33 Things To Do On Route 33

Take a drive through scenic, rolling hills on Route 33 in Upshur, Lewis and Randolph counties to experience 33 unique things to do. These 33 things to do on Route 33 can all be completed in just 3 days! Visit tasty wineries, historic sites and more. The area is full of history, festivals and fun activities to enjoy.

With these 33 ‘gotta-do’ stops along the way, you’ll create memories for a lifetime. And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia!

1. WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead

Experience early Appalachian life at the boyhood home of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead includes the Jackson Family Mill Museum, The Blaker Grist Mill, The McWhorter Cabin, Mountain State Heritage Center and The Mary Conrad Cabin. Guided tours are offered of the Historic area. Visit our general store, sit on the porch for a spell, feed the friendly ducks, or enjoy refreshing lemonade!

2. Lambert’s Vintage Wines

This magnificent hand-cut stone winery features delicious vintage wines, winery tours, and tastings. Relax in the beautifully landscaped grounds at Lambert’s Vintage Wines, including the pond and waterfall area or in the breezeway with a stone fireplace. Browse the gift shop, featuring local pottery, wine accessories, hand-woven baskets, herbs and blends, jellies, and jams.

3. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Located in the heart of Weston, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a must-see. It stands as the largest hand-cut stone building in North America and is a testament to both architectural and medical history in the treatment those with mental illness. Both historical and ghost tours are available for the public and special events are held on the grounds throughout the year.

4. West Virginia Museum of American Glass

With The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia‘s display now reaching over 20,000 pieces of glass, this is a must see. Learn about the history of West Virginia glass and the people who made it.

5. The Mountaineer Military Museum

Learn about the history of the military at the Mountaineer Military Museum in Weston. See the history come alive through a soldier’s eyes. The exhibits cover military history locally, as well as abroad.

6. Appalachian Glass

Specializing in mouth-blown “old world” apples and ornaments, Appalachian Glass produces a unique crystal creations in their studio. The artisans of Appalachian Glass masterfully blend traditional glass-making methods with the best of modern techniques. Appalachian Glass & Gifts features an assortment of WV products including glass, toys, candles, pottery, quilts, paintings, woodcrafts, leather crafts, fresh honey and other baking products,  dressings and sauces, candy, books and more.

7. Lewis County Park

The Lewis County Park offers a swimming pool with two large water slides, a kiddy pool, two diving boards, three water features, two smaller slides, camping, tennis, basketball, putt-putt golf, playgrounds, and plenty of sun! Whether you are coming to relax by the pool or enjoy the excitement that the pool has to offer we have you covered.

8. Stonewall Jackson Lake and State Park

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park has a visitors center beneath the Stonewall Jackson Dam that is full of displays and information from around the area. The foot of the dam is also an excellent fishing hole, and the park also offers public hunting lands. The park is home to Stonewall Resort, The Briar Point Campground, and The Stonewall Marina.

9. Stonewall Resort

Nestled along the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake, Stonewall Resort features a AAA Four Diamond Adirondack-style lodge, elegant cottages and campsites. All feature breathtaking views of the woods, water or the lush greens of the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course.

10. Genealogy & History of West Virginia

Hacker’s Creek Pioneer Descendants, Inc.‘s genealogy collections serve West Virginia and help people reconnect and discover their roots. The organization operates the Central West Virginia Genealogy and History Library dedicated to genealogy and history research as well as to the preservation of objects of historical interest.

11. Stonecoal Lake

Located in both Lewis and Upshur counties, Stonecoal Lake the home to some of the best Musky fishing in the state. Besides the musky, there are also walleye, bass, trout, carp and catfish!

12. Scenic country drives

No matter the season, the winding roads of West Virginia are always an adventure. Drive through the state to see the scenic countryside and beautiful wildlife. Stop in the small towns along the way for a unique experience.

13. Special Events

Take a look at the calendar of events every day of the year to see shows, festivals, live music and more. Whether it’s live music on a Friday Night, a film showing at West Virginia’s only Micro-Theatre, a major week-long festival, or a mini-fair, there is always something memorable happening.

14. Historic Downtown

With rich heritage of the Appalachian Mountains and culture, Buckhannon is in the middle of it all. This area features history from the Revolutionary era with the Pringle Brothers living in a tree, to the state being created as a direct outcome of the Civil War. Explore today!

15. Shopping & Dining & Antique-ing

Locally owned, small businesses showcase their creativity, personality and hospitality to locals & visitors. Specialty shops, great dining and continuous downtown events draw people to browse the blocks of picturesque Main Street.

16. Creative Classes

Classes at Artistry on Main are great ways to meet local artists while getting step-by-step instructions to design your own artwork. From basket-weaving, painting or scarf dying, schedule a class at Artistry on Main in downtown Buckhannon.

17. Float the Buckhannon River

There’s no better view than from the river. With multiple boat launches along the Buckhannon River and throughout West Virginia’s country-side, you can enjoy a leisurely paddle in the midst of scenic beauty. For an even better adventure, plan to camp at Audra State Park and rent rafts for a float down the Middle Fork River!

18. Muskie Fishing

People are serious about finding the best fishing spot, and anglers across the United States have discovered the Buckhannon River. A six-mile stretch of the river has gained significant attention, and have yielded some remarkable fish!

19. Ron Hinkle Glass

Ron Hinkle’s Glass Studio is open for visitors to watch, learn and interact as each piece is handcrafted. Watch as ingredients are melted in a 2,400 degree furnace, hand-blown and slowly evolve into a finished work of art. Ron Hinkle Glass is located in a picturesque, quiet corner of West Virginia, creating an intimate atmosphere.

20. McNemar House

The McNemar House is dedicated to bringing music and the arts to the town of Buckhannon, with over-the-top entertaining, live music, falconry, auto cross racing, bee-keeping, art collecting, and interior styling. It’s a great place to discover new musicians and artists!

21. WV Wildlife Center

Nestled in the forest, you’ll find a preserved piece of West Virginia’s heritage at the WV Wildlife Center. Visitors stroll a path through the woods to see native wildlife of Appalachia – black bears, mountain lions, white tail deer and more.

22. Hike & Bike

With a landscape full of solitude and untouched beauty, this is the place to explore nature. Acres upon acres of West Virginia forest means lots of hiking and biking opportunities. More trails are opening every season, so get your gear ready for a weekend visit!

23. Racing Anyone?

Folks gather in the summer season at the local dirt track where you will thrill at the thundering stock car races and special events and fireworks that take place.

24. History Everywhere

Dine and stay in one of the finest historic mansions of our founding fathers. Shopping districts, home tours, and special seasonal events scheduled annually.

25. Dinner show theaters

Experience the “Where Mountain Memories are Made” shows at the Gandy Dancer Theatre in Elkins. These Branson-style shows serve up a delicious dinner with a side of entertainment.

26. RIDE the Train

Enjoy Mountain Rail Adventures aboard any of the four train excursions. Special Events throughout the year includes the Polar Express, Cottontail Express, Dinner Trains, Wine & Roses and much more.

27. Best Small Art Town: Top 10 in the US

Talented artist live, work and play “music” in the friendly small town American town of Elkins. Enjoy artisan shops, traditional arts program and more.

28. City of Festivals

Randolph County celebrates with tons of festivals & fairs! Enjoy the largest and oldest festival in West Virginia: The Mountain State Forest Festival. Others to enjoy include the Maple Syrup Festival, Augusta Arts Festival, Randolph County Fair, Helvetia Fair, Coalton Days, Mother’s Day Fair and many more.

29. The Great Outdoors

Whether you like hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, geocaching, it can all be found in this area! A 21-mile trail follows farmland and wilderness along the way. Or, relax along the river, in our campgrounds or picnic areas.

30. Civil War Site

Discover the battlefields, cemeteries, museums, and historical buildings that represented the state in the Civil War. Or, visit the small towns that today, recapture the lifestyles and spirit of our pioneering founders. From an 18th century railroad tycoon to a quaint Swiss village nestled in the mountains, Randolph County has it all.

31. Motorcycle Curves

If you like those S curves and spectacular views and overlooks, explore the motorcycle guide for scenic byways. Rides you will never forget in the most scenic mountain areas of West Virginia.

32. Monongahela National Forest

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountain of West Virginia, Randolph County is a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiast or just relax in our picnic areas and camping sites around the Monongahela National Forest. Take the kids to the Fish Hatchery or a swim in the river like in the old days.  Climb the tower to see the most spectacular mountains view from Bickle Knob.

33. UNIQUE Areas to Experience

Dolly Sides Wilderness Area, Spruce Knob (highest elevation in WV), Helvetia Swiss Village, Sure Catch Fish Farm and more if you ask us!

For more information and details, visit the website to learn more. Where will you be going first?

This post was last updated on March 1, 2022