Here’s something you wouldn’t expect to find in the Mountain State: a lighthouse tour! West Virginia’s only lighthouse stands 104 feet tall (the equivalent of 10 stories high) and has 122 steps to reach the observation deck. From there, you’ll feel on top of the world with 360-degree views of Summersville Lake and the surrounding area.

The massive lighthouse is open for tours daily from April through October.

Google/Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

And you’d better bring your A-game for the 10-story workout you’ll get while making your way up the tall structure.

TripAdvisor/management

But the million dollar views from the top are positively amazing. Located on the cliffs of Summersville Lake, the only working lighthouse in West Virginia is a must-visit.

TripAdivsor/management

The lighthouse was erected in 2012 at Summersville Retreat and Lighthouse. It is constructed entirely of one-half-inch steel and is open to the public for tours. (Tour tokens are available at the gift shop.)

Google/Frank Daugherty

The gift shop doubles as the check-in office for Summersville Retreat which has several A-frame cabins as well as RV sites and tent/trailer campsites.

Google/Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

A variety of family-oriented events take place each year on the lighthouse grounds, including an annual Heritage Festival, an antique car show, and a haunted hayride.

Google/Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

Why travel to the coast to visit a lighthouse when we have one right here at home in West Virginia? Have you already climbed to the top of the Summersville Lighthouse?

Google/Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse

TripAdvisor/management

TripAdivsor/management

Google/Frank Daugherty

Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse is located at 278 Summersville Lake Rd., Mt Nebo, WV 26679. The lighthouse is open daily from April to October (and by appointment November through March). Climb tokens are available at the gift shop from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The cost is $12/adults, $7 for children ages 5-12, $5 for children ages 3-12 and seniors 65 and over. Other special tours are available. See this link on the official website for more information.

Don’t let the fun stop at the lighthouse. For more reasons to head to Summersville, keep reading here!

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