Our region has a rich culture influenced by the forest and how the forest has been used. These maps showcase important cultural sites towns of cultural importance across the region.

Cass Scenic Railroad

Cass, WV

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is home to a early 20th century company town created during West Virginia’s logging boom. Cass tells the story of the relationship between logging and railroads; as well as company housing communities. The town was sold directly to the parks department, which allowed for the company houses, store, and company town municipal buildings to remain in their authentic state.

Today, a visitor can enjoy the company store, stay overnight in the company houses and ride the scenic railroad pulled by a Shay steam locomotive. This site exemplifies how daily life was shaped by the forest and gives visitors get a hands on experience of what it was like for the loggers who work and lived here.

Located in Pocahontas County, WV.

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

Seneca Rocks, WV

The silhouette of Seneca Rocks is romantically picturesque. It is an incredibly popular destination for hikers and rock climbers; but these rocks have been climbed for centuries.

At the base of these rocks is the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center open seasonally for travelers wanting to know more about the history of the area, including Native American use, the Sites Homestead frontier cabin and the West Virginia Maneuver Area.

Located in Pendleton County, WV.

C&O Canal National Historical Park and Canal Place Heritage Area

Cumberland, MD

Located at the historic terminus of the C&O canal in Cumberland, Canal Place is Maryland's first heritage area (gaining designation in 1993). This Heritage Area highlights Cumberland’s role in transportation with canal boat replica tours, scenic rail excursions, the Shops at Canal Place retail plaza,and  hiking/biking along the canal, and the joint visitor center about the history of the C&O Canal.

Located in Allegany County, MD.

Beverly Heritage Center

Beverly, WV

Historic buildings in the center of Beverly, West Virginia. You can visit the historic buildings and museum, get visitor information and browse the gift shop. Plan ahead to visit the Beverly Heritage Center during one of the special events or living history days. Historic Beverly will come alive with reenactments and costumed interpreters to enhance your visit.

Learn about the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, early settlement in Randolph County, Rich Mountain and the judicial system in 19th century West Virginia.

Located in Randolph County, WV.

North House Museum & Greenbrier Historical Society

Lewisburg, WV

The North House was built in 1820 by a prominent Greenbrier County Lawyer, John North, and has been an acting role in the scenery of Greenbrier County since then.

A visitor can go to the North House Museum to learn about the Civil War, Greenbrier County through the history of the United States, and early postal systems. The Museum is open to tour groups; but be sure to visit their Escape Room (reservations required). The Greenbrier Historical Society’s archives are also housed here.

Located in Greenbrier County, WV.

Augusta Heritage Center

Elkins, WV

Augusta Heritage Center is located on Davis & Elkins College and celebrate folklife and folk traditions of our region. They work to document and archive music, traditions, dance and folk arts from West Virginia and beyond.

Each summer, they hold week-long workshops where attendees can learn how to perform various styles of music, cook food, learn how to weave baskets, blacksmithing and come together to share their skills with one another. Their famous jam sessions are a must-see for music lovers and performers alike.

Located in Randolph County, WV.

Arthurdale Heritage Inc.

Arthurdale, WV

Arthurdale is the nation’s first New Deal Homestead Community. A personal project by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the community provided a new chance at life for residents of West Virginia who were suffering from the Great Depression.

Located in Preston County, WV.