Location: Charleston
Top Things to do in Charleston
Things to do in Charleston, West Virginia (WV): The Best Museums
Once a frontier town and home to Daniel Boone, today Charleston is the historic, sophisticated capital of West Virginia and home to a variety of exciting cultural and recreational attractions. The State Capitol, with its gleaming 23-karat gold dome and classic 20th-century architecture, is truly a sight to see. Most of the city's major landmarks are located right around the Capitol, making it easy to see everything. Wander around the meticulously landscaped grounds to view statues of historic figures like Stonewall Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. History and culture buffs will want to spend some time at the Cultural Center, which includes a state museum, reference and archive libraries, a theater and plays host to special events throughout the year. For those who prefer outdoor endeavors, more than a hundred miles of spectacular scenery await you on the Midland Trail scenic highway, also known as U.S. Route 60. Hop off at any point to do some antiquing, biking or hiking. The Kanahwa Forest offers more than 9,000 acres of exploration and recreation just south of town. Shopping, interesting attractions and plenty of outdoor fun make Charleston an ideal getaway.
Restaurants in Charleston
1. West Virginia State Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 396 reviews
Located in the Cultural Center, this interesting museum traces the history of West Virginia through a series of exhibits containing everything from an extensive collection of antique hats donated by a local school teacher to the telescope George Washington used to survey lands within the state.
Reviewed By ArwenElf - Rock Hill, United States
Free cultural museum with 26 Discovery Rooms that showcase West Virginia’s geology, prehistoric cultures, exploration and settlement, frontier conflicts and life...statehood, railroad, coal company town, mining,... the Great Depression, Civil Rights movement...transportation, fairs and festivals, cultural state collections and famous West Virginians. Very well done with extensive and interesting displays about West Virginia’s history and culture. Conveniently located next to the capital building.
2. Heritage Towers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Heritage Towers exhibits were created as a special tribute to a time honored African American tradition nationally celebrated as Black History Month. The theme of the exhibits “From Slavery to Statehood” is a series of galleries unfolding the story of West Virginia’s African American heritage.Our slogan and motto “Every month is Black History Month” is a commitment to preserve and promote diversity in West Virginia and beyond, through art, culture and history of black people.Keep the heritage alive
3. The Art Emporium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By WelltraveledWV - Charleston, United States
Great place, wonderful owner and superb service. Custom framing is special. The local art showcased is really nice.
4. Clay Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Opened in the summer of 2003, the Clay Center strives to present a variety of arts and sciences all under one roof. The Avampato Discovery Museum is two floors of fascinating interactive science exhibits, while the ElectricSky™ Theater features planetarium shows. In addition there are a large performance hall and a small black-box theater, an art museum, a fun museum shop, and a cafe. There's something interesting scheduled virtually every night here!
Reviewed By kielal2016 - Scott Depot, United States
My family comes here occasionally! My children really enjoy it! Their favorite part of the Clay Center is the water area! As a mother with two special need toddlers, this is a great place to come to allow kids to explore and learn in a safe and fun environment! The bottom floor has things for kids to learn about shopping, cars, and different type of careers! I highly recommend this place to families!
5. Avampato Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By rreishman - Charleston, United States
The exhibits are very entertaining and wonderful learning experiences. Plan a reasonable length of time as it is hard to drag the kids away. Go to the Water Works last as they mostly will get a little bit wet.
6. T-Rex Science Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
