Location: Elkins
Top Things to do in Elkins
- 1. Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center
- 2. American Mountain Theater
- 3. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
- 4. Elkins Depot Welcome Center
- 5. The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College
- 6. Allegheny Highlands Trail
- 7. Bickel Knob Observation Tower
- 8. Augusta Heritage Center
- 9. Cheat Summit Fort
- 10. Glendale Park
What to do and see in Elkins, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Elkins is a city in Randolph County, West Virginia, USA. The community was incorporated in 1890 and named in honor of Stephen Benton Elkins (1841–1911), a U.S. Senator from West Virginia. The population was 7,094 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Randolph County. Elkins is home to Davis and Elkins College and to the Mountain State Forest Festival, held in early October every year.
Restaurants in Elkins
1. Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
West Virginia's ONLY Branson-style dinner theatre. Featuring music from the 50's - to present day, Country, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Patriotic with family-friendly comedy. Other shows throughout the year are: Murder Mystery Dinners, Patriotic Tributes, Aloha From Elvis, Mountain Memories Christmas Show and Christmas With Elvis.
Reviewed By Bryan R - Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
I very much enjoyed the show at Gandy Dancer. The music and the performers were excellent. I especially enjoyed the tribute to the veterans in the audience. I will be back.
2. American Mountain Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
You’ll find one of the top West Virginia attractions at the American Mountain Theater in Elkins, West Virginia’s historic Rail Yard. Our live music shows are guaranteed to entertain guests of all ages and are entirely family-friendly. Our various performances include our two regular season music & comedy variety shows, our spectacular Christmas concerts, and our special Southern Gospel and Bluegrass concert series.So, if you’re looking for things to do in West Virginia, look no further! We can even help you plan your West Virginia vacation. Our friendly staff of packaging specialists have a number of itineraries ready to choose from, or they can help you customize your perfect WV trip. Pair AMT’s “Freshest Sound in the Mountains” with a scenic train ride, lodging, and unique dining experiences and you have the perfect mountain getaway.
Reviewed By Vanessa L
Our family visits AMT several times per year. Each summer the Southern Gospel Concert Series are a highlight for us. We recently experienced the premier evening show with newer cast members and music director. Though the faces and voices are different, the quality of the show remains. Multi talented musicians and rising young vocalists pour their hearts into their craft. We look forward to seeing the growth of Nathan and Aaron as they find their niche with confidence. This particular show has a bit too many old country songs for my taste - would prefer more variety within the music genres to showcase performers range. "Unchained Melody" is a difficult song to perform and unfortunately, Nathan's rendition was not complementary to his potential. Although Jamalyn has an incredible voice, her cover of "I Will Always Love You' would be better if she sang Dolly Parton's version rather than that of the incomparable Whitney Houston. These criticisms aside, AMT provides solid family entertainment. The Christmas Show is a holiday tradition for us. We are excited to see this year's production with the new ensemble.
3. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, this 10,215-acre area is one of the few wilderness areas on the East Coast.
Reviewed By TravelerTP - Manassas, VA
It was a bumpy ride getting to Dolly Sods, down a slightly narrow, gravel road. There were ample trails all over the place, but I didn't do any hiking. I did take advantage of the scenic overlooks though. The middle overlook is gorgeous. It's just off of the parking area, down a short, rocky path. However, the view is more than worth it. It was stunning, overlooking the valley below. The fall foliage displayed an array of colors and the large rocks along the overlook gave a nice place to sit and enjoy the serenity of the scene. The furthest overlook (Bear Rocks Overlook) was not the prettiest at this time of year, but it was still obvious that in other seasons, it would be stunning.
4. Elkins Depot Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
The Elkins Depot Welcome Center is located in the heart of downtown Elkins. A friendly staff of volunteers are available to answer questions about the area and there are a variety of brochures that describe local attractions. The Welcome Center's schedule is as follows: January-March Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm April-October 7 days a week 9am-5pm November-December Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Reviewed By Ben_Theretoo406 - Chevy Chase, Maryland
It seems that no matter what the primary reason you have traveled to Elkins, you might well stop at the Depot and Welcome Center. Train tickets, souvenirs, or simply travel advice, it’s all right here for you. The building, as you have probably already guessed,...MoreThank you for this well-written review! If you're ever back in the area, come see us again! :)
5. The Stirrup Gallery of Davis & Elkins College
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
The Stirrup Gallery is home to nine of Davis & Elkins College's private collections- all on display for free for anyone to see. In our Gallery we show the Darby Collection, and incredible amount of artifacts gathered from a man who never left Elkins, West Virginia. It hosts a large display of guns documented from the 1600's on, and one that is documented from Custers Last Stand. The Gallery hosts one of the top private collection of Powder Horns in the country- one that was looked at by the Smithsonian itself. we also show a large collection of authentic Native American pottery and artifacts that included thousands of arrowheads of different types of lithics. One of our biggest attractions is our private collection of Roman Coins, which houses coins solely from Emperor Trajan's reign- over 1,900 years ago! We are also pleased to announce our newest collection- the Jerry Reckling Collection! It is home to over 300 Pleisocene-Epoch fossils including two different species of mammoth jaws and teeth, Mastodon teeth, and several species of ancient Mega Fauna! Please come visit when you are in the area, and we promise to give you the experience of a life time, where everyone can leave saying that they have held a Mammoth tooth!
Reviewed By ajayhawkfan - Kansas City, MO
I was traveling though WV and while checking out the city's depot saw a brochure to the museum. I had some extra time so went to the college to visit the museum. I'm so glad I did. The museum has something for everyone, Roman coins to fossils, American Indian artifacts to African art, from American Revolution firearms to historic household items.
The staff is very friendly and there to help answer questions.
I would put this museum on a must visit list if ever in the area. I'm so glad I visited.
6. Allegheny Highlands Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Paul S - Marion
The Allegheny Highlands Trail can be be a trip as long or as short as you want. You can simply stretch your legs for a few minutes at Elkins or Parsons or you can take a couple days to bike the entire Allegheny Highlands Trail/Blackwater Canyon trail all the way to Thomas. If you are in the area but didn't BYOB (bring your own bike- what did you think?) The Canaan Valley Resort just over a half hour from Hendricks rents mountain bikes. We did not see a single person or critter on the trail on a cold April weekend the entire way from Elkins to Parsons. Did not attempt segment to Thomas which would involve a climb of more than a thousand feet. Would be fun to do that as a downhill in the summer.
7. Bickel Knob Observation Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By TravelerTP - Manassas, VA
I am scared of heights, though, not too bad. Often I can overcome it if I want to do something. However, this one was really open - between the steps, through the steps, even the platforms gap between the slats. I couldn't do it. It's a peaceful drive along a small gravel road, though it took 2 tries to find the road in the first place. I suspect the view was nice, but I didn't get to see it.
8. Augusta Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Part of Davis and Elkins College, the center offers a variety of seminars ranging from music to cooking to Appalachian and African-American cultures.
Reviewed By DonnaDAF - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Every summer, the Augusta Heritage Center on the campus of Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV, hosts five weeks of classes, concerts, and dances. The week-long music programs typically include a focus on blues, swing, bluegrass, blues, Cajun, and vocal traditions as well as a variety of craft classes. Classes are taught by master artists from around the country. Music classes are available for all levels from beginners through advanced players. Evening concerts and dances are open to the public, so visitors to the area can experience some of the finest traditional/roots artists. Informal jams around the campus in the evenings. Campus housing for students, but can also stay off campus. For many, participating in an Augusta week is a life-changing experience as they develop (or refresh) skills, make new friends and reunite with old ones, and become part of the community. Note: Campus is hilly and not very handicapped-friendly -- but don't let that stop you, you'll be surrounded by folks ready to help you if needed.
9. Cheat Summit Fort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By civilwarguy - Walden, Tenn
Cheat Summit Fort is run by the USFS and is on a passable gravel road, the old Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. Earthworks and a few interpretive signs remind visitors of the Union fortress in this howling wilderness of 1861-62. Should be seen in conjunction with Camp Allegheny and Bartow,
10. Glendale Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Glendale Park is the newest park to the Elkins area.The serenity of the park makes it a unique area for people to come and enjoy open space in the middle of town. It is not uncommon to see a variety of wildlife. Glendale Park consists of 36 acres of river bottom land, with a walking trail around the perimeter of the park. Park also consists of football and soccer fields, and four picnic tables.
Reviewed By Taira L
I love this park. I can go 5 minutes from downtown and enjoy the serenity of nature. The park has a nature walking trail that connects to Riverbend park on the other side of the river. Enjoy the wildlife and the calmness of this outdoor recreation spot.
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