West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Splish! Splash! West Virginia Day Pool Promotion Encourages Return Visits To State Parks and Forests 

6/9/2009  CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin invites state citizens and visitors to celebrate West Virginia Day with a splash. On Saturday, June 20, the state is will be issuing “birthday cards” to swimmers who use outdoor swimming pools in West Virginia state parks that day. The birthday card is a free pass to return for a swim any day at participating pools during the 2009 summer season.

“Swimming is old-fashioned outdoor fun,” Gov. Manchin said. “Everyone enjoying our outdoor swimming pools on West Virginia’s 146th birthday will be encouraged to return for a free swim day at any participating state park with outdoor pools.”  Manchin advocates outdoor recreation and creating opportunities for state residents and park guests to frequent parks and forests.

West Virginia Day is on Saturday, June 20. The birthday card for a free day swimming is valid starting June 21 through the summer season and is issued to each paying swimmer.

State parks and forest outdoor pools on the birthday card include: Babcock, Beech Fork, Berkeley Springs, Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area, Bluestone State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Cedar Creek, Chief Logan State Park, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River, Lost River, Moncove Lake, Panther State Forest, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort, Watoga, and Watters Smith.  Cacapon Resort’s pool in Morgan County is a beach with lake swimming.  Audra State Park in Upshur County offers river swimming at no charge during posted hours.

For additional information regarding special programs and activities offered at state parks and forests in celebration of West Virginia’s birthday and throughout the year, visit www.wvstateparks.com and click on Calendar of Events.

Contact Information

Ken Caplinger 
304-558-2764 
parks@wvdnr.gov