Area Attractions
Museums and Collections
African-American Heritage Family Tree Museum
A private collection of photographs, household items, personal possessions; remembrances of John Henry and other famous African American West Virginians. Located in Ansted, West Virginia. 304-658-5526 Open to the public
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
This is a chance to visit an authentic coal mine; take a ride on a "man trip" car that will guide you through 1,500 feet of restored underground passages. You’ll learn all about mining low seam coal, from the very first manual stages to modern mechanized operation. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the gift shop, coal company house and the superintendent's house. Be sure to bring a jacket! The temperature is a constant 58 degrees inside the mine.
Located about an hour's drive from Charleston on I-77S at exit 44. To get there, take the exit then turn East on Route 3 (Harper Rd.). Turn left on Ewart Ave. Go 1 mile to the New River Park entrance. Season is from April 1 to November 1. For more information phone (304) 256-1747 or visit www.beckleymine.com/
Blenko Glass
Discover the ancient art of glass blowing and find yourself surrounded by beauty and fine workmanship at Blenko Glass. Blenko Glass has created works for many famous buildings and museums. Decorative glassware is on display in the visitors’ center and is available for purchase in the factory outlet display area. Blenko’s museum features a designer's corner and an artistry exhibit. Observation deck tours are available to watch craftsmen at work.
Located approximately 40 minutes from Charleston on Route I-64 W in Milton, WV. For more information call (304) 743-9081 or visit www.blenkoglass.com
Ceredo Caboose Museum and History Row
History Row in the center of the city celebrates railroad history. Look for historical artifacts and railroad memorabilia in the restored "caboose museum" and see the best preserved petroglyph in the country: a 77" Indian Petroglyph which bears the image of the ancient "Water Monster's Daughter". There’s also a collection of 50-year-old handblown glass and a historical archives. For more information call 304-453-3025.
Coal Heritage Museum
Downtown museum showcasing coal heritage and memorabilia. Located at 347 Main St. in Madison. For more information please phone 304-369-5180 or visit www.wvcoalmuseum.org
Coal Heritage Trail
A national scenic byway that travels through Wyoming Fayette Raleigh McDowell and Mercer counties. The coal heritage trail is one of only 22 designated national heritage areas in the country. For more information call 304-256-6941 or visit www.coalheritage.org .
Coal Miner's Statue
This statue stands on the lawn of the Boone County Courthouse and was created as a tribute to all coal miners. It was erected in the coal capital of West Virginia, where coal was discovered in 1742. The statue stands 7-feet 2-inches tall and is made from bronze and metal.while you’re there, visit the Boone County Courthouse, which was started in 1914 and completed in 1921. The exterior is beautiful Indiana limestone and the edifice is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information call 304-369-7301 or visit www.boonecountywv.org
Fenton Glass
Fenton is the largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the country. Visit the Fenton Glass museum that features glass made from 1907 to 1980, including the famous Carnival glass, or find first-quality, hard-to-find and retired pieces in the gift shop. Regularly scheduled tours allow visitors to watch craftsmen create their art.
Fenton Art Glass is located about an hour and a half's drive away in Williamstown, just off I-77N near Parkersburg. For more information call (304) 375-7772 or (800) 319-7793. Visit Fenton online at www.fentongiftshop.com
Historic Matewan, WV
Matewan was the site of the “Battle of Matewan”, a significant labor dispute caused by coal company executives who were trying to evict union workers from company housing. The gunfight at Matewan left 10 dead and several wounded. It led to the eventual end of coal companies’ control over the workers in West Virginia.
The town of Matewan is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It offers visitors a Matewan Depot replica, live re-enactments, and walking tour of the Historic District. For information phone 304-426-4239 or visit www.matewan.com
Huntington Museum of Art
West Virginia's largest fine art museum. Both public and private collections from around the region bring together artistic trends, varied media, juried exhibitions, and works from some of the top artists in the country.
2033 McCoy Rd., Huntington. Visit www.hmoa.org
Huntington Railroad Museum
Located at Memorial Boulevard and 14th Street West, in Huntington's Ritter Park, this outdoor museum features a variety of train equipment and cars on display.
The museum is open free every Sunday from 2-5 P.M., between Memorial Day and September 30th.
Jenkins Plantation Museum
A large brick house built in 1835, this was the home of Confederate General Albert Gallatin Jenkins. The home originally stood on 4,000 acres. IT stands on the banks of the Ohio River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Located on West Virginia Route 2 approximately 15 miles north of Huntington at 8814 Ohio Rd. Lesage. For more information phone 304-762-1059
Mothman Museum and Research Center
This museum is dedicated to an archive that contains information about various Mothman sightings over the years. The museum features all sorts of rare collectables, as well as movie props from the "Mothman Prophecies" movie starring Richard Gere. A visual media viewing area, gift shop, and free local information can also be found at this museum. Located in the heart of Point Pleasant's historic downtown. For more information visit www.mothmanmuseum.com
Museum in the Park
Regional cutural center located at Chief Logan State Park. The exhibits of local and regional history and arts and crafts change seasonally. For more information call 304-792-7229
Salt Worker's Heritage Park
This fenced compound contains elements that were common to the early salt worker's life. Visitors will find a reproduction of Booker T. Washington's cabin, a school building, children's museum, storage shed, animal pens, and a period garden. Located at 2404 Malden Drive, Malden.
The park is open for tours by arrangement. Tours take approximately one hour and admission is $1 for children, $2 for adults. Phone 304-925-9499
The Museum in the Community
Originally started as collaboration between the Huntington Museum of Art and some high Scholl students, the former strip mall Museum has expanded to become a true exhibition, arts education center, and cultural center for visitors of all ages. The Museum has had over 100 exhibits and 75 performances. The summer arts camp features visual arts, dance, music, and drama. Located at 3 Valley Park Drive in Hurricane. Phone 304-562-0484 or visit www.museuminthecommunity.org
The Museum of Radio and Technology, Inc.
This is the biggest museum of radios, televisions and electronic equipment in the USA, including a circa 1920s radio sales, repair and parts store. See a priceless collection of technology dating back to the invention of the radio. Stroll through a broadcasting studio and view the fully operational amateur "ham" radio station, which is on the air and available for use by those visitors who carry a valid FCC amateur radio license. Located at 1640 Florence Ave., Huntington
Free admission. Hours: 10am to 4pm (Sat) and 1-4 pm (Sun) all year. 10am to 4pm (Fri) in the summer. For information, call 304-525-8890 or see zip.to/mrt
West Virginia State Farm Museum
Dedicated to the preservation of Mason County's agricultural heritage, this museum is home to hundreds of antiques from tools to tractors. The museum is also the site of dozens of historic buildings which have been moved from their original locations, rebuilt and preserved. www.wvfarmmuseum.org/
West Virginia Veterans Memorial Plaza
A two-story monument on State Capitol grounds. Four monoliths dedicated to World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam display names of the war dead within the sanctuary of the classically styled Memorial. Ramped walkways over the oval reflecting pool affords easy access to the sanctuary display of some 10,000 names. 304/558-0230.
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