Affordable Travel Ideas 

Whether you are looking for a day trip or a mini vacation, West Virginia is full of unique adventures that are suitable for the entire family. The state’s beautiful natural setting, historic communities, distinctive heritage, arts and crafts and tradition-rich festivals offer a variety of great ways to enjoy the state.

State Exhibits

What better way to get a West Virginia history lesson than at the state’s new museum in Charleston or at Independence Hall in Wheeling?

Follow a path through time as you trek from a pre-historic forest through a dark coal mine and into the present at the new West Virginia State Museum, which is set to open on June 21, 2009, in Charleston. The 24,000-square-foot facility recounts the history of the state through modern exhibits designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Once flying proudly during the Civil War, West Virginia’s historical battle flags are now carefully displayed and available for public viewing at Independence Hall in Wheeling.  After being protected in dark storage for more than 20 years, the state’s battle flags will be on display beginning June 21, 2009. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org.

West Virginia State Parks

Families can stretch their vacation dollars with free admission to all but one of the state’s parks and forests. As an added bonus, West Virginia’s state parks offer a varied collection of events – for fun, for families, for groups, for free! From dancing or campfire tales to history or singing, these special summer programs add more excitement and pleasure to your visit.

Adventurous families who truly love getting away and enjoying the great outdoors will find that a tour of the state’s parks can fill an entire summer. West Virginia offers dozens of parks throughout the state where you can take part in camping, hiking, fishing, boating and many other outdoor explorations.  Many of the parks also feature dining, shopping, golfing and other activities on site. For more information, visit www.wvstateparks.com.  

New River Gorge National River

Don’t let the name fool you – the New River is among the world’s oldest rivers (second only to the Nile). Its craggy, 1,000-foot-deep, mile-wide gorge is a haven for nature and outdoor lovers from around the world. This area includes the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Bridge Day^® – West Virginia’s largest single-day event, celebrates its 30^th anniversary on Oct. 17, 2009. During this event, BASE jumpers from across the globe invade the tiny town of Fayetteville to leap (with parachutes, of course) from the massive bridge to the river nearly 876 feet below.

Abandoned coal mining towns and remnants of the area’s industrial past add intrigue to the countless miles of hiking and biking trails within the park.  Off the river, visitors have numerous opportunities to enjoy the region with options such as wildlife photography, bird watching, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and a self-guided scenic drive.

For a fee, outfitters provide whitewater adventure and fishing trips from just a few hours to a few days. Camping and lodging options abound within the park and the numerous state parks and outposts that surround the gorge. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/neri.

Hiking/Backpacking

West Virginia’s diverse terrain is laced with miles of accessible paths and trails. From historic rail-trails such as the Greenbrier River and North Bend to the scenic routes of our state park system and the backcountry experiences within the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia is rich with hiking and backpacking opportunities. The popular Appalachian Trail becomes part of West Virginia in the Eastern Panhandle and the Allegheny Trail winds for more than 300 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Appalachian Trail in southern West Virginia. For more information, visit www.adventuresinwv.com.

Mountain Biking

With more than 1,000 miles of biking trails, West Virginia is hailed as a world-class destination for mountain-biking enthusiasts. Some popular biking spots for family-friendly rides include the Greenbrier River Trail and the North Bend Rail Trail, which are perfect for all skill levels. For more information, visit www.adventuresinwv.com.

Special Events for the Whole Family

From the capital city to West Virginia’s smaller communities, visitors and residents alike will find something to suit their interest. The state’s festivals are a celebration of the music, food and arts that make West Virginia almost heaven. Events include the West Virginia Coal Festival, the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival, the 5^th annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival, the Augusta Heritage Festival and the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. Many of these and other West Virginia events and celebrations offer free admission and plenty of activity and fun for every member of the family.

So whether it’s backpacking or hiking one of our trails, camping at our state parks or getting a review of West Virginia’s role throughout history, the state has the perfect day trip or weekend getaway that will make you feel miles from home without breaking your budget. For more events, visit www.wvtourism.com.

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