The Museum in the Park Is Hiding In The Underrated Chief Logan State Park In West Virginia
Chief Logan State Park features a museum that showcases local history, including settler and Native American heritage, coal mining, and hand-blown glass.
You can also view the glass gallery, which is comprised of locally made hand-blown glass, the streaming light of the windows reflecting the unique colors of each piece.
The museum also hosts a number of events, including Frontier Days, in which reenactors create a mirror of life during the frontier time period in the region.
Built By A Self-Taught Genius, West Virginia’s Lemuel Chenoweth House Was A True Feat Of Engineering
Lemuel Chenoweth's home in Beverly, West Virginia, is a historic architectural masterpiece built by a self-taught genius and now serves as a museum and guest house.
When you think of great engineering accomplishments, rocket engines, skyscrapers, and suspension bridges may come to mind. But one of history's great feats of engineering took the form of an unassuming home built in Beverly, a small town in West Virginia - and is still standing strong over 165 years later. It's the home of Lemuel Chenoweth, and it's an incredible piece of architecture.
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In the quaint little town of Beverly, WV, stands the home of Lemuel Chenoweth (1811-1887), a celebrated carpenter, architect, and bridge builder.
Lemuel Chenoweth was truly a self-taught genius. Builder of homes, buggies, furniture, and several famous covered bridges in West Virginia, perhaps his best-known feat was winning the bid to construct bridges along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike over many more established engineering firms.
He won that bid in spectacular fashion, by displaying his proposed wooden bridge model and then climbing on top it: the model supported his weight, and he promptly won the contract. This tale has become one of legend and children's books.
True to his fashion, Lemuel Chenoweth's home in Beverly quietly displays the brilliance of its creator. Built in 1857 by a man who was both a master carpenter and a brilliant architect, the house is a masterpiece of design and construction.
Its outstanding aspects include a unique post and beam design, stress members, architectural features, and construction techniques that drew upon his expertise in covered bridge building. Both the structure and details of the house reflect Lemuel's combined prowess as a carpenter, wood crafter, and architect.
Today, Lemuel's house is both a museum and a guest house. Though endangered by fire, war, and dubious remodels, the original structure still stands and has more recently been restored to its original charm, even featuring many furnishings built by Lemuel himself.
Nestled beside the Tygart River, the museum displays a scale model of the covered bridge in Beverly that once crossed the river, which Lemuel built in 1847 and rebuilt in 1873 after its destruction in the Civil War, and which was removed in 1951.
You can also see a working scale model of a sawmill designed and built by Lemuel which was so innovative that some of its features have only been adopted in the last few years.
Visit the charming and historic town of Beverly, explore the fascinating Lemuel Chenoweth house, and spend a comfortable night. supported by the handiwork of one of our country's greatest minds! As for those famous bridges Lemuel Chenoweth built, here's more on the Philippi Covered Bridge.
One Of The Coolest Visitor Centers In West Virginia Has A Free Museum In An Old Mill
The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center in Elkins, West Virginia, offers an immersive experience into the region's forest heritage and cultural significance.
Hidden in the charming town of Elkins, West Virginia, lies a true gem for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike: the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. This remarkable attraction is nestled within the walls of the historic Darden Mill, and the museum breathes new life and energy into educating about the mountain region's rich forest heritage. Let's take a closer look at one of the best visitors center in West Virginia.
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The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center beautifully showcases the diverse and captivating ecosystem of the Appalachian forests. As you step inside, you will find yourself immersed in a world that celebrates the wonders of these mystical woodlands.
The center's knowledgeable staff is passionate about conservation and takes great pride in conveying the importance of preserving this invaluable ecosystem.
Admission is free and includes access to both permanent and rotating displays that highlight both the environment and the culture of the Appalachian region. Interactive displays, informative panels, and audiovisual presentations provide an immersive experience that brings the forest to life.
With the chance to learn from experts and gain a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem, visitors will leave with a newfound appreciation for the natural world around them. This combination of nature and heritage adds an extra layer of depth to the discovery center, making it a must-visit for those interested in the area's cultural significance.
Beyond the exhibits and educational opportunities, the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center also shares a building with the West Virginia Train Museum! This portion of the Darden Mill is accessible via a small admission fee for adults (kids are free).
Whether you're a local or passing through West Virginia, we feel that a trip to the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center in Elkins is an absolute must. Prepare to embark on a journey through time and nature, uncovering the hidden secrets of the Appalachian forests while basking in the nostalgia of the old mill.
As one of the best visitor centers in West Virginia, this center has something for everyone, from families seeking educational adventures to individuals seeking a respite from city life. Visit the museum's Facebook page to get a glimpse of all its resources.
If you are looking for more things to do in West Virginia, the fascinating Palace of Gold in New Vrindaban is worth a day trip to see:
