All open air museums to visit in West Virginia

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in West Virginia. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in West Virginia:

  1. Heritage Farm Museum and Village1

    Heritage Farm Museum and Village

     Huntington, WV
    Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an open-air living history museum located in Huntington, West Virginia. The museum's primary focus is on the history and culture of the Appalachian region. It provides an immersive experience into the past, offering a unique perspective on the way of life in Appalachia.
  2. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park2

    Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

     Cass, WV
    Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located in Cass, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, the park is home to a heritage railroad that offers a glimpse into the past. The park's location in the heart of West Virginia's stunning landscape makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
  3. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park3

    Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

     Hillsboro, WV
    Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a state park situated on Droop Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This park is a significant historical site as it was the location of the last major battle of the American Civil War in the state, which took place on November 6, 1863. It offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of American history in a beautiful natural setting.
  4. Watters Smith Memorial State Park4

    Watters Smith Memorial State Park

     Lost Creek, WV
    Watters Smith Memorial State Park, located in Harrison County, West Virginia, is a national historic district and historical park spread over 532 acres. The park features a pioneer homestead and a museum, offering a glimpse into the past. It serves as a memorial to the settler Watters Smith, who moved to Harrison County in 1796.
  5. Chief Logan State Park5

    Chief Logan State Park

     Logan, WV
    Every summer, the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park becomes a stage for outdoor dramas. One of the highlights is the historical drama 'The Aracoma Story', which tells the tale of Shawnee tribal members who once lived in the area where the town of Logan now stands.
  6. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park6

    Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

     Summersville, WV
    Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is a significant site of the American Civil War, commemorating the Battle of Carnifex Ferry. The park is situated on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, close to the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia. This location offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  7. Cedar Creek State Park7

    Cedar Creek State Park

     Glenville, WV
    Cedar Creek State Park is a vast expanse of natural beauty, spanning 2,588 acres along Cedar Creek in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It is conveniently located about 4 miles south of Glenville, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  8. 8

    Fort New Salem

     Salem, WV
    Fort New Salem is a historical frontier settlement located in Salem, Harrison County, West Virginia. It is situated adjacent to Salem International University. The settlement is made up of nineteenth-century log structures, providing a glimpse into the past and the way of life during that period.