The West Virginia State Wildlife Center, located in Upshur County, is a fun day trip for all ages. Spend the day visiting with (and learning about) all sorts of animals native to West Virginia!

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center, located on Route 20 in French Creek (twelve miles south of Buckhannon or two miles north of Rock Cave), is home to many different species of animals, including deer, elk, black bear, fox, mountain lion, bison, bobcat, owl, eagle, snake, and otter.

Anita H/Tripadvisor It is not a rehabilitation center as some mistakenly believe, but rather a permanent, year-round zoological park.

You can stroll through the woods to view the animals at any time of year, although during the winter, some of them (like the snakes) are kept out of sight in more protected environments; and on very hot summer afternoons, others may be hiding in the cool shade to conserve their energy.

Anita H/Tripadvisor

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center was established in 1923 as a game farm to raise native wildlife with the goal of releasing the animals into the wild to boost declining populations.

Anita H/Tripadvisor

It didn’t take long to become popular.

youngtraveljunkie/Tripadvisor It attracted about 6,000 visitors in 1926, the same year the farm introduced 3 elk; by 1927, it had 20,000 visitors. From 1974-1990, the center operated a mobile wildlife exhibit that reached 250,000 people.

The current facility was built in 1986 and is “dedicated to presenting visitors a realistic and factual understanding of our state’s wildlife.”

Willowvacay/Tripadvisor

To see the animals, take the easy, 1.25 mile paved trail that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Scattered along the path are interpretive signs associated with each animal.

youngtraveljunkie/Tripadvisor There’s also a picnic area, a small gift shop, a wildlife center, and a fishing pond (licenses and equipment not provided.)

From April 1 to Oct 31, the entrance fee (payable only in cash) is $4 per person aged 16 years and up, $2 for ages 6 to 15 years, and free for under 6 years. In the off season (from November to March), entrance is free to all.

J F/Tripadvisor

Keep an eye out for special events held throughout the year at the center, including celebrations for Groundhog Day and West Virginia Day, a rendezvous/ living history encampment, fall hayrides, and spooky night tours. And if you are here anyway learning about West Virginia’s wildlife, stop at the Pringle Tree in Buckhannon to learn something of our history as well!

The Wildife Center is open year round, seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (November to March) or 5:00 p.m. (April to October). Find more information and a contact phone number on their website.

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Address: West Virginia State Wildlife Center, 163 Wildlife Rd, French Creek, WV 26218, USA

Anita H/Tripadvisor

It is not a rehabilitation center as some mistakenly believe, but rather a permanent, year-round zoological park.

youngtraveljunkie/Tripadvisor

It attracted about 6,000 visitors in 1926, the same year the farm introduced 3 elk; by 1927, it had 20,000 visitors. From 1974-1990, the center operated a mobile wildlife exhibit that reached 250,000 people.

Willowvacay/Tripadvisor

There’s also a picnic area, a small gift shop, a wildlife center, and a fishing pond (licenses and equipment not provided.)

J F/Tripadvisor