Explore Rowlesburg, A Small West Virginia Railroad Town Tucked In A Bend Of The Cheat River
Have you ever been to Rowlesburg, West Virginia? It’s a small but charming railroad town tucked into a curve of the Cheat River, and it’s the perfect staycation destination. Featuring history, natural beauty, dining, gardens, parks, hikes, festivals, motor routes, and more, the area’s activity choices come in all shapes and sizes. There’s something to fit every preference in this quaint little town, making it the ideal getaway right here in the Mountain State.
Welcome to Rowlesburg, a small river town ringed with mountains in Preston County.
You'll also find a variety of attractions housed inside: a B & O Model Bridge Exhibit, a
World War II Museum, the
Preston County Sports Museum, the
Arts Preston Studio, a quilting room, and the Carolann Hooton Library, for starters.
You'll learn that Rowlesburg was originally a railroad town, and you'll see that confirmed with plenty of visible evidence all throughout the town.
Finally, don't miss the viaducts scattered through the area! These architecturally impressive structures have their own stories to tell, including several from the Civil War era.
One of them, the Tray Run Viaduct, is made even more famous by its presence on the West Virginia State Seal.
But railroad history isn't the only thing to do or see in Rowlesburg. There's also the river! Stay overnight at the historic River House Lodge, and rent a kayak from them while you're at it.
The River House will shuttle your boat or theirs anywhere along the beautiful Cheat River Water Trail for put in, and pick you up at the Pringle Run take out.
The Cheat River is also good for swimming and fishing. There's hiking in the area, too, including along the nice, easy grade of a converted rail trail.
