West Virginia Vacations

West Virginia, the Mountain State, entered the Union on June 20, 1863. Many interesting people have called West Virginia home, including test pilot Chuck Yeager, actor Don Knotts, Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and author Pearl S. Buck. Visit the old stomping grounds of one of these famous individuals during one of your next West Virginia vacations.

Covering more than 24,000 square miles, West Virginia's highest point is Spruce Knob at 4,862 feet and its lowest point is Harpers Ferry at 247 feet. The Appalachian Mountains run through West Virginia, as well as thick forests and sparkling lakes and rivers. West Virginia's industries include agriculture and steel production. This state also produces about 15% of the United States' coal. Average temperatures in West Virginia run from almost 86° in the summer to about 24° in the winter. West Virginia has exciting activities for visitors and residents alike.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry
Walk along the Appalachian Trail, visit museums or take a guided ranger tour at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Harpers Ferry is the location where John Brown tried to raid a federal armory in 1859 in order to arm slaves with weapons. Harpers Ferry was a Civil War battlefield, changing between the North and the South eight times. Today Harpers Ferry is also the location of the Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project.

Admissions vary. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Fenton Art Glass Company, Williamstown
Fenton is one of the most famous art glass manufacturers in the world. The West Virginia location first produced glass in 1907. You can take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the history of Fenton Glass, to learn the history of glass making and to learn how art glass is blown and pressed. You will also discover signature features of Fenton Art Glass.

Admission is free. Tours are available on weekdays only.

Valley Worlds of Fun, Fairmont
Valley Worlds of Fun offers acres of family entertainment. Activities include miniature golf, bowling, bumper cars and tea cups. You can try the 32' climbing wall or try to find your way out of a 5,000-square-foot maze. There is a monster mansion to explore and arcades galore.

Rates vary. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Valley View Worlds of Fun is open from 10 AM to 11 PM.

Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling
Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum has toys and trains that will entrance your whole family. Housed in an old school building, Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum includes an operating HO gauge train that fills up an entire room. You will see lots of Marx toys, enjoy interactive displays and can take a guided tour if you choose. Some of the many toys you find are doll houses, toy soldiers, planes and cars.

Admissions are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens and $5.00 for students. Children under 10 are admitted for free. Hours vary.

Heritage Farm and Village, Huntington
Visit the Appalachian past at the Heritage Farm Museum and Village. Take a peek at the farm zoo, explore a blacksmith shop and learn about teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. A restored barn has three floors of exhibits, including farm implements, antique washing machines and old cooking utensils. You will be able to see dental and medical offices from the late 1800s and wonder at spinning and weaving exhibits. You can even stay overnight in a log home.

Admissions vary.