Quirky places to visit in West Virginia

When you think of West Virginia, chances are your mind goes to quaint little rural towns and gently rolling hills. However, there are a few places in West Virginia that seem like they don’t belong to the Mountain State. In this article, we’ll look at a few places to visit in West Virginia that are, well, quirky.

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Dolly Sods, WV

Dolly Sods, located in West Virginia, is a breathtakingly beautiful and ecologically unique destination. This 17,371-acre wilderness area, part of the Monongahela National Forest, offers visitors a glimpse into a different world, characterized by its stunning vistas, wildflower-filled meadows, and rocky outcrops.

Dolly Sods is known for its distinct high-altitude ecosystem, resembling the Canadian tundra, with windswept plains and stunted trees shaped by harsh weather conditions. Hikers and nature enthusiasts can explore an extensive network of trails that lead to sweeping panoramas and hidden gems, such as the Lion’s Head rock formation and the picturesque Red Creek. This unspoiled wilderness is a haven for wildlife, including black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species.

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Helvetia

Helvetia, a small, rural hamlet in Randolph County, is already suggestive of a Swiss village. However, it has its own version of Fasnacht, a celebration celebrating Swiss roots, once a year. The celebration, which takes place the Saturday before Mardi Gras, is distinguished by distinctive masks and costumes, a dance party in the Hütte, and the burning of Old Man Winter. Despite the fact that the event feels like you are in Switzerland, Helvetia has become an unusual location in West Virginia.

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The Summersville Lighthouse

The Summersville Lighthouse, located near Summersville lake in West Virginia, stands high above the landscape and seems a bit out of place. This unique structure, situated near Summersville Lake, adds a touch of coastal allure to the landlocked state. The Summersville Lighthouse is a favorite spot for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and romantics seeking a tranquil escape. The lighthouse even has a lamp room and a vintage Westinghouse rotational beacon.

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The Castle at Berkeley Springs

A castle near Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, seems like a journey across time and space. The castle, which was built in the late 1800s, contains everything a castle should have, such as a ballroom with a grand staircase, a secret corridor with a dungeon, gargoyles, and a turreted rooftop with battlements. Sadly, the castle is currently closed to tourists.

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New Vrindaban

New Vrindaban is a Hare Krishna community in West Virginia’s northern panhandle, and its Palace of Gold seems weirdly out of place in the state. Hare Krishna is a Hindu movement that began in Bengal in the 1600s, and devotees dress in Indian-inspired attire. The ornate palace is constructed of marble, onyx, teak, and 22 carat gold leaf, as well as stained glass, mosaic flooring, and mirrored ceilings. There are additional gardens, fountains, and a lily pond in the palace.

photo by author Angela W.

The Igloos of Point Pleasant

The igloos located in Point Pleasant are World War II-era bunkers, but it was also the scene of some of the infamous Mothman sightings. It’s called the TNT area because during World War II, that region — more than 8,000 acres — was devoted to an ammunition manufacturing facility that employed a few thousand people at its peak. For safety, the explosives were stored in bunkers — or igloos — strategically scattered across the territory and disguised by a thick layer of earth. The igloos aren’t closed off to the public. However, they can be challenging to find due to the fact that there are no markers leading to them.