Staycation Directory

Wow!” reads a zany sign atop a metal pole. “See the unbelievable. Mystery Hole.”

The pole juts out of the top of a corrugated metal Quonset hut, along with several American flags. A rainbow of stars, teardrops, question marks, and hypno-swirls adorn the hut’s exterior, along with another emphatic “Wow!” Protruding from its side is an old VW beetle, nose buried, brake lights almost to the road shoulder, its exterior embellished with painted daisies, bird poop, a “Love” license plate, and a loosely-rendered message: “Flower Power.”

Mystery Hole sign.

At the end of the hut, over its entrance, squats a large, black gorilla.

The Mystery Hole definitely knows how to catch the eyes of passing motorists. Its message may be confusing, but no one seems to mind.

Will and Sandra Morrison own The Mystery Hole. Original owner Donald Wilson “discovered” its mysterious powers in 1972, and did a good business from the tourists who flock to this part of the New River Gorge, which is a mecca for rafters. Time, however, was even more powerful than the Hole. Wilson closed his attraction in 1996 and died soon afterward. The Hole was left exposed to vandals and other chaotic forces.

The Morrisons have put in a lot of hard work to restore the Hole to its 1970s glory. This was especially hard for them, as they had moved here from Michigan in a risky career maneuver. Working from old photos and the memories of local folks, they have brought the much-beloved attraction back to life.

Visitors pay to tour the Hole in the Quonset hut gift shop, then walk outside and around the corner to the entrance. There is a stairway down into the unknown (or perhaps just the quonset hut basement).

Over it is a large clown painted on a piece of plywood, and a fresh set of declamatory signs.

Mystery Hole

Address:
Ansted, WV
Directions:
West of town. On US 60 at mile marker 44, just west of Hawks Nest State Park.
Hours:
W-M 10:30-6 (summer); reduced hours and days off-season; closed Nov-Mar. (Call to verify)
Phone:
304-658-9101

Staycation Directory is a personal courtesy, I compile the venues on my own time for your convenience. Sorry if you area is not yet covered. If you have a staycation idea or know a cool place that you would like to share with us? We are looking for some great local ideas especially for your hometown!
Submit it HERE under add the location form.
Have FUN!

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