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10 Top Rated Things to Do in Charleston, West Virginia

West Virginia State Capitol
Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, via Wikimedia Commons

West Virginia State Capitol

#1 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Facing the Kanawha River, West Virginia State Capitol has buff limestone structure designed by architect Cass Gilbert. With 292 feet high dome, the State Capitol is the tallest building in West Virginia. The grounds include statue of Abraham Lincoln and Stonewall Jackson. The complex also include historic Holly Grove Mansion and the West Virginia Governor's Mansion. State Capitol tours and tours of the Governor's Mansion are available.


Clay Center
Photograph by Analogue Kid, via Wikimedia Commons

Clay Center

#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences houses performing arts, visual arts and sciences. The facility is home to the Avampato Discovery Museum, Caperton Planetarium and Theater, Juliet Art Museum and Maier Foundation Performance Hall. The Juliet Art Museum hosts traveling exhibits from artists and museums nation wide. The Avampato Discovery Museum houses three floors of hands-on discovery exhibits.

Hours & Admission

West Virginia State Museum
Photograph by wvstatemuseumed.wv.gov

West Virginia State Museum

#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305

Phone: (304) 558-0220

Website: http://www.wvculture.org/


Capitol Street
Photograph by Analogue Kid, via Wikimedia Commons

Capitol Street

#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301


Haddad Riverfront Park
Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Haddad Riverfront Park

#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25301

Phone: 304-348-6860


West Virginia Governor's Mansion
Photograph by Enrichyourmind, via Wikimedia Commons

West Virginia Governor's Mansion

#4 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

West Virginia Governor's Mansion is the historic residence of the Governor of West Virginia. Located near Kanawha River, the building is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex. Built in 1925, the building has a red brick exterior and columned portico entrance. The first floor of the mansion includes the drawing room, ballroom, state dining room, library, and a sitting room. The second floor houses the governor's and his family rooms with additional rooms on the third floor. The mansion features 30 rooms and walled gardens.


Craik-Patton House
Photograph by Pubdog, via Wikimedia Commons

Craik-Patton House

#5 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Craik-Patton House is a historic home built by James Craik and his wife. The 1834 Greek Revival style house features four massive columns. There are several other attractions related to families of the Charleston region. Most notably among these are the Ruffner Log House which is located on the museum property. Tour of the house and museum last about 45 minutes and it is free to public.

Hours & Admission

Kanawha State Forest
Photograph by Andrew Springer, via Wikimedia Commons

Kanawha State Forest

#7 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Charleston

Address: 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV 25314

Phone: (304) 558-3500

Website: http://www.kanawhastateforest.com/


Charleston Museums

  1. Clay Center
  2. West Virginia State Museum

Charleston Parks

  1. Haddad Riverfront Park