Local Attractions
International Mother's Day Shrine
The small railroading town of Grafton was the birthplace of Mother's Day, founded by Miss Anna Jarvis in honor of her mother. The first observed Mother's Day was May 10, 1908 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. This historic building erected in 1873, is situated at 11 E. Main Street, and now serves as a monument/museum to Mother's Day, and is a registered historic landmark. Open May - October, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Group tours are welcome with advanced arrangement. To schedule a tour or request further information call 304-265-1589.
Annual Memorial Day Parade
The Grafton Memorial Day parade is the longest annual ongoing Memorial Day observance in the country. Participants, including numerous Taylor County school children carrying flowers and small American flags, march from the business district of Grafton to the National Cemetery. Grafton, WV. https://www.wvmemorialday.com/
Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum
Birthplace of the Founder of Mother’s Day, this house was the first field headquarters of General George McClellan. The house serves as a museum to Anna Jarvis with one room devoted to McClellan memorabilia. The house became a focal point of the Civil War when General George B. McClellan used it as his headquarters, and his troops were encamped across the road in what is now Ocean Pearl Felton Historic Park. Webster was an important depot for both troops and supplies, at that time.
Tygart Lake Golf Course
The 18-hole "Tygart Lake" course at the Tygart Lake Public Golf Course facility in Grafton, West Virginia features 6,255 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 69.8 and it has a slope rating of 123 on Blue grass. Tygart Lake Club House features a full bar with an extensive beer menu, the Sandwedge snack bar where a variety of different customized food and beverage menu options are available, and a Proshop featuring Tygart Lake Golf Course Mechandise.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
With 160 rooms, 23 cabins, and 34 campsites, our resort provides lodging for any occasion. Perfect your swing on our championship golf course, swim in our outdoor and indoor pools, or ski down our 47 slopes and trails. No matter the season, you'll find no shortage of family-friendly activities. You'll also find state-of-the-art conference and event spaces, on-site restaurants, and a fully-equipped fitness center. We have everything you need for the ultimate resort experience. In addition to the fort, the park also has an awesome visitors center, numerous events and activities, a boat launch, birding observation deck and is the trail head for the Mon River Trail. Canaan Valley Resort State Park website
Audra State Park
Audra State Park is a natural beauty. This state park located in Barbour and a portion of Upshur counties, features camping, hiking, picnicking, and river swimming. There is a centrally located playground that includes a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. The campground is seasonal in operation. Audra State Park website includes park map, rates, and greater detail. Call Audra State Park for more information. Audra State Park website
Historical B&O Railroad
Due to the importance of the B&O Railroad for the movement of troops and supplies, Grafton was a strategic point during the early stages of the Civil War and both sides tried to control it. Although most residents sided with the Union, people of Grafton and this area were divided. Union supporters joined the Grafton Guards and southern supporters joined the Confederate Letcher's Guard. On the evening of May 22, 1861, the two forces had a small scuffle in the town of Fetterman, which is now a part of Grafton, that resulted in the death of Thornsberry Bailey Brown who was the first soldier killed in the Civil War. His body now lies in the Grafton National Cemetery, one of two National Cemeteries in Grafton, and the only National Cemeteries in West Virginia. The Confederate forces were pushed south of Grafton under General B.J. Kelley and General George McClellan to Philippi where Mr. Kelley's forces defeated the Confederates under Colonel George A. Porterfield on June 3, 1861. Although the Union controlled the B&O terminal in Grafton, the Confederates often raided the area to disrupt its importance.
Grafton
The settlement of Grafton was part of a rapid movement west to the new frontier in the early to mid-1700's. The Current family, one of Grafton's first residents, were late seventeenth-century Irish immigrants who entered the continent by the way of Maryland. When James Current traded a horse for 1300 acres of virgin land in Virginia, it was situated where the city of Grafton is today. His first act was to hire a surveyor from the eastern part of Virginia to stake his property. This was a young man who was only 19 years old and started surveying for fees at the age of 15. He had previously made a survey of western Virginia. His name was George Washington. James Current fought for America's Independence against the British and died August 15, 1822 at the age of 92 and his wife, Margaret, died in 1830 at the age of 93. Their bodies were interred in the cemetery on their plantation which today is a part of the city of Grafton and known as "Bluemont Cemetery," the only Revolutionary War Soldier buried in this municipal cemetery.
Coopers Rock State Park
Located less than 15 miles from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest offers a multitude of activities. Picnicking, fishing, camping, and more than fifty miles of hiking and biking trails wind throughout the woods of the wild and wonderful. Licensed hunting and fishing is permitted and a six-acre pond, full of trout, is located on the north side of the forest. The main overlook gives way to beautiful views of the Cheat River Gorge and the nearby trading post is open from May through October. The campground has twenty-five sites complete with electric hook ups, perfect for tents or smaller RVs. In addition to the fort, the park also has an awesome visitors center, numerous events and activities, a boat launch, birding observation deck and is the trail head for the Mon River Trail. Coopers Rock State Park website
Cool Springs Park and Restaurant
Open year round as a restaurant, general store and gift shop. The restaurant serves Buckwheat cakes all day long with the famous foot long hotdogs. The park includes an antique farm and railroad equipment, unusual animals, a large water wheel, fish ponds and picnic tables. 12,713 acre forest. Campsites, hunting/fishing, biking, picnicking, scenic overlook area, over 50 miles of scenic trails, and cross-country skiing. Campground has 25 sites with electric hookups. Open Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park features a spacious 20-room lodge with sleeping rooms looking out over the waters of Tygart Lake. The restaurant at the lodge is great and operated by Apple Annie's. The lake stretches 11 miles, offering boating, swimming, fishing and scuba diving. The 11-vacation cabins are rented seasonally with online reservations available, 24/7. The 40 campsites (14 with electric, 16 for smaller RVs) game courts, gift shop, playground, hiking trails and a marina with boat rentals and concessions stand make Tygart Lake an outdoor recreation mecca. Small meetings are welcomed year-round. The park website maintains hours of operation, special events and special rate getaways as well as park location and trail map. Tygart Lake State Park website
Grafton National Cemetery
TThis cemetery was established in 1867 by congressional legislation to offer a final resting place for the men who died during the Civil War. The remains of Union soldiers were removed from temporary graves in West Virginia as well as several Union dead from Kentucky. Of the 1,215 graves, 664 are unknown and some are Confederate soldiers. Notably the grave of Private T. Bailey Brown, the first Union soldier to be killed by a Confederate, is located here. HOURS: Open daily from dawn until dusk.
Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum
Birthplace of the Founder of Mother’s Day, this house was the first field headquarters of General George McClellan. The house serves as a museum to Anna Jarvis with one room devoted to McClellan memorabilia. The house became a focal point of the Civil War when General George B. McClellan used it as his headquarters, and his troops were encamped across the road in what is now Ocean Pearl Felton Historic Park. Webster was an important depot for both troops and supplies, at that time.
Valley Falls State Park
Valley Falls State Park is a day-use park with fishing and picnicking. The 18 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails are open to the public. Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, the scenic treasure of Valley Falls State Park is located only a short drive from Fairmont and Grafton, WV. There is no admission to enter state operated parks and forests. Valley Falls State Park website
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls at Blackwater Falls State Park are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. Blackwater lodge, cabins and restaurant are open year-round and welcome visitors to enjoy winter sled riding, spring greening, cool summer evenings, and autumn foliage. Blackwater Falls is near Canaan Valley Resort State Park. You’ll find good food at the Smokehouse Restaurant (onsite), comfortable accommodations, and WiFi access if you must stay in touch while you're relaxing at Blackwater Falls. Visit the park website for park maps, events, online reservations and deals. Blackwater Falls State Park website
Prickett's Fort State Park
Prickett's Fort State Park is a 188-acre West Virginia state park north of Fairmont, W.Va. near the confluence of Prickett's Creek and the Monongahela River, and two miles from Interstate 79. The park features a reconstructed refuge fort and commemorates life on the Virginia frontier during the late 18th century. The original fort was constructed in 1774 to provide early settlers protection from Native American attacks. It was built within 10 miles of three major Indian trails. The fort was named after Capt. Jacob Prickett. In addition to the fort, the park also has an awesome visitors center, numerous events and activities, a boat launch, birding observation deck and is the trail head for the Mon River Trail. Prickett's Fort State Park website
