Roadside Attractions in West Virginia

Worth the detour in West Virginia

The Mystery Hole

Ansted, West Virginia

A classic gravity-defying roadside wonder, this quirky spot challenges your sense of balance and reality. Visitors experience tilted rooms where water appears to flow uphill and people stand at impossible angles. It's a delightfully kitschy slice of Appalachian pop culture complete with a crashed VW Beetle out front.

Flatwoods Monster Museum

Flatwoods, West Virginia

This quirky museum is dedicated to the legendary 1952 sighting of the Braxton County Monster, a ten-foot-tall extraterrestrial. It houses an eclectic collection of memorabilia, vintage monster lanterns, and historical archives. Best of all, it shares space with the local visitor center, making it a perfect quick stop.

Prabhupada's Palace of Gold

Moundsville, West Virginia

Tucked away in the Appalachian hills, this ornate palace is an unexpected Hare Krishna shrine adorned with gold leaf, stained glass, and exquisite marble. Built entirely by devotees in the 1970s, it features stunning manicured gardens and panoramic mountain views. It's often dubbed America's Taj Mahal.

Mothman Statue

Point Pleasant, West Virginia

This gleaming, 12-foot-tall metallic sculpture depicts Point Pleasant's most famous and elusive resident, complete with massive wings and striking red eyes. Created by artist Bob Roach, it stands in the center of town as a tribute to the legendary cryptid sightings of 1966 and 1967. It is a must-stop photo opportunity, particularly for those looking to snap a picture with its famously shiny, highly polished posterior.

Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park

Princeton, WV

This hauntingly beautiful abandoned amusement park is built on a dark history of tragic accidents and ancient burial grounds. Today, history buffs and paranormal investigators explore the rusted remains of its iconic swing set and Ferris wheel. It is widely considered one of the most haunted places in America.

The Mystery Hole

Ansted, West Virginia

This classic Appalachian roadside oddity challenges gravity with mind-bending optical illusions where water flows uphill and chairs cling to walls. Established in 1973, its quirky exterior is instantly recognizable by the vintage VW Beetle crashed into its side. It's a delightfully retro, interactive experience that will leave you both laughing and dizzy.

Browse by town in West Virginia

The busiest town here is Ansted (2). Every listing has photos, opening hours, admission and directions, and the directory grows whenever somebody searches for a stop that isn't in it yet.