The Best West Virginia Historical Tours That Everyone Should Experience

There are plenty of incredible West Virginia historical tours that every value traveler should experience. West Virginia is filled with rich history consisting of many man-made and natural wonders. Taking some history and heritage tours is one of the best ways to experience everything this incredible state has to offer. If you are interested in the Civil War, colonial life, Black History and Civil Rights, you can experience it all right in WV. Before you embark on your next adventure, read on to learn about the best West Virginia historical travel attractions that everyone should experience.

Visit Harpers Ferry

For the history and civil war buffs, you must start in Harpers Ferry. The most popular tourist attraction in the state, Harpers Ferry, WV is located right at the junction of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. It was one of the most famous raids in American history, where it helped West Virginia’s secession from Virginia as a separate state in the Union in 1863. In 1859, John Brown recruited 19 men to raid the arsenal and start an uprising. Brown would later be warned by Fredrick Douglass that the town would be next to impossible to control with so few men. Ultimately, the raid failed. Harpers Ferry ultimately become one of the largest sites of surrender during the Civil War.

Stop By The John Brown Museum

The John Brown Museum shows information on the abolitionist and goes through the history of his raid, capture, and conviction. Another famous site, the Harper House is a restored structure that sits atop the stone stairs above High Street. The House was originally built between 1775 and 1782, where it served as a tavern, hosting famous politicians like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Check Out The Harpers Ferry Visitors Center

The town still resembles its historic, 1800’s appearance. In fact, many historic buildings, restaurants, and quaint shops still remain open to the public. While you are here, stop first at the Visitors Center. Park admission will cost $20 per vehicle. Of course, this fee will include the shuttle bus from the town to visitors center, and is valid for three days. With admission you get access to free guided ranger programs to bring in all to life for you. nps.gov/hafe

Take A Harpers Ferry Private Walking Tour

There is a private walking tour for 1-6 people for $ 80. It is 2 ½ hours and visits historic locations that tell the story of geography and natural history, the John Brown Raid and Civil War, several blocks in the Lower Town, Meriwether Lewis at Harpers Ferry, Storer College, the Niagara Movement, transportation, waterpower and industry. Meeting point is the park visitor center. There is a much shorter one hour tour of the Lower Town for $ 10 on the weekends at 11 and 2. Book in advance by calling 304-535-6881 or www.harpersferryhistory.org

Learn Some Hatfield & McCoy History

The Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s fought for years and the world learned all about it. As a matter of fact, the 1976 game show Family Feud was inspired by those two families. In the late 1870’s, Randolph McCoy got into a dispute with Floyd Hatfield over the stealing one of his pigs. This issue ultimately went to trial, where, due to a series of events, ended up with the murder of Bill Staton. In the end, at least 13 Hatfield’s and McCoy’s had been killed. Overall there was 50 years of violence and hatred between the two families.

Visit The Coal House

There are some related family sights to see. The Coal House in the town of Williamson is made of 65 tons of coal and has the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce in its space at the present time. You can pick up a tour map and view artifacts from the family feud right there.

Stop By Anderson Hatfield’s Cabin

Anderson Hatfield’s cabin resembles a key landmark throughout the course of the feud. Afterall, this is where the famous trial related to the stolen hog originally took place. At the same time, this location marks the spot where Johnse Hatfield originally met and fell in love with Roseanna McCoy. Both families were,of course, not happy about that. Even more, this site can be commemorated for the famous scuffle between Randolph McCoy’s sons and Devil Anse Hatfield’s brothers, which would ultimately fatally wound Ellison Hatfield.

Pay Your Respects At The Hatfield Family Cemetery

If you are looking to visit the family cemetery, it is roughly 15 miles south of Logan, West Virginia. After seeing all of this you may realize your family and relatives are not so bad after all! While you are at the Hatfield Family Cemetery, be sure to stop at the grave of Devil Anse. Marked by a life-sized marble statue, Devil is buried alongside his son, Johnse, and wife, Levicy.

Take In The Great Outdoors

If you are ready for some outdoor activity, exercise and fresh air, make sure you soak in the Appalachian Trail. Over 25 miles of the Appalachian Trail passes right through West Virginia. Mostly in Harpers Ferry, the trail’s elevation ranges from approximately 250 feet to well over 1,000 feet. Fortunately, there is plenty more to experience in the West Virginia outdoors. If you are interested, be sure to check out our  West Virginia outdoor travel guide for adventure seekers. You may even enjoy our post on the best active outdoor Colorado adventures in the meantime. For more info go to appalachiantrail.org

Check Out George Washington’s Bathtub At Historic Berkley Springs

Historic Berkley Springs, West Virginia is a travel haven for artists. Most famously, George Washington was one of the first visitors in the country to come to this West Virginia spa town and use the natural springs. These world-famous mineral springs can be found right at Berkeley Springs Historic State Park. Typically, they manage a temperature of approximately 75 degrees, and combine invigorating natural minerals like carbonates, sulfates, and nitrates.

Visit The Local Antique Shops & Art Galleries

Once you are settled in, check out the town’s incredible antique shops and art galleries. A great spot in town for your shopping and entertainment is the Ice House. It is the center for the visual, music, media and performing arts in Morgan County. In addition to hosting concerts, plays, and lectures, it showcases and sells the work of more than 30 local and regional artists. Learn more at www.macicehouse.org.

If you are looking for a more active day, look into Crafts Adventures. They offer many options. On the Cacapon River you can enjoy a relaxing 1 ½ mile float. They offer tubing trips on a 2 1/2 mile stretch on the river in a mostly flat section where you will come to a section of rapids. Due to the rocks, the tubes for this trip are heavy duty. They also offer a three mile trip on the Potomac River which is perfect for tubing and kayaking. You may catch a glimpse of Deer, Bear, Egrets, and even Eagles. All trips are $ 35 at www.craftsadventures.com

Want to stay overnight here?  check out Maria’s Garden and Inn is in downtown Berkeley Springs. They offer rooms that have 1 queen bed and a private shower across the hall in the original home built in the 1920s. Breakfast for 2 included $ 89/night for two guests. Learn more at www.mariasgarden.com

Learn About West Virginia Criminal History

A 15 minute drive from Wheeling is the now closed West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville. You will see how the most violent and dangerous inmates lived. 100 prisoners were executed there. The prison closed in 1995 and they offer a 90 minute tour. There is no A/C or heat in the facility so dress accordingly. $ 14 ages 17 and older. Learn more by contacting info@wvpentours.com.

Purchase Some Classic West Virginia Souvenirs

Before you leave the city of Wheeling, go get the perfect souvenirs of your trip to West Virginia. The Heritage’s Artisan Center Shop features local artists. The specialty gift shop offers unique handmade gifts. They focus on selling West Virginia and Appalachian made products.1400 Main Street 2nd floor

Soak Up Some Coal History

West Virginia produces 15 % of coal used nationwide and it used to be a lot more than that. One place to learn the history and to experience the life of a miner, head to Beckley Coal Mine in Beckley. The guides there were actual miners and they take you on a 35 minute ride 1500 feet underground. It is chilly at 58 degrees so make sure you are dressed appropriately. In addition to the mine tour, you will see a coal-miner’s house and a coal town church. Since it is popular with school groups, you might want to come later in the day after the school buses have left. $ 10 adults. www.beckley.org or 304-256-1747

Visit The Seneca Caverns

Located in Riverton, WV, eight miles South of Seneca Rocks, is the Seneca Caverns a must-see stop on your West Virginia history travel itinerary. The Seneca Caverns originally started forming over 450 million years ago. Here, you can experience cave tours, gemstone mining, as well as local lodging. It is believed that this site was originally used for Seneca Indian rituals, as well as for ceremonies by the Iroquois confederacy. If you are interested in learning more about indigenous cultures, be sure to check out our guide on the top Native American travel destinations in the United States. Certainly, be sure to stop by the Seneca Caverns on your West Virginia historical travel adventure. $15 ages 13 and older. senecacaverns.com

Visit The Greenbrier Bunker

Of course, no trip to West Virginia is complete without a visit to the Greenbrier Bunker. The world-famous bunker was built in the 1950’s directly under the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. Originally, the bunker was commissioned in secret, and meant to house the U.S. Congress and the House in the event of a nuclear attack. It is only four hours from Washington D.C. However, now the bunker is open to the public. Fascinating 90 minute tour. The tour is $39 ages 19 and older, $ 20 ages 10-18. You can make a reservation to take a tour and learn all about the secret history the resort has to offer. Surely, be sure to check out the Greenbrier Bunker on your history vacation to West Virginia.

Non-registered guests are asked to park across the street from the main entrance in the train depot lot and call 304-536-1110  upon arrival for a shuttle to the hotel. If the occupancy levels are low enough during non-holiday weekdays, non-registered guests are welcome on property for select activities. Bunker tours, escape room, golf, tennis, horseback riding, carriage/sleigh rides, spa services, gun club, off-road driving, etc.) are all based on availability.  You would not have access to The Casino Club, swimming pools, fitness center, history tours, theatre, fishing, afternoon tea, Adventure Zone or childcare services.