This Tiny, Isolated West Virginia Village Is One Of The Last Of Its Kind

In the mountains of central West Virginia, there's a little isolated community of just 59 people where historic traditions are kept alive. The town loves to celebrate and share their heritage with guests, so it's worth a visit! Take a look at Helvetia, West Virginia.

Helvetia is a tiny community in Randolph County that was designed to be like a little piece of Switzerland.

Early Swiss and German settlers came to the area in 1869, and used log construction to build the town.

Some of the original buildings can still be seen today, and some of the newer buildings were constructed by traditional methods.

Many of the townspeople are skilled in various methods of traditional crafts, farming, and food preservation.

Much of the town's history is preserved in the public library, which also houses a small museum.

The people's heritage is remembered by an annual celebration of Swiss National Day.

The town also has an annual community fair, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary.

A parade with traditional clothing and decorations is a big part of the event.

The fair features traditional food, music, and dancing.

There are numerous agricultural, food, and craft related competitions.

It's also worth a visit to the town for the springtime celebrtion of Fasnacht.

Elaborate masks are worn, and people dance around a bonfire to chase away the spirit of Old Man Winter.

Visitors to the town will want to stop in to the Kultur Haus.

The building includes the General Store, Post Office, Alpen Lodge, Mask Museum, and Research Center.

Here you can purchase souvenirs, see the traditional masks, and even rent a room for the night.

You can also stay in the Beekeeper's Inn bed and breakfast.

Breakfast is served at the Helvetia Hutte, with a variety of traditional Swiss and German offerings.

The restaurant is also open to the public daily for lunch and dinner.

You can read about more events and celebrations in Helvetia on the town's website.

For more charming little towns around the state, check out the perfect West Virginia small town road trip.