Here are 11 of the weirdest and most fascinating roadside attractions in West Virginia that are worth a stop on your next road trip:
1. Mothman Statue (Point Pleasant)
This 12-foot chrome statue commemorates the legendary Mothman, a cryptid reportedly sighted in the 1960s. The town also hosts an annual Mothman Festival and features a museum dedicated to the creature, making it a must-visit for fans of folklore and urban legends.
2. Mystery Hole (Ansted)
Located near Hawks Nest State Park, this quirky attraction defies gravity with optical illusions like balls rolling uphill and chairs balanced at bizarre angles. It’s a nostalgic throwback to classic roadside curiosities.
3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston)
This historic psychiatric hospital offers tours highlighting its eerie history, architecture, and paranormal activity. Visitors can explore its haunted halls through ghost hunts or detailed historical tours.
4. Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park (Rock)
Built on a Native American burial ground, this abandoned amusement park is known for its chilling history and paranormal activity. It’s a favorite destination for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts.
5. Flatwoods Monster Museum (Sutton)
Dedicated to the Flatwoods Monster, a UFO-related cryptid sighted in 1952, this museum showcases memorabilia and artifacts related to the mysterious creature. It’s a fun stop for fans of extraterrestrial lore.
6. Chester Teapot (Chester)
Billed as the “World’s Largest Teapot,” this 14-foot-tall structure was originally a root beer barrel before being converted into a teapot in 1938. It’s an iconic symbol of Chester’s pottery history.
7. Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold (Moundsville)
Dubbed “America’s Taj Mahal,” this ornate Hare Krishna temple features stunning stained glass, marble floors, and intricate architecture. It’s an unexpected gem in rural West Virginia.
8. Our Lady of the Pines (Preston County)
Known as the smallest church in the continental U.S., this tiny Catholic church is surrounded by serene hemlock trees and offers a peaceful roadside stop.
9. Green Bank Telescope (Green Bank)
This massive radio telescope is located in the National Quiet Zone, where wireless signals are restricted to prevent interference with astronomical research. Visitors can tour the observatory and learn about its role in studying the universe.
10. Hillbilly Hot Dogs (Lesage)
This quirky eatery is famous for its eccentric decor made from repurposed items like school buses and bathtubs. It’s as much an attraction as it is a place to grab a bite.
11. The Greenbrier Bunker (White Sulphur Springs)
Hidden beneath the luxurious Greenbrier Resort is a Cold War-era congressional fallout shelter built to house government officials during emergencies. Tours reveal its fascinating history and secretive construction.
These attractions showcase West Virginia’s unique blend of folklore, history, and eccentricity, making it an unforgettable destination for curious travelers!
Sources
- https://wvpublic.org/roadside-attractions-pepperoni-rolls-and-a-bus-on-a-rock-inside-appalachia/
- https://www.uniquetravelphoto.com/off-the-beaten-path-in-west-virginia-road-trip/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mothman-statue
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Hole
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_teapot
