Yesterday I told you about my quest to Hillbilly Hotdogs in West Virginia. Since we were driving all that way, I suggested we visit the Heritage Farm Museum just twenty minutes down the road.
This place was a labor of love for a couple who enjoyed antiques and had a passion for telling the story of life in Appalachia. They acquired log structures and relocated them to this property to set up as a village. Some structures are for lodging while most are open to walk through including a church and a mercantile.
There are seven museums that tell the story of life in Appalachia through the years. Technology, transportation, toys and West Virginia industry are among the topics discussed in these museums. They also have a petting zoo and a tractor-pulled wagon train ride tour that are part of your admission ticket.
I liked the peacock!
There’s plenty for kids to do and more adventurous souls might enjoy some of their adventure activities like the zip line tour or rock climbing wall which are offered for an additional price.
And no, that is not my brand of adventure so I skipped that stuff and kept my feet on firm ground. They also have a big tree house accessible either by bridges or by going through a short ropes course. My friend took the challenge while I stuck to the regular bridges. He was quite pleased with himself and I was happy that I understood my limitations.
Once in the treehouse, you have great views of the village and there are a few other fun things to do from up there.
They do serve food on site and have clean restrooms. This is the kind of place where you could spend a few hours like we did or pass an entire day. I have camera photos and a few more stories to share from here another day so stay tuned. Meanwhile, visit their website if you want details like seasonal hours and admission information.
Make the Journey Fun 
This makes me think about all of the historical villages (big & small) that I have seen, and I have to wonder if someone in the future will preserve a mall of some sort as a museum of the 20th century?
Haha. Great question! I was in a museum somewhere once that had preserved the bedroom of a teenager in the 1980’s. All the kids thought it was super neat to see an Atari and all the bright colors. It just looks to me like something we could afford to forget!!
I really enjoy seeing these places you visit, places that are culturally different and fascinating to me and places that i will never personally get to. It opens up our world. Thank you.
I am so glad these stories I tell are meaningful to you!