Most kids love animals, and If you are looking for a place to bring the kids for an unforgettable experience, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is the way to go. It’s enjoyable for the whole family, but has many activities catered specifically to children.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center, located 12 miles south of Buckhannon on State Route 20, is a sanctuary for several species of wild animals.
The 1.25 mile trail is wheelchair accessible and will lead you past enclosures that will allow you to observe many species of animals in a natural setting.
Some of the animals you can see here include black bears, elk, buffalo, geese, foxes, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, wild boar, deer, owls, eagles, hawks, falcons and other smaller animals, such as otters and snakes.
The animal enclosures are not simulated areas intended to replicate their environment, like some zoos, but enclosures of their natural habitats to engender more natural behavior.
Each of the enclosures have plaques that educate you on the animals inside. There are also picnic areas and an adjacent pond stocked with trout, bass, catfish and bluegill if you are in the mood to spend some time fishing. There's even a gift shop so you can take home a souvenir of your adventure.
Additionally, there are several outdoor activities designed specifically for kids. Some unique opportunities allow kids to get up close to certain animals, such as jellyfish, chipmunks, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, spotted turtles and wood frogs.
