Normally, we do some research about the place we plan to visit before going but whenever it is a a road trip, we let new discoveries surprise us. Discovering new things from places new to us is always a treat when we travel. The Nature Museum came as a surprise when we visited Hawks Nest Park. As we arrived from our aerial tram ride to go see the New River Gorge. We were surprised to see the Nature Museum by the lake.
The scenery was breathtaking from the top but it was even better when you go down and see the lake. The natural beauty is a real treat for outdoor lovers like us.
The museum was surrounded by butterfly bushes and there were butterflies flying around. I have always loved watching butterfly flutter around and enjoy the nectar of the flowers they see.
When you go down at the bottom, you won't get bored while waiting for the boat to arrive and take you for a tour. There are so many beautiful things to see.
We went inside the museum. It was a little room full of displays of different things. While you look around, an audio is being played describing every item that is inside the museum which is really neat. There are so many fascinating history to learn when you visit a museum. Even this little museum taught us a lot of stuff.
Taxidermy display is a popular thing here in West Virginia so the museum has few of them on their wall. There are also some marine stuff there including the piece of wood that a beaver chewed up. It was real neat learning every pice of display that they have.
Fact about West Virginia State Parks:
Many of the West Virginia State Parks were designated state parks because of the history surrounding the area. These historic parks often have an onsite museum with exhibits about local history, mine wars, Appalachian culture, or Civil War artifacts.I love the display of different kinds of butterfly the most. Learning the different names of it as well as the different kinds of moth was awesome.
We saw the train go by the train track, it was a nice entertainment for my son.
I think if I live near the area, I would frequent this place. It would be a relaxing place to cool down, relax and have some time alone to think and reflect. Not to mention, it is a beautiful place to burn some calories. I bet it is beautiful out there now that it is Fall. The vegetation must be turning yellow and red already. I'd love to go back there during the Fall sometime in the future.
My grandkids would love exploring the nature museum and the park. It does look like a beautiful place to relax and a great place to get some exercise.
ReplyDeleteNature sure is amazing, isn't it? That museum sound lovely. I would love to take my kids there someday!
ReplyDeleteI love exploring places like this! Sometime you just need a place that is peaceful and beautiful to get you feeling great again!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! That's so cool that there's a museum right beside the lake. I would definitely check that out.
ReplyDeleteI love discovering new places when we hit the road for family road trips. You never know what interesting things lie off the beaten path. I will definitely have to visit Hawks Nest Park next time we're nearby.
ReplyDeleteVisiting different nature areas is always on our list when we visit a different state. So much to learn and see and kids always enjoy themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a beautiful destination. I would love to visit this park. When we travel, we love checking out the local parks.
ReplyDeleteThe taxidermy section is one my kids would enjoy. They love getting an up close look at different animals.
ReplyDeleteI love the activities you and your family do. It is always about having to learn something about history, nature, and science. I love this place you visited. Hawk's Nest Park's museum is awesome. Love those beautiful butterflies!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool museum! I have traveled through West Virginia and I loved the area, I would love to go back and explore the area more!!
ReplyDeleteLearning about nature there sounded really nice! Seeing the butterflies flying around must have been fun!
ReplyDeleteThe New River Gorge area has been on my list of places to visit for quite awhile. This looks like a tranquil spot to spend an afternoon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to spend the day. We love to spend together as a family outdoors and learning about nature.
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law is raising butterflies. She's growing milkweed in her yard, carefully raising the caterpillars from eggs, and then releasing them. I know she would adore an opportunity to stroll throu the Hawks Nest Park and see them in the wild. The entire place is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMy son would have enjoyed the area just for the train, he loves trains. This sounds like a good place to spend a laid back afternoon and learn a bit about the local culture.
ReplyDeleteWe are very keen in museums of all kinds, be it arts, science, nature, anything. The nature park sounds so fascinating and a great way for kids to understand and appreciate out environment. An educational and entertaining experience indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love nature so much. I would love to visit this place. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a really cool place to explore. Our family likes to learn about nature, and this sounds very interesting. I like the different exhibits too.
ReplyDeleteThis place is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your awesome pictures. I hope I can see it in person someday.
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