10 Fun Things To Do Near Buckhannon, West Virginia (Upshur County)
If you’re looking for a small mountain town with big heart,
Buckhannon, West Virginia is a great pick. Tucked in Upshur County, this friendly college town offers just enough to keep you busy, but still feels peaceful and relaxed.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a road trip stop, or visiting friends at West Virginia Wesleyan College, here are
10 things to do in and around Buckhannon that show off the best of this charming corner of West Virginia.
1. Stroll Historic Downtown Buckhannon
Downtown Buckhannon is the kind of place where you actually want to park the car, slow down, and walk.
You’ll find:
- Colorful historic buildings
- Locally owned shops and boutiques
- Cozy cafés and restaurants
- Street art, murals, and seasonal decorations
Grab a coffee, wander Main Street, and pop into the small businesses that give this town its character. It’s easy to spend a few hours just browsing, people-watching, and chatting with locals.
If you love photography, downtown Buckhannon is perfect for those small-town USA shots—brick storefronts, old signs, and tree-lined streets.
2. Relax Along the Buckhannon Riverwalk
Need some fresh air but don’t feel like a tough hike? The
Buckhannon Riverwalk is a gentle paved path that runs along the Buckhannon River, just a short drive or walk from downtown.
This is a great spot to:
- Take an easy walk or jog
- Let kids burn off energy
- Walk the dog
- Enjoy riverside views without leaving town
In the early evening, the light over the water is beautiful. Bring a simple picnic, sit on a bench, and just enjoy the quiet. It’s one of those simple, free things to do in Buckhannon that locals appreciate every day.
3. Explore West Virginia Wesleyan College Campus
Even if you’re not a student, the
West Virginia Wesleyan College campus is worth a walk-through. It sits right in Buckhannon and adds a youthful energy to the town.
As you walk around, look for:
- Classic brick academic buildings
- Shady lawns and big old trees
- Public art and campus landmarks
On weekends, you might catch a game, a concert, or a campus event that’s open to the community. It has that classic small-college feel—quiet, pretty, and welcoming.
If you’re traveling with a teenager thinking about college, this can be a fun, low-pressure campus visit rolled into your trip.
4. Go Back in Time at the Upshur County Historical Society Museum
To really understand Buckhannon and Upshur County, stop by the
Upshur County Historical Society museum (usually open seasonally). Housed in a historic building, it showcases local history in a very down-to-earth way.
You’ll see:
- Old photographs and documents
- Civil War–era stories and artifacts
- Everyday items from earlier generations
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine what life was like here 100 or even 150 years ago. If you’re into genealogy or local history, staff and volunteers are often happy to chat and share stories—just ask questions and see where the conversation goes.
5. Enjoy the Outdoors at Audra State Park
About 20–25 minutes from Buckhannon,
Audra State Park is one of the real gems of the area. If you like nature, this spot should be near the top of your list.
The park is known for:
- The Middle Fork River with clear, rushing water
- Rocky formations and a cool sandstone overhang
- Shaded picnic areas and campsites
Most visitors hike the
Alum Cave Trail, an easy-to-moderate trail that runs along the river and under rock ledges. Parts of the path feel like walking through a natural tunnel carved into the hillside. It’s unique, but not too intense, so it works well for families.
On a hot summer day, people love to wade or swim in calm sections of the river. Just be smart—river levels and currents can change, so always check conditions and keep an eye on kids.
6. Visit the West Virginia Wildlife Center
Around 20 minutes south of Buckhannon near French Creek, the
West Virginia Wildlife Center is a favorite family-friendly attraction. Think of it as a mix between a small zoo and a nature park, focused on animals native (or once native) to West Virginia.
Along the easy 1.25-mile walking loop, you’ll see:
- Black bears
- Deer and elk
- Bobcats and coyotes
- River otters and beavers
- Owls, hawks, and other birds
The path is mostly shaded, which is nice on warmer days. It’s a relaxed way to learn about local wildlife without needing deep woods hiking skills.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a must-do near Buckhannon. Plan for 1–2 hours, more if you like to read all the signs and take lots of photos.
7. Hit the Water: Fishing, Kayaking, and Floating
The
Buckhannon River and nearby waters are a big part of outdoor life in Upshur County. If you enjoy being on the water, you’ll have options in and around Buckhannon.
Popular activities include:
- Fishing for trout and other species in local streams and rivers
- Kayaking or canoeing on calmer sections of the Buckhannon River
- Floating in inner tubes during the warmer months
If you don’t have gear with you, ask around downtown or at your lodging—locals can often point you toward outfitters, access points, or the best spots to cast a line.
Even if you’re not into fishing, simply sitting by the river with a camp chair and a cooler can be incredibly relaxing. Sometimes the best “thing to do” in West Virginia is just to let the day move at its own pace.
8. Experience Buckhannon’s Festivals and Local Events
Small towns in West Virginia really shine when it comes to festivals, and Buckhannon is no exception. Depending on when you visit, you might catch a fair, parade, or community event.
Some highlights throughout the year can include:
- Seasonal festivals with live music and food vendors
- Holiday parades and downtown celebrations
- Farmers markets with local produce and handmade goods
The exact schedule changes each year, so it’s smart to check the city or tourism websites before your trip. If you like to travel “like a local,” planning your visit around an event is a great move.
There’s something special about listening to live music on a warm West Virginia evening, surrounded by friendly people, kids running around, and the smell of barbecue in the air.
9. Taste Local Flavors: Dining and Coffee in Buckhannon
Buckhannon isn’t huge, but it punches above its weight in the food and coffee department. The town’s restaurants and cafés give you a taste of both classic comfort food and lighter, modern options.
In and around downtown, you can:
- Grab breakfast or brunch at a local diner
- Try hearty Appalachian-style dishes
- Sip locally roasted coffee or specialty drinks
- Enjoy pizza, burgers, and casual spots perfect for families
One of the joys of traveling to smaller towns is discovering places you won’t find anywhere else—little bakeries, family-owned restaurants, or college hangouts that feel like “your” spot by the time you leave.
If you find a place you love, talk to your server. Locals are often happy to share more ideas for things to do near Buckhannon that don’t always show up in travel guides.
10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Upshur County
Sometimes the best way to experience West Virginia is simply to drive. The roads around Buckhannon offer classic mountain views, rolling farmland, forests, and small communities that give you a real sense of place.
Consider:
- A lazy afternoon drive with no strict plan
- Stopping at roadside overlooks or small churches
- Pulling over for photos when the light hits the hills just right
In fall, the foliage around Buckhannon can be stunning, with hillsides full of red, orange, and gold. But even in spring and summer, the deep greens and clear creeks make for a peaceful, scenic ride.
If you enjoy road trips, Buckhannon works well as a base to explore other nearby West Virginia destinations too.
Planning Your Trip to Buckhannon, West Virginia
Buckhannon gives you a little bit of everything:
- Small-town charm and historic downtown streets
- Easy access to rivers, trails, and state parks
- Family-friendly attractions like the West Virginia Wildlife Center
- Relaxed, affordable travel without big-city crowds
Whether you’re here for a weekend, passing through on a longer West Virginia road trip, or visiting college friends, you’ll find plenty of
things to do near Buckhannon that fit your pace and style.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Buckhannon Favorites!
Have you spent time in
Buckhannon or Upshur County?
- Did you discover a hidden hiking spot?
- Have a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop?
- Know of a festival or event travelers shouldn’t miss?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—they help other travelers plan better trips and support local businesses.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to West Virginia. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to discover Buckhannon for themselves.
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