National Parks / Natural World in West Virginia

Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area, a 12, 851 acre area, is located seven miles northeast of Lenore, West Virginia.

Little Beaver State Park is a 562-acre day-use park that features many outdoor recreational opportunities. At the center of the park is an 18-acre lake open for fishing year-round.

Tucked away among the hills on the southeastern edge of the state lies Moncove Lake State Park. Located in the pastoral setting of Monroe County, Moncove Lake State Park seems worlds away from everyday realities.

The dense forests of Holly River State Park provide guests with a natural feeling of peaceful solitude. Located near the center of the state in Webster County, it is far from the hustle and bustle…

Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, this forest's close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley has made it a recreational haven. A playground attracts families during the summer season and the…

This 4,000-acre park is one of the most visited in the state park system. The park features a 25-site campground, outdoor amphitheater, and wildlife center. The recreation enthusiast can enjoy miles of hiking trails, a…

Coopers Rock State Forest is 13 miles east of Morgantown and 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills. Its 12,713 acres are bisected by Interstate 68. Although the forest serves as a recreation and preservation area,…

Encompassing over 2,100 acres of rugged, heavily forested, mountainous terrain, Bluestone State Park provides a wide variety of water-oriented activities for guests and residents of southern West Virginia.

Tygart Lake State Park is a cozy, quiet getaway for couples and families. It sits among West Virginia's rolling hills and alongside 10-mile long, 1,750-acre Tygart Lake.

Oldest of West Virginia's state forests, Seneca borders the beautiful Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County.

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge.

Watoga State Park is located in the mountains of Pocahontas County just 14 miles south of Marlinton, West Virginia. The park consists of 10,100 acres filled with a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, swimming,…

Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, the scenic treasure of Valley Falls State Park is located only a short drive from Fairmont and Grafton. This 1,145 acre day use park hosts…

Berwind Lake WMA, in McDowell County, is one of the larger Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia, containing approximately 18,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain common to the southern portion of the state.

Beech Fork State Park was officially opened in the winter of 1979 and offers 3,144 acres of some of the best recreation experience in the southwestern section of West Virginia.

Berkeley Springs State Park is located in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The Bathhouse first opened in 1930. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral…

Offers 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks.

Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. Development of the park has been minimal in order to…

Before the turn of the century, West Virginians were drawn to the natural beauty of the Middle Fork River and its surroundings. This area is now Audra State Park, a heavily wooded riverside campground that…

Bluestone National Scenic River is preserved as a living landscape that provides an unspoiled experience for visitors and a haven for a variety of plants and animals. The park protects a 10.5-mile section of the…

The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features.

"Wings of Wonder - West Virginia Birds of Prey" presentation is fairly general in scope,custom-tailored to the ages and needs of our audiences. Each presentation includes live birds of prey from Three Rivers Avian Center,…

Visitors of all ages will find something pleasing at our zoo which is dedicated to the memory of a seven-year-old boy named Philip Mayer Good, who loved nature. Come visit our new Outback Exhibit, featuring…

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. The Wildlife Center is dedicated to presenting visitors a realistic and factual understanding of our state's wildlife. Woodland…

Both oil and natural gas were discovered in western Virginia by the first explorers in the mid-1700s. George Washington acquired 250 acres in what is now West Virginia because it contained an oil and gas…

Historic railroad museum int he fromer cox's department store with many artifacts of years gone by on the railroads.

The South Charleston Museum strives to create a casual learning experience that will appeal to all ages and interests. The purpose of this community museum is to promote the social, educational, and cultural history of…

Ideal for those kids who just LOVE radios and gadgets, this museum has a huge range of antique radio and communications gear in great condition for them to enjoy.

The John Brown Wax Museum graphically tells the story of John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry. Voice, music, & animation enhance the experience. One of the many fun family places to visit if…

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life.

A charming theme park in West Virginia, and a mini theme park just for those under 48" too!

A great day of water fun in West Virginia with this family waterpark - the perfect way to stay cool over summer with the kids!

Water park fun for kids of all ages, as well as a cool 18 hole mini golf course and picnic spots!

Offers an extensive water play area with varying depths, tipping buckets, interactive jet features and more.

Features include water park with slides and splash toys, interactive kids' museum, go karting, jungle gym indoor play, mini golf and mini train and gem panning game.

Unlike most of the people who've previously walked through the gates of the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, you can be fairly certain you'll be walking out again a few hours later.