EXPLORE THE REGION
Attractions & Activities
From Civil War sites to breathtaking river scenery — Keyser and Mineral County have something for every visitor.
Natural Landmark
Queens Point Overlook
A spectacular Oriskany sandstone cliff rising approximately 400 feet above the North Branch Potomac River in McCoole, MD — directly across from Keyser. Breathtaking panoramic views of Keyser and the river valley. One of Mineral County's most dramatic natural viewpoints and a beloved local landmark.
📍McCoole, MD (viewable from Keyser riverfront)
🕐Accessible year-round
Outdoor Recreation
North Branch Potomac River
The North Branch of the Potomac River runs along Keyser's northern edge, forming the WV/MD border. World-class smallmouth bass fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching. The river was instrumental in Mineral County's development. Contact North Branch Ventures for rentals and guided tours.
📍Armstrong St. riverfront, Keyser, WV
🕐Open year-round
County Park
Larenim Park
Mineral County's premier park at 365 acres. Two pavilions (10 picnic tables each), amphitheater seating 600, one Little League field and one softball field, two fishing ponds (5 and 2.5 acres stocked by WVDNR), approximately 5 miles of trails, and public hunting by permit. An arboretum is under construction. Home to McNeill's Rangers theater group.
📍Keyser, WV 26726
🕐Open daily, dawn to dusk
Lake / Reservoir
Jennings Randolph Lake
A stunning 952-acre reservoir on the North Branch Potomac, approximately 20 minutes from Keyser. Created by the Jennings Randolph Dam. Offers boating, fishing (walleye, bass, trout), swimming, camping, and picnicking. Also includes New Creek Trail — 4 miles of rail/trail with 1 mile of river frontage on the North Branch. Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
📍Elk Garden, WV 26717 (~20 min from Keyser)
🕐Open year-round (camping seasonal)
Historic Site
Mineral County Courthouse
The iconic 1868 Mineral County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful Victorian-era structure is the architectural centerpiece of downtown Keyser and a photographer's delight. The courthouse grounds are a popular community gathering spot year-round.
📍Keyser, WV 26726
🕐Exterior viewable anytime; interior Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm
Historic Site
Potomac State College Campus / Fort Fuller
Fort Hill — site of Civil War Fort Fuller (also known as Fort Kelly) — was commanded by future U.S. President Benjamin Harrison and General Lew Wallace (who later wrote Ben-Hur). Today this historically significant ground is the beautiful campus of Potomac State College, part of WVU since 1901. A place where American presidential history meets higher education.
📍101 Fort Ave., Keyser, WV 26726
🕐Campus open daily
Historic Presidential Site
Nancy Hanks Birthplace Site
The birthplace of Nancy Hanks — mother of President Abraham Lincoln — is preserved near Doll's Gap in Mineral County. This remarkable connection to America's most celebrated president is part of Mineral County's extraordinary heritage and is noted by West Virginia Explorer as a key county landmark.
📍Near Doll's Gap, Mineral County, WV
🕐Viewable year-round
Museum
Mineral County Historical Society Museum
"Recently opened, this museum tracks the history of Mineral County and Keyser, WV with displays of its people, its history, and its culture." Listed on TripAdvisor's top attractions in Keyser. Features exhibits on the B&O Railroad, Civil War, pioneers, and notable local figures. Open by appointment only and on special days.
📍Keyser, WV 26726
🕐By appointment; call before visiting
Historic Site
Fort Ashby Blockhouse
The original 1755 log blockhouse at Fort Ashby — the only remaining structure from the French and Indian War in West Virginia. Ordered built by a young George Washington as defense against frontier raids. A remarkable piece of American frontier military history just 15 miles from Keyser.
📍Fort Ashby, WV 26719 (~15 miles from Keyser)
🕐Open seasonally — contact WV Preservation
Scenic Train Excursion
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
One of West Virginia's most beloved tourist attractions, just 30 miles from Keyser in Romney. The Potomac Eagle runs scenic excursions through The Trough along the South Branch Potomac River — famous for reliable bald eagle sightings. A must-do experience for families and nature lovers.
📍Romney, WV 26757 (~30 miles from Keyser)
🕐Seasonal spring through fall
State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park
One of WV's most iconic parks approximately 40 minutes from Keyser. The amber-colored Blackwater Falls plunge 57 feet into the dramatic Blackwater Canyon. Spectacular year-round views. Hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, and a beautiful lodge restaurant.
📍Davis, WV 26260 (~40 min from Keyser)
🕐Open year-round
Natural Landmark
Seneca Rocks
One of the most distinctive geological formations in the eastern U.S. — massive quartzite outcroppings rising 900 feet from the Seneca Creek valley floor. About 45 minutes from Keyser. World-class rock climbing, hiking, and breathtaking views. The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area surrounds the formation.
📍Seneca Rocks, WV (~45 min from Keyser)
🕐Open year-round
State Park / Ski Resort
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
WV's highest valley at 3,200 ft elevation — largest inland wetland ecosystem in the eastern U.S. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, golf, and stunning wildlife. About 50 minutes from Keyser. Beautiful lodge with restaurant.
📍Davis, WV 26260 (~50 min from Keyser)
🕐Open year-round
Energy Landmark
NedPower Mount Storm Wind Farm
132 massive wind turbines atop the Allegheny Front, visible from Keyser on clear days. One of the largest wind energy installations east of the Mississippi River. The turbines have become part of Keyser's distinctive skyline and symbolize Appalachia's evolving energy economy.
📍Mount Storm, WV (visible from Keyser)
🕐Viewable from Keyser year-round
Heritage Area
Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area
Mineral County is part of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area — a forested region of more than 500 square miles in central Appalachia where tourism and forestry are key industries. Historic sites dating back to the Revolutionary War are found throughout the county, including stops on the B&O Railroad National Heritage Corridor.
📍Keyser, WV (headquarters in Elkins)
🕐Open year-round
GETTING HERE
Plan Your Visit to Keyser
By Car 🚗
Keyser sits at US Route 220 and US Route 50. Just 3 hours from Washington D.C., 20 minutes from Cumberland MD (via I-68), and 4 hours from Pittsburgh PA. Free parking throughout downtown.
By Air ✈️
The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE) in nearby Wiley Ford, WV is minutes away. Washington Dulles (IAD), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), and Pittsburgh (PIT) airports are all within 3–4 hours.
By Train 🚂
Amtrak Capitol Limited stops in Cumberland, MD — just across the Potomac from Ridgeley, WV (10 miles from Keyser). CSX freight lines run along the North Branch. The Potomac Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) provides local bus service.