In comparison to most of the states in America, it could be argued that all of West Virginia’s towns are small… and that this great Mountain State wouldn’t be the same without any of them! But here are a few small West Virginia towns that are particularly noteworthy, and without which a vital piece of West Virginia’s history or culture would no longer exist. Let’s take a look at some lovely, quaint towns in West Virginia.

1. Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant, WV, USA
DenisTangneyJr / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Point Pleasant, West Virginia is notable both geographically (it's perched at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers) and historically (Tue-Endie-Wei State Park details some of the history between Chief Cornstalk and the early pioneers that took place here). And without Point Pleasant, there would be no Mothman, so of course West Virginia wouldn't be the same!
2. Matewan
Matewan, WV, USA
West Virginia Mine Wars Museum / Facebook
Matewan, West Virginia played a crucial role in the West Virginia coal wars, hosting the Battle of Matewan between the coal company and the citizens of Matewan. It's also notable as one of the places in which the Hatfields (of Hatfield-McCoy fame) lived and worked.
3. Thurmond
Thurmond, WV 25901, USA
krblokhin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Where would West Virginia be without the New River Gorge, especially with its recent promotion to National Park status? And where would the New River Gorge National Park be without the nearly abandoned coal and railroad town of Thurmond?

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4. Green Bank
Green Bank, WV, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
The entire world depends on this small West Virginia town because it houses the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. Yes, we're talking about Green Bank, at the center of the state's National Radio Quiet Zone.
5. Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Berkeley Springs, WV / Facebook
America's First Spa and George Washington's bathtub are merely two of the significant historical landmarks you'll find here in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
6. Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
DenisTangneyJr / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Firmly entrenched in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, Harpers Ferry is probably, at least in one sense, the most famous town in the whole state: picturesque, conveniently located, and packed with historical significance. In fact, this town is so significant that it's been designated a National Historical Park by the NPS.
7. Moundsville
Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Sartorial79 / TripAdvisor
On the other side of West Virginia, in the northern panhandle, is Moundsville. Here, you'll find an Ancient Indian burial mound. You'll find the Moundsville Penitentiary. You'll find the Palace of Gold. And that's just for starters.

What other small towns would you add to a list of places that define West Virginia? Do you have favorite things to do in West Virginia? Your own hometown, of course! Perhaps some of the other best towns in West Virginia like Buckhannon, Cass, and Lewisburg? Let us know your favorite West Virginia towns in the comments.

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Things To Do in West Virginia

William Suphan | March 13, 2023

What are the most unique attractions in West Virginia?

The most unique attractions in West Virginia include:

  • The John Brown Wax Museum. Eighty-seven life-sized wax figures are used to illustrate the raid on Harpers Ferry.
  • The Mothman Museum. Located in Point Pleasant, this museum is dedicated to the urban legend of Mothman.
  • Lost World Caverns. Some may remember when tabloids used to feature Batboy. This cave is said to be his home.
  • Our Lady of the Pines. This is the smallest church in the nation which is beside an equally diminutive post office.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in West Virginia. 

What are the most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia?

The most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia include:

  • NROCKS Outdoor Adventures. Come here for rock climbing, zip lines, and some stupendous hiking.
  • Museum of American Glass. Located in Weston, this museum is full of the most amazing artwork made entirely of glass. 
  • The West Virginia Farm Museum. This is where you’ll see historic buildings and learn all about this state’s farming history.
  • West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. This is a museum where you can see a dinosaur skeleton and some rare gemstones.

Find out more about the most amazing hidden gem attractions in West Virginia. 

What are the most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia?

The most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia include:

  • The Wild Cave Tour. Located in Lewisburg, this 45-minute tour will take you deep into the Lost World Caverns.
  • Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Veteran miners will take you through this coal mine and show you what it was like to work as a coal miner.
  • Greenbrier Bunker Tour. This massive bunker was built to house Congress if a nuclear war took place. It is no longer intended for this purpose but it’s worth the tour.
  • Gren Bank Observatory. This is the world’s largest fully-steerable telescope on earth and is taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Learn more about the most incredible sightseeing tours in West Virginia. 

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