FREE and Inexpensive Things To Do in the Beckley-Raleigh County Area:

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Grandview

Vacationing can be fun without breaking the bank! Here is a list of some awesome ideas for you and your family and friends that are either free or low cost.

1 – Take a hike – options: McManus Trail thru Beckley, fitness trail in New River Park, Piney Creek Trails (various trails near the Cline YMCA Sports Complex), Grandview/New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, or Little Beaver State Park; Walk indoors at the Crossroads Mall or The Place

2 – Play at local playgrounds – New River Park, East Park, Temple Street and other city parks … new playground equipment coming soon to Freedom Park and Scott Ave Park. Also, playgrounds at county parks at Lake Stephens and Fitzpatrick.

Family Fun – Grandview Playground

3 – View art exhibits at the Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery – Beckley Art Center on Johnstown Road (Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am – 7 pm). Visit Tamarack to view unique art and hand-made products and watch for special events at both venues!

4 – Listen to a free concert during Fridays in the Park at Word Park (11:30 am – 1:00 pm June – August) or music during other events hosted by Beckley Events

5 – Learn about history while walking around downtown Beckley – see several Civil War & other historical markers, monuments & historic buildings, as well as public art (Cardinal sculpture and several murals). Also, coal and railroad history markers along the McManus Trail.

6 – Ride your bike along the paved 3-mile McManus Trail thru Beckley; Free bike share program beside the Welcome Center at the trail/Prince Street intersection

7 – Bring your skates or skateboard for fun at Freedom Park

8 – Attend an Active Southern WV activity or class, such as Refit, or the monthly Sunset / Full Moon group walks/bike rides.

9 – Check out classy rides at a local car show – most weekends May – August

10 – Attend one of the festivals/special events happening around the area.

11 – Visit the Raleigh County Library – check out books, videos & special activities (i.e., crafts on Saturday at noon)

12 – Watch a local game – Beckley Little League and Babe Ruth League, Fitzpatrick Park softball, YMCA soccer, …

13 – Shoot basketball at Thornhill Courts or Freedom Park

14 – Play tennis or pickleball at one of the New River Park courts

15 – Check out local murals and public art (Downtown, McManus Trail Art Park & Tamarack) – Take photos with art or help to paint a mural or create art

16 – Attend WVU Tech Sports – volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, softball

17 – Attend free family movies on specific summer mornings at Marquee Cinemas

18 – Visit local fountains and waterfalls – fountains at Word Park, Shoemaker Square, Thornhill Courts, and waterfalls at Word Park, Fitzpatrick Park, Little Beaver State Park, plus natural waterfalls on local trails. Stay tuned for waterfall trail in the Piney Creek Preserve!

19 – Play disc golf at the WVU Tech disc golf course (bring your own disc), plus courses at Lake Stephens, Little Beaver State Park, Pine Haven & Daniel Vineyards

20 – Search for painted rocks – “Beckley Rocks” on Facebook.

21 – Check out a concrete zoo (statues) at a residence along Conway Street in Sprague.

22 – Volunteer to help at a local charity or service organization or participate in a community clean-up.

23 – Attend a local church service and learn about their activities/events.

24 – Start running – train for a 5k race

25 – Senior activities at the Raleigh County Commission on Aging – discounted lunches, exercise room, line dancing, yoga and special events.

Things To Do for $5 to $10:

1 – Visit the Youth Museum of Southern WV – hands-on exhibits, planetarium, Mountain Homestead

Youth Museum of Southern WV

2 – Play miniature golf at Mountain State Mini-golf and learn WV history along the course

3 – Watch for events, games and fireworks announcements

4 – Watch a movie (matinee or before 5 pm) movie at Marquee Cinemas.  Events at The Raleigh Playhouse & Theatre.

5 – Learn more about history at the Raleigh County Veterans Museum ($5 entry) or Wildwood House Museum (Beckley founder’s home tours by appointment or special events)

6 – Play at Lake Stephens’ splash park or beach area

7 – Attend a basketball game – WVU Tech / local high schools

8 – Paddleboat at Little Beaver State Park

9 – Take a drive along country roads to see mountain scenery (cost of gas)

10 – Meet a friend for coffee, tea or a smoothie at a local restaurant or coffee shop.

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Things To Do in the $10 – $25 range:

1 – Tour the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Complex & Youth Museum

2 – Attend one of Theatre WV’s summer outdoor dramas or concerts

3 – Go bowling at Leisure Lanes

4 – Climb/rappel at the Outside/In Climbing Gym

5 – Create a pottery piece at The Pottery Place or attend a painting party

6 – Hunt or fish with WV hunting/fishing license (Free fishing – 2nd weekend in June)

7 – Golf at local courses (Black Knight 9-hole golf course)

8 – Attend a History Tour or Ghost Tour by Haunted Beckley

9 – Attend Beckley Motorsports Park races (depending on race, may be more $)

10 –Throw Axes at the Axe Hole (check for weekly specials)

11– Attend a concert hosted by Beckley Concert Association; 11 – Attend dance recitals and performances by local dance schools

12 – Attend one of many events held at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.

Over $25:  1 – Ski or snow tube at Winterplace; 2 – Attend a dinner theatre or event at Tamarack; 3 – Whitewater rafting or kayak; 4 – Rent a boat a local lake; 5 – Zip-lining nearby

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