West Virginians take pride in their state and their quirky road trip attractions are a testament to that notion. These unique landmarks may seem like odd stops on a road trip, but they’re definitely worth a visit. Roadside America has put together a list of some of the top quirky road trip attractions in West Virginia.
One of the most fascinating landmarks is Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold located in New Vrindaban. Built by the followers of Hare Krishna, this palace features crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and stained glass windows. Visitors can take a guided tour or simply stroll through the fragrant gardens surrounding the palace. The admission fee is $12 for adults and $7 for children aged 6-12.
The Barbour County Historical Museum hosts the Mummies of the Insane in Philippi, West Virginia. For only a dollar, visitors can catch a glimpse of two mummies who were preserved by Graham Hamrick, also known as West Virginia’s backwoods Dr. Frankenstein. The mummies came from the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane and were restored in 1985 after being lost for decades. The museum is open from May to October.
The Mystery Hole in Ansted, West Virginia, is an underground attraction that defies the laws of gravity. With a no-camera and no cellphone policy, visitors experience an oddity of nature that makes them question everything they’ve ever been taught. Open only during the summer season, the Mystery Hole is a totally unique experience with admission prices starting from $10.
The John Brown Wax Museum is dedicated to John Brown who led the enslaved people’s uprising in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Brown’s life and his contributions to the pro-freedom revolution. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from mid-March to mid-December with an admission fee of $7 for adults.
The Congressional Bunker is housed in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Resort and was built for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in the event of an atomic Armageddon. Visitors can tour the top-secret survival bunker that was kept a secret for decades. The Greenbrier offers daily tours that must be booked in advance by phone, with admission prices starting from $40 for adults.
Finally, Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg offers visitors a chance to explore a big chamber over a thousand feet long and ten stories high. The cavern is also home to the legend of Bat Boy, who was reportedly raised by bats in complete darkness. The Natural History Museum beside the gift shop has the largest collection of dinosaur and fossil replicas in West Virginia. Admission prices start from $12 for general admission and $79 for Wild Cave Tours.
West Virginia’s quirky road trip attractions are certainly worth a stop. From mummies to palaces of gold, these landmarks are uniquely fascinating, providing visitors with experiences they will never forget.
