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West Virginia is famed for its scenic mountains and trails. After all, it’s America’s third most-forested state. Its protected woodlands stretch for miles and create the perfect backdrop for any family vacation. Luckily, West Virginia isn’t just known for its nature. The museums and arts centers are just as celebrated and fun. The best part is many of them are inexpensive.
1. Clay Center Discovery Museum, Charleston
To visit Charleston but not its Clay Center Discovery Museum is a crime in itself. The museum is home to much more than just exhibitions and the planetarium. It hosts regular workshops, field trips, a theatre, and a music studio. Each activity has a ticket, which can be bought at a discount through promo codes. Those traveling with family and friends can get a prescheduled discount reserved for groups of 10 or more. Plus, parking is only $3.
2. Heritage Farm, Huntington
Each season in Huntington brings a seasonal festival to Heritage Farm. What started as a place to further preserve the Appalachian region has become a festival center. The volunteers and staff allow visitors to experience the cultural heritage, and they leave with an appreciation of the past and hope for the future. Different experiences have different fees, but general admission tickets are $10-$15.
3. West Virginia State Wildlife Center, French Creek
Located in the heart of Upshur County near French Creek, an accessible trail travels through a hardwood forest. The trail and spacious enclosures allow visitors to view the woodland wildlife while interacting with the environment. The picnic areas surrounding the fish pond make for the perfect family outing. Families can even schedule guided tours, visits, or pavilion reservations beforehand. Tickets average $4.
4. Starport Arcade, Morgantown
What better way to spend a day out than playing arcade games together? Starport has a game collection, unlike any other arcade in Morgantown. It has everything from the latest and greatest to timeless classics from the 1980s. The arcade also has a cafe, and the diverse menu allows families to have a great meal while having fun together. Families can play for over an hour with just a few tokens.
5. Mylan Aquatic Center, Morgantown
For families looking to have a little fun with water in Morgantown, the Mylan Aquatic Center is an ideal fit. It’s not an ordinary pool—instead, this aquatic center has a 50-meter Olympic pool and diving wells. There’s no better place to learn swimming or any other water sport than here. The Aquatic Center offers programs ranging from swimming to kayaking and diving. A single-day visit pass is about $8.
6. West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundville
Families sharing an appreciation for all things horror and paranormal will enjoy the haunting tours of the Moundsville penitentiary. The historical tour offered makes people admire this prison built in 1866. The prison has become a home to many activities, including haunted houses and escape rooms. Visitors can choose the most appropriate and affordable activity from the diverse options.
7. Lost World Caverns, Lewisburg
These caves are found just outside Lewisburg and go more than 120 feet underground. The sense of history has been felt in every part of the caves since they were discovered in 1942. It’s a magical experience for everyone who is an explorer at heart. There’s an admission fee, but the parking is free and has no time limit. Families willing to spend more can also participate in guided tours.
8. Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County
Natural attractions are the most scenic and cheapest ways to enjoy the outdoors. Luckily, West Virginia has many of these. The Seneca Rocks of Monongahela National Forest are one of the best-known attractions of West Virginia. These rocks are famous among rock climbers for their stunning formations. There’s also a self-guided trail reaching the heights of the stones for non-climbers, so visitors can have the best of both worlds.
9. Summersville Lake, Nicholas County
Summersville Lake is the state’s largest and has 60 miles of shoreline. This Nicholas County lake features everything from hiking and climbing to picnics. The well-maintained water quality and sandstone cliffs make it a hidden gem for swimming. The West Virginia State Park website offers many deals that can make the stay more affordable and accessible.
10. Grandview
This little town in West Virginia often gets overlooked due to other more popular attractions. As the home to the New River Gorge, Grandview offers dramatic scenic views at every corner of the town. The Appalachian Mountains provide many hiking trail options. The best time to visit this town is during autumn when the breathtaking mountains covered in red and yellow attract visitors.
11. Dolly Sods Wilderness, Allegheny Mountains
Found on the peaks of the Allegheny Plateau, the Dolly Sods Wilderness has biomes and topography similar to Canada. The drive to Dolly Sods is lined with pine trees on both sides and is an adventure on its own. There are even some campgrounds for families willing to stay overnight. The various hiking trails allow different difficulty levels for all people.
12. High Falls of Cheat, Elkins
Despite being less than 20 feet tall, the High Falls of Cheat is praised for its width, stretching across a 100-foot cliff. Located in Elkins, this waterfall is part of the Monongahela National Forest. There’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than hiking to this waterfall. The hike leading up to the waterfall is one of the longest in Monongahela. However, there’s also an option to reach the waterfall via a scenic train ride.
13. Blackwater Falls, Davis
This 57-foot waterfall is named after its famous tinted water. Located in Davis, the Blackwater Falls is stained from the tannic acid present due to the red spruce needles. The tinted waters have become a famous picturesque spot. There are many ways to get to the waterfall, including accessible platforms and hiking trails.
14. Green Bank Observatory
The Green Bank Observatory maps the stars using incoming electromagnetic radiation. Visiting the observatory is a fun, educational trip. It hosts many events and seminars that are free and open to the public. The monthly star party invites people to enjoy night sky views as they sip a hot beverage.
15 . Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, Huntington
Since the center opened in 1928, it has encouraged the public to appreciate films and plays. With its grand interior, the historic venue in Huntington leaves visitors mesmerized even before they witness the performances. It hosts film festivals, as well as local and national productions. Most of its performances are affordable compared to many performing arts centers.
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World history is an ongoing obsession for many of us, not in the least because of the unanswered questions records may bring.
Mysterious, confusing, and all-around odd, countless historically recorded happenings do not make sense. It’s all utterly intriguing.
19 Unsolved Mysteries From Around the World
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15 Destinations American Retirees Are Living in That Are Cheap
