Title: West Virginia State Museum in Charleston - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# West Virginia State Museum Tours and Activities

![West Virginia State Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263494/a897a9df-ee98-4321-acbf-f603dad8c211.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

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![West Virginia State Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263494/3941494b-867a-423f-a619-43898bd84a24.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![West Virginia State Museum which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263494/9ff6b52d-0dcb-4886-9b6a-670761eb2ac2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![West Virginia State Museum featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6263494/ff7aa1c5-8479-4c83-917e-87dd06fabe3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit West Virginia State Museum

Activities

[Charleston travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Charleston.dx6057101)

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#### Familiarize yourself with the story of West Virginia at this nicely laid-out museum, which covers such diverse topics as coal and the Civil War.

Follow a path through time from the prehistoric period to the present at the West Virginia State Museum. Exhibits here are displayed chronologically along a show path with floor plaques signifying each new era. Explore the complete history of the state through a series of displays that incorporate audio, video and interactive elements.

Start in the museum lobby where you’ll encounter one of the quirkier items in the museum’s collection: two dancing fleas. Named Emmiline and Alexander, these lavishly dressed fleas once performed stunts as part of a flea circus in New York in the late 19th century. Don’t miss the exhibit of handmade quilts, which are also in the foyer area.

Continue tracing the development of the state through chronological exhibits, learning about Native Americans and European settlers, before moving on to the history of coal mining in the state. Pass through a recreated coal mine and listen for the evocative sounds of dripping water. 

Discover the region’s Civil War history. Find out about important raids and battles that took place in the state and inspect battlefield murals. Background audio featuring the sounds of cannon fire helps bring the exhibits to life. The museum documents the state’s more modern development too, including the building of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge in the 1970s. Other exhibitions are devoted to the state’s 20th- and 21st-century fairs and festivals as well as the Great Depression.

Step away from the museum’s timeline trail and enter the discovery rooms and connection rooms, which branch off from the main displays. Exhibits focus on topics such as the changing nature of transportation during the 20th century, West Virginia’s musical heritage and social activities in early 20th-century mining towns. 

The West Virginia State Museum is located in the Culture Center in the State Capitol Complex. Consider combining a trip here with a visit to the Capitol Building and the Governor’s Mansion. Entrance to the museum is free. The exhibits here are extensive, so allow several hours to see everything.

## Plan a trip to see West Virginia State Museum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charleston South, WV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/800000/799300/799277/9f525047_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charleston South, WV

Kanawha City

CA $1,152

per person

Feb 21 - Feb 28

found 21 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Charleston (CRW)

7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)

Clean room, spacious, plenty of space and good sized dorm refrigerator.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

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### Sleep Inn & Suites Cross Lanes - South Charleston

CA $1,201

per person

Feb 21 - Feb 28

found 21 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Charleston (CRW)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)

Overall, it's a good hotel, but the swimming pool wasn't working. This disappointed us, as we specifically chose a hotel with a pool. There was also no water cooler with regular drinking water.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

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### Studio 6 Suites Hurricane, Wv

CA $1,174

per person

Feb 21 - Feb 28

found 21 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Charleston (CRW)

7/10 Good! (9 reviews)

Rooms in worn condition, cracks, gaps, need updating

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

### Popular places to visit

![West Virginia State Capitol Building showing an administrative building and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6093863/4123dad3-48e7-4bf8-8e9d-7f5ec8b24f0e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### West Virginia State Capitol Building

Take a guided tour around West Virginia’s seat of government and marvel at its dazzling dome, which is covered in 23.5-karat gold.

[](https://expedia.ca/West-Virginia-State-Capitol-Building-Charleston.d6093863.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Cultural Center

5/5(1 review)

Learn about the events happening at Cultural Center during your trip to Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Cultural-Center-Charleston.d553248621532657949.Vacation-Attraction)

#### World War I Memorial Building

Learn about the local history of Charleston with a stop at World War I Memorial Building. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos. 

[](https://expedia.ca/World-War-I-Memorial-Building-Charleston.d553248621558033102.Vacation-Attraction)

#### University of Charleston

4/5(2 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Charleston, during your travels in Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos. 

[](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-Charleston-Charleston.d6093869.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Kanawha Riflemens Memorial Park

After visiting Kanawha Riflemens Memorial Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Kanawha-Riflemens-Memorial-Park-Charleston.d553248621558033100.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Ruth Rafferty Peyton Dog Park

Ruth Rafferty Peyton Dog Park is just one of the places to see in Charleston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Ruth-Rafferty-Peyton-Dog-Park-Charleston.d906192265398288384.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near West Virginia State Museum

## Check availability on hotels close to West Virginia State Museum

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