool, and extensive walking trails. The park also houses the Good Zoo, the Mansion Museum, gardens, a greenhouse, the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater, the Wilson Lodge with over 271 rooms, 54 cottages, The Schrader Center, a planetarium, a ski slope, Camp Russel, and Schenk Lake.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a state park situated on Droop Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This park is a significant historical site as it was the location of the last major battle of the American Civil War in the state, which took place on November 6, 1863. It offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of American history in a beautiful natural setting.

Watters Smith Memorial State Park, located in Harrison County, West Virginia, is a national historic district and historical park spread over 532 acres. The park features a pioneer homestead and a museum, offering a glimpse into the past. It serves as a memorial to the settler Watters Smith, who moved to Harrison County in 1796.

Every summer, the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park becomes a stage for outdoor dramas. One of the highlights is the historical drama 'The Aracoma Story', which tells the tale of Shawnee tribal members who once lived in the area where the town of Logan now stands.

West Virginia Independence Hall, located at 1528 Market Street in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia, is a historic government building. This significant site has a rich history and is a key location for those interested in the American Civil War and the history of West Virginia.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a significant site of the American Civil War, commemorating the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. The park is situated on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, close to the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia. This location offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is situated at the meeting point of the Kanawha River and the Ohio River in the heart of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area, with the rivers providing a picturesque backdrop for the park's historical attractions.

The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, located in Charleston, is a large facility that promotes performing arts, visual arts, and the sciences. This 240,000-square-foot center is unique in the United States, as it houses all three disciplines under one roof.

Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo, also known as the West Virginia Zoo, is located in Kingwood, West Virginia. This zoo is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of wildlife and attractions to explore.

Cedar Creek State Park is a vast expanse of natural beauty, spanning 2,588 acres along Cedar Creek in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It is conveniently located about 4 miles south of Glenville, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Craik-Patton House, located in Charleston, West Virginia, is a historic home that was built in 1834. The house was constructed in the Greek Revival style by James Craik and his wife, Juliet Shrewsbury. This architectural style is characterized by its grandeur and elegance, making the house a notable landmark in the area.

The Adam Stephen House, located in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, West Virginia, is a historic home that dates back to the late 18th century. Constructed between 1772 and 1789, the house offers a glimpse into the architectural style and living conditions of that era.

The Beauchamp-Newman House, also recognized as the Alfred Beauchamp House and Beauchamp-Newman Museum, is a historic home situated in Elizabeth, Wirt County, West Virginia. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the past. The house is a significant part of the local heritage and provides a fascinating glimpse into the architectural style of the 1830s.

The Campbell Mansion, now a museum, is maintained by Bethany College, which was founded by Alexander Campbell in 1840. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, further cementing its importance in the historical and cultural landscape of the United States. Visitors to the museum can explore the house and learn about its history and the life of Alexander Campbell.

The "Lighthorse Harry" Lee Cabin, also known as the Lee Cabin, is a historic home situated in the scenic Lost River State Park, near Mathias, in Hardy County, West Virginia. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a significant piece of history while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

The John A. North House, located in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, serves as a historic house museum and archives. This museum is the only historic house museum in Greenbrier County, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. The house was originally built in 1820 and was the home of prominent local lawyer John A. North and his wife Charlotte. The museum is operated by The Greenbrier Historical Society, which has been in operation since 1976.

Carnegie Hall, Inc. is a cultural center situated in Lewisburg, West Virginia, within the scenic Allegheny Mountains. This location offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty, making it an appealing destination for tourists.

The Phillips-Sprague Mine, also known as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, is a historic site located at New River Park in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This former coal mine offers a unique glimpse into the history and operations of coal mining in the region. It's an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the coal mining industry and its impact on the local community and the wider region.

The Col. James Graham House, located on West Virginia Route 3 in Lowell, West Virginia, is a historic log cabin built in 1770. It served as the home for Col. James Graham and his family, who were the first settlers of Lowell. This house stands as a testament to the early settlers of the region and offers a glimpse into their lives.

Rumsey Hall, also known as the Entler Hotel, is a historic building located in the heart of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It is situated in the center of the Shepherdstown Historic District, making it a significant landmark in the area. The building has a rich history and has undergone several phases of construction since its earliest portion was built in 1786.

Wildwood, also recognized as the General Alfred Beckley Home, is a historic residence situated in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This significant site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the life and times of General Alfred Beckley, the founder of Beckley, West Virginia.

The Madie Carroll House, also known as the Thomas Carroll House, is a historic home situated in the Guyandotte neighborhood of Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia. This house is one of the oldest structures in the county and carries a rich history. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and architecture.

The Z. D. Ramsdell House, also referred to as The Ramsdell House, is a historic home situated in Ceredo, Wayne County, West Virginia. The house is uniquely positioned atop a mound that is believed to be an Indian burial mound. This location adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the property, making it an interesting site for visitors interested in both architectural and indigenous history.

The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, located in Charleston, is a large facility that promotes performing arts, visual arts, and the sciences. This unique center, which spans 240,000 square feet, is one of the few in the United States that houses all three disciplines under one roof. It serves as a hub for cultural and educational activities, making it a significant destination for those interested in arts and sciences.

Adaland Mansion, also known as the Modisett Mansion, is a historic house situated in Berryburg, Barbour County, West Virginia. This Greek Revival style brick house was built in 1868 and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, farms, mines, and gardens. It's a significant part of the region's history and a great place to learn about the past.

Contentment, also referred to as the Colonel George Imboden House, is a historic home situated in Ansted, Fayette County, West Virginia. This house carries a significant historical value as it was built around 1830 and later expanded by former Confederate Colonel George W. Imboden in 1872. The house's original structure consisted of five rooms and a detached kitchen, which was later expanded by Colonel Imboden by adding two more rooms, extending the porch, and adding a gable end chimney.

The Frank and Anna Hunter House, also known as the Pocahontas County Museum, is a historic home located in Marlinton, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This two-story, square frame dwelling was built in 1903 and features a hipped roof with dormers and a captain's walk. The front elevation of the house is adorned with Victorian-Gothic 'icing' ornamentation, adding to its historic charm.

The Hamilton Round Barn is a significant historical site located near Mannington in Marion County, West Virginia. This unique structure, built in 1911, is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the past. Its circular shape, measuring 66 feet in diameter and 75 feet high at the center, is a sight to behold. The barn features a gambrel roof topped by a six-sided cupola, adding to its distinctive character.

Old Hemlock is a historic wildlife sanctuary situated in Brandonville, West Virginia. This sanctuary is not just a place of natural beauty, but also a significant part of the region's history. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich wildlife and learn about the history of the area.

The Samuel Shrewsbury Sr. House, also known as the Old Stone House, is a historic home located in Belle, Kanawha County, West Virginia. This house is a significant part of the local history and offers a glimpse into the past. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and architecture.

The Anna Jarvis House is a historic home situated in Webster, Taylor County, West Virginia, United States. This location is significant as it is the birthplace of Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day. It offers a glimpse into the life and times of Anna Jarvis and the origins of the Mother's Day tradition.

The Marshall House, also known as the McNeil House, is a historic home situated in New Cumberland, Hancock County, West Virginia. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The house was built in 1887 and is a prime example of Queen Anne style architecture.

The Clay Center currently houses the Avampato Discovery Museum, Juliet Art Museum, and the West Virginia Symphony. These institutions offer a diverse range of experiences, from interactive science exhibits to art collections and musical performances.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center, located in French Creek, is a zoological park managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It serves as a sanctuary for a variety of West Virginia's wildlife, showcasing both native and introduced species. The center is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the state's diverse fauna in a natural environment.

The Oil and Gas Museum, also known as the W.H. Smith Hardware Company Building, is a historic commercial building located in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the oil and gas industry's past.

The Pearl S Buck Birthplace, located in Hillsboro, West Virginia, is a historic home where the renowned American writer Pearl S Buck was born. Today, it serves as a museum that offers guided tours to visitors. This is a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author and gain insights into her life and works.

The Grave Creek Mound, nestled in the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia, is a significant archaeological site. It is one of the largest conical mounds in the United States, with impressive dimensions of 19 meters in height and 73 meters in diameter. This mound was constructed by the members of the Adena culture, who moved 60,000 tons of earth to erect it around 250-150 BC.

Taggart Hall, a residence from the late 18th century, is home to the Fort Mill Ridge Foundation and its Fort Mill Ridge Civil War Trenches museum. It also houses the Hampshire County Visitors Bureau and the Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce. This historic building offers a unique glimpse into the past, while also serving as a hub for local tourism and commerce.