In search of the best and most fun things to do in Elkins, WV?
Incorporated in 1890, Elkins is is a city located in West Virginia in Randolph County, United States.
Elkins was named after a U.S Senator, Stephen Benton Elkins, who hailed from West Virginia. According to the 2020 census, it is estimated to have a population of over seventy thousand.
This glamorous city takes pride in its cultural heritage and fascinating history, showcasing its various traditional dances, music, and historical artifacts.
There are many amazing places to visit, such as Elkins Depot Welcome Center, Bickle Knob Observation Tower, Monongahela National Forest, the Elkins City Park, the Augusta Heritage Festival, Cheat Summit Fort, Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, and more.
Elkins is a highly tourist-friendly city, you will certainly love to visit. Are you planning a trip to Elkins soon? Here are the top things to do in Elkins, WV.
Things to Do in Elkins
1. Visit Halliehurst Mansion
Halliehurst Mansion
A perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Elkins, WV is a visit to the Halliehurst Mansion, located on the Davis & Elkins College.
Halliehurst Mansion is popularly referred to as Senator Stephen B. Elkins House, built in a Victorian-inspired style.
This beautiful three-story building built in 1890 as a 16, 000 Square feet structure currently used as the college’s administrative headquarters.
Halliehurst Mansion was fully refurbished to retain its glamorous beauty consisting of the Admission office and the office of the President.
The first floor in the mansion is also available for different events, including weddings, even though it is used as administrative offices.
Address: 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
2. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is a nature preserve that offers tourists many opportunities to go outside and have fun.
Nestled in the Monongahela National Forest, it is a popular place for adventure-seekers and those seeking a perfect gate-away.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area features trails of more than forty-five miles with several limitations due to its conservancy significance.
You can decide to go hunting, fishing, biking, climbing, and camping, though you will be offered rules and regulations to follow.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area also features several picnic areas ideal for picnicking with your family and friends while you take in the tranquility of the atmosphere.
Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
3. The Elkins City Park
The Elkins City Park is one of the oldest parks in Elkins, which has been in existence for more than a century and has become part of the people’s family memories.
This park was established by Henry Gassaway in 1893, who was a senator during that era, with the main aim of creating a place for people to have fun while also engaging in various local activities.
The Elkins City Park is a nine-acre park with many amenities available to everyone who wants to spend time with their loved ones.
The city consists of a basketball court and a well-equipped playground packed with various play equipment perfect for children of different ages.
The Elkins City Park features many picnic shelters, a horseshoe pit, and pavilions where you can enjoy a meal with your pals.
This park is the venue for many popular events in the community, including the Augusta Festival, Forest Festival, and more. Make sure you take beautiful pictures with your family and friends with one of the oak trees that has existed for a century.
Address: Elkins, WV 26241, United States
4. Elkins Depot Welcome Center
Elkins Depot Welcome Center
One of the top things to do in Elkins, WV is a visit to Elkins Depot Welcome Center before exploring the city
Elkins Depot Welcome Center offers you tons of information about the city, including everything you need to know about the people.
The center was constructed in 1908, and up to date, it is actively used by the Durban & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
Elkins Depot Welcome Center showcases an impressive collection of artifacts relating to the early settlers in Elkins and the railroad.
You can tour the facility, check out the displayed exhibits and ask the curators all the questions you may have.
Address: 315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
5. Randolph County Community Arts Center
Randolph County Community Arts Center
The citizens generally know Randolph County Community Arts Center of Elkins as the Arts Center and a lovely place for art fans.
The Art Center provides a friendly space specifically to educate and inspire the public on the importance of art.
Randolph County Community Arts Center is home to an impressive collection of artworks made by local artists.
This center also organizes a series of concerts held monthly featuring talented regional and national musicians.
Please make sure you check their calendar before visiting, so you can find out the programs, concerts, and exhibits available.
Address: Two Park Street, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
6. Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind museum that showcases permanent and temporary exhibits about the Appalachian Forest.
This museum serves as an eye-opener to lots of facts we probably didn’t know about, and it is located just close to the Elkins Depot.
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center enlightens the visitors during the lessons and exhibits set up on forest culture, forest history, natural forest, and forest.
The center educates the visitors about the importance of the forest and how it helped to develop the communities surrounding it.
Appalachian Forest Discovery Center is open to everyone free of charge as an effective way of encouraging the public to come in and explore the exhibits.
Address: 1 S Railroad Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
7. Allegheny Highlands Trail
Are you ready for some outdoor adventure? Add a visit to Allegheny Highlands Trail to your list of fun things to do in Elkins, WV.
Allegheny Highlands Trail connects you to numerous small towns surrounding it, which contributes to its picturesque scenery.
This is a 24.5 mile trail that leads to the ancient West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway, established in the year 1884.
Allegheny Highlands Trail is excellent for hiking and biking, and a larger part of the trail is well-paved while the rest is rough and rocky.
Camping on the trail is allowed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the trail’s managers; make sure you visit.
Address: Elkins, WV 26241 United States
8. Augusta Heritage Center
Augusta Heritage Center
Augusta Heritage Center was established to promote and showcase the heritage of art and enlighten the public about it.
The center offers different programs, classes, events, and workshops open all year round to everyone, both visitors and residents.
Augusta Heritage Center organizes the popular “Pickin in the Park” event in Elkins City Park every week, usually in the evening.
The center also offers workshops open to anyone who wants to learn more about heritage arts, with bluegrass jam sessions held during winter.
Address: 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
9. The Augusta Heritage Festival
Attending the Augusta Heritage Festival is one of the best fun things to do in Elkins, WV and an event you shouldn’t miss whenever you visit the city.
This festival is held annually at the Elkins City Park with a large display of cultural dances, arts, and music.
The Augusta Heritage Festival attracts hundreds of locals and visitors from different parts of the state and country.
The festival allows the people to participate fully in various activities, including traditional music and dance presentations.
The Augusta Heritage Festival also offers workshops, craft presentations, music jam sessions, and more.
This event is organized to promote and showcase the city’s beautiful cultural heritage and ways of life.
10. Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest consists of more than twenty-five campgrounds scattered throughout the region.
This National forest stretches to more than one thousand, four hundred miles which the government of the nation intensively safeguards.
Monongahela National Forest is the only spot in the state that allows you to get a hold of the biodiversity due to the proximity of its climate to the Northern Territories.
The various campgrounds are convenient for camping with the entire family featuring the necessary amenities needed.
Monongahela National Forest is also an excellent place for fishing, with over eighty-seven species of fish and hunting.
Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
11. The Elkins Farmers Market
Looking for a place to go grocery shopping? Shopping at the Elkins Farmers Market should be on your list of things to do in Elkins, WV.
The Elkins Farmers Market is filled with several dealers from different parts of the city offering different kinds of products.
They offer a wide variety of meats, freshly baked goods, dairy items, craft works, and fresh farm produce, including vegetables and fruits.
The Elkins Farmers Market opened in 1975 to offer patrons the best and highest quality products through its dynamic assemblage of merchants.
This market is a seasonal market, usually from May to October on Saturdays, and there are beautiful souvenirs and gifts to buy for yourself or your family.
The Elkins Farmers Market provides an outlet for small local businesses to thrive and grow as they bring and display their various products for patrons to purchase.
Address: 315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV, 26241 United States
12. The Forks Inn
The Forks Inn
Are you looking for a casual and elegant place to stay? Booking a room at the Forks Inn is one of the best things to do in Elkins, WV.
The Forks Inn is a family-owned and operated lodge founded by the Stalnaker family featuring five stunning rooms.
Each room is nicely decorated and fully equipped with a microwave, sofas, Serta mattress, flat-screen TV, and mini-fridge.
The rooms are well organized, ventilated, and always kept clean; they offer you more than a home away from home treat.
The Forks Inn offers a chance to go outdoors and get a feel of the Kelly Mountain; it also features a dining room and full bar.
Their dining room offers delectable food prepared using Appalachian-American seasonings with quality and fresh ingredients, offering an appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert.
The Forks Inn’s full-service bar offers delightful cocktails and other flavorful drinks you will surely love to try out; make sure to make reservations before visiting.
Address: Kelly Mountain Road, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
13. The Old Brick Playhouse
Old Brick Playhouse
The Old Brick Playhouse is ideal for families with young children, and it has become part of the Elkins after being consistent for almost thirty years now.
This innovative center offers children from as low as five to twenty years a wide variety of programs during the summer and after school.
The Old Brick Playhouse composes a play featuring the children as the actors with lots of concentration on issues relating to students.
The plays enlighten the children on drug abuse, cyberbullying, solutions to conflicts, cultural involvement, and more.
The Old Brick Playhouse guides the students through its educational programs to concentrate more on studying and self-esteem.
Address: 329 Davis Avenue #4, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
14. Smoke of the Water BBQ
Smoke of the Water BBQ
One of the best things to do in Elkins, WV with your friends and family is dining at Smoke of the Water BBQ for an amazing experience.
Smoke of the Water BBQ was established in 2011 to provide patrons with a special indoor and outdoor dining experience.
The restaurant serves the best southern barbecue in the city, prepared with a unique blend of spices and locally sourced ingredients.
The moment you step into the restaurant, you will be welcomed by the pleasant aroma from the onsite kitchen.
Smoke of the Water BBQ offers a comprehensive food menu featuring salmon sweet potato poutine, ribeye, burger, crab stuffed trout, smoked shrimp, crab cakes, seafood melange, bog hog burrito, and more.
The restaurant is open from Thursday to Saturday from 11am-9pm, and Sunday from 11am-8pm (closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday).
Smoke of the Water BBQ also offers you nice beverages to match up with the delicious meals served and the fantastic customer service.
Address: 1455 Allegheny Highway, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
15. Stirrup Gallery
Stirrup Gallery
If you’re looking for a casual place to visit, add a stop to Stirrup Gallery to your list of top things to do in Elkins, WV, it is located on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.
Stirrup Gallery was founded in 2013 to collect and showcase the Darby Collection of Native American pieces.
The gallery displays a large collection of visionary items such as artifacts, art pieces, and specimens dating back to the early days.
Stirrup Gallery houses the most extensive collection of exhibits talking about North America’s history and its people’s lifestyle.
There are numerous exhibits to browse through, including a collection of more than eight hundred Native American Pottery and more.
Stirrup Gallery is open to tourists and residents, allowing them to view and appreciate the beautiful items displayed.
Address: 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
16. Bickle Knob Observation Tower
Bickle Knob Observation Tower
This observation tower was a one-time fire tower for the National forest of Monongahela before it was replaced by Bickle Knob, also consisting of an observation deck.
The Bickle Knob Observation Tower is much more accessible during the summer, although it is not handicap accessible.
The peak point of the tower offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including the Monongahela national forest.
The Bickle Knob Observation Tower features a staircase characterized by its unique four flights with breathtaking views offered at the top of the tower.
Address: Forest Road 91, Elkins, WV, 26241, United States
17. Gov. H. Guy Kump House
Gov. H. Guy Kump House
If you have an interest in enrolling for educational programs, add a visit to Gov. H. Guy Kump House to your list of things to do in Elkins, WV.
Gov. H. Guy Kump House was erected in 1924 and was once the home of Herman G, Kump, former governor of West Virginia.
In 1986, Gov. H. Guy Kump House was added to the National Register of Historic Places; after Herman G. Jump died, the community decided to take over the house.
Gov. H. Guy Kump House now functions as the Kump Education Center dedicated to preserving the history of the city of Elkins.
The center offers programs focusing on forming a garden, fun facts about bees, and water regulation in wetlands.
Kump Education Center joins with teachers to educate them on mentorship, education discussions, and professional improvement.
Address: 401 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 United States
18. El Gran Sabor
El Gran Sabor
El Gran Sabor is a fantastic restaurant that serves delicious meals in Elkins, and it is a popular destination for food lovers.
The restaurant offers an impressive food menu focusing on Venezuelan cuisine with a touch of other countries like Mexican, the Caribbean, and more.
El Gran Sabor offers a wide variety of deliciously prepared meals all year round with an amazing live music performance.
The restaurant provides a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meal coupled with a clean environment.
El Gran Sabor serves taco salad, chimichanga, chile relleno, burritos, coban quesadilla, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, nachos with beans, cachapa, vegetarian squash soup, coconut shrimp, and more.
They also offer delicious beverages to match the drinks, such as fresh unsweetened ice tea, Colombian coffee, and sprite.
The great services offered by the staff is one thing that makes El Gran Sabor stand out from some of its competitors.
Address: 413 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
19. Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar
Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar
Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar is a fantastic place to hang out and chill with your friends in Elkins and be sure to have an amazing experience.
The restaurant can accommodate up to one hundred and sixty-five customers at once, offering them a lively atmosphere to meet and interact.
Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar offers patrons a nice food menu in the dining room, which is beautifully designed and highly comfortable.
The restaurant serves meals like Vintage Gourmet Burger, Roasted Veggie & Hummus Wrap, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Grilled Caesar Salad, Cucumber Onion Tomato Marinated Salad, Balsamic Garlic Grilled Portabella, Vintage Tender Cut Medallions, and more.
The Wine Bar with cozy with comfortable leather chairs, large flat-screen TVs, and a fireplace where the guests can watch live matches and enjoy their drinks.
Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar staff is friendly and helpful, always attentive when attending to the guests making sure they are well satisfied.
Address: 25 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
20. Cheat Summit Fort
Cheat Summit Fort
This fort played a vital role in preventing Lee’s troops from commandeering over West Virginia, and during the war, it is said to use telegraphs.
Cheat Summit Fort is recorded as a National Historic Landmark and still features the distinctive earthworks.
It is reported that the ineptitude of the Confederacy in September, 1861 to take over the fort was fundamental to the failed Western Virginia Campaign of Robert. E. Lee’s.
The military men from Cheat Summit Fort invaded the Allegheny camp in December, 1861 but were overpowered and chased back.
Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
21. Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern
Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern
Are you in the mood for some celebrations or simply want to enjoy a meal? Add a visit to Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern to your list of fun things to do in Elkins, WV.
Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring there is something for everyone.
The restaurant and its tavern are uniquely designed with beautiful designs and comfortable chairs, attracting many locals and visitors.
Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern’s food menu includes Buffalo chicken salad, the ragin cajun, nachos, spaghetti, Bacon Cheddar Fries, Patty Melt, Philly Cheese Steak, Fried Pickle Spears, Hamburger, and many more.
This is one of the best taverns in the city that offers nothing but cocktails and locally crafted brews with utmost tranquility.
Beander’s Restaurant and Tavern also offers catering services for special occasions like birthday parties, weddings, reunions, community gatherings, and more.
Address: 314 Davis Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
22. Talbott Frame Shop
Do you want to shop for unique gifts for a loved one? Add a visit to Talbott Frame Shop to your list of things to do in Elkins.
Talbott Frame Shop offers fantastic frame crafting services to suit your preferences; however you want it, it will be made for you.
The shop contributes to the community’s local economy since only local woods are used in making beautiful craft works.
Talbott Frame Shop also offers repair services using local woods to repair frames works and make them as good as new.
The shop offers you different kinds of artwork and wooden craft works which can serve as souvenirs or gifts to yourself or loved ones.
Talbott Frame Shop is open every week from Tuesday to Saturday except on Monday and Sundays; come in and shop or repair your beautiful frames.
Address: 220 Third Street, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
23. Big Timber Brewing Company
Big Timber Brewing Company is a must-visit for every beer lover in Elkins, being an exceptional microbrewery that offers the best craft beers
The company features a relaxed taproom where visitors try out a wide variety of craft beers with unique tastes and quality.
Big Timber Brewing Company is beautifully designed, with its walls decorated with old pictures about the history of Elkins.
The company offers drinks like chocolate coffee balanced, familiar fresh piney, bold juicy deceptive, local lemondrop earthy, noble crisp dry, and more.
Big Timber Brewing Company hosts several cultural musical events performed by talented local artists.
The brewery is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 4-10pm, Friday & Saturday from 12-10pm, and Sunday from 4-8pm.
Address: 1210 S Davis Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, United States
24. Elkins Bowling Recreation Center
Enjoy a unique bowling experience when you visit the Elkins Bowling Recreation Center. It is an excellent place to visit to enjoy bowling with your loved ones and friends.
Elkins Bowling Recreation Center is open all through the week. They are usually available for bowling from Monday through Friday in the evening hours of the day. From Friday through Sunday, you can enjoy bowling in the afternoon and evening hours of the day.
This place is family-friendly and features lanes that can be used by people who want to be part of their league or intend to enjoy bowling.
On weekends, bowling at this place is always fun as special lighting is added, including lasers and music in the background, to give a much better experience. If bowling is not a thing for you, you can explore their arcade and pool games and get something to eat.
Address: Country Club Rd, Elkins, WV 26241, USA
25. Glendale Park
There are plenty of exciting things to do at Glendale Park. This park is very peaceful and ideal for visiting if you enjoy solitude.
It is one of the newest parks in the city with large land size. The park has many recreational features, including a natural area for exercising, multipurpose fields, a skateboard park, and high-quality playground equipment.
The Park encompasses 36 acres of land and is available year-round. During the winter season, a popular activity to do in the garden is cross-country skiing.
In summer, fun activities in Glendale Park include playing frisbees, picnicking, and flying kites. There is a footbridge across above the Tygart River that links Glendale Park to Riverbend Park. Glendale Park is gone for the building of the EPRC.
Address: 405 Glendale Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, USA
Check out more cities in West Virginia, here is a guide on things to do in Beckley, and fun things to do Morgantown in for a fun time
Plan a Trip to Elkins
Elkins features a whole lot of exciting attractions which suit the tastes of different categories of tourists ranging from outdoor recreation, history, entertainment, educational programs, and more.
For your next vacation destination, head towards the beautiful city of Elkins. Start planning your trip to Elkins..