West Virginia’s attractions make the most of this state’s natural beauty and its history, intertwined with the Civil War, the railroad, coal mining industry and the cultural heritage of German and Swiss settlers. Five Interstates offer the most direct routes to cover West Virginia’s mountainous terrain. The longest stretches of highway are on I-64, I-77 and I-79, while I-70 and I-81 briefly intersect its northern and western tips
Historic Sites in Wheeling
- Directly off Interstate 70 in Wheeling, you’ll find 16 miles of the first federal road in the United States, called the Historic National Road. It stretches 800 miles across several states, but this is the only portion in West Virginia. This road takes you to Wheeling’s Historic District, where you can tour the Eckhart House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The most conspicuous site is the Wheeling suspension bridge, which opened in 1849 and, after being destroyed by a tornado, was reconstructed 1856. It was the first bridge to span the Ohio River and the country’s first long-span wire-cable suspension bridge.
Performing Arts and Nature in Morgantown
- Morgantown is close to I-68 and I-79 and has attractions for nature enthusiasts and patrons of the arts. The Core Arboretum on West Virginia University’s campus spans 91 acres, where you can hike and go bird-watching on 3 1/2 miles of trails through densely wooded old-growth forest and stroll through a 3-acre lawn planted with a variety of trees. The Monongalia Arts Center is a cultural hub in Morgantown. Its galleries feature rotating art exhibitions, and the Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre hosts performing artists including musicians and thespians.
World-Class Whitewater Rafting
- Experience whitewater rafting or peacefully ride an inner tube downstream at New River Gorge near I-64 and I-77, about 10 miles from Beckley. A variety of companies offer expeditions lasting several hours or several days that are suitable for a variety of ages and experience. The river's upper portion is always runnable and has rapids up to Class III, as well as opportunities for fishing, while the lower section features very powerful rapids between Class III and Class V.
State Park’s Premier Golf Resort
- Near I-79, an Arnold Palmer signature golf course beckons at the upscale Stonewall Resort, part of the Stonewall Jackson Lake Wildlife Management Area. Scenic highlights are the views of Stonewall Jackson Lake and rolling mountains from the course and the resort lodge. Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time with the lodge’s 1920s-style décor. Off the resort, visitors fish in backwater areas, paddle canoes and go hiking. Amenities include a 374-slip marina, campsites and picnic facilities.
