Discover Mingo County: Mine Wars, Trails and Waterways

Mingo County brings together historic places and a variety of ways to spend time outdoors. In Matewan, museums and buildings tell the story of the region; connected trail systems, a lake, wildlife areas and waterways offer other points of interest. You can plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most—and tailor your search for a vacation rental accordingly.

Matewan: History in the City

The Matewan Historic District is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is located at a historic site where a battle broke out in May 1920. Its exhibits include archival photographs, videos, eyewitness accounts, artifacts, replicas and timelines. The museum also preserves the voices of the people who experienced the Mine Wars. Here, history is conveyed through both tangible evidence and personal experiences.

The Matewan Depot Replica Museum is a replica of the station building that stood across from the railroad tracks, opposite downtown Matewan, until the 1960s. The Matewan Floodwall offers a different perspective on the city: it surrounds downtown, and carefully arranged vertical grooves on its outer side form an engraved mural of the city’s history. Construction of the 2,350-foot wall began in 1992. The walkway along the floodwall pairs views of public art with the Tug Fork River.

More Historic Places

Built in 1933 from 65 tons of coal, the Coal House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It houses the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Williamson Convention and Visitors Bureau. In Williamson, the statue and fountain at the Chief Logan Memorial honor Chief Logan. The Williamson Roundhouse is a 21-stall locomotive roundhouse with a turntable, built by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in the early 20th century.

The #22 Mine Disaster Memorial also commemorates a specific event: 18 miners at the Holden Mine near Island Creek No. 22 died when the coal seam caught fire on March 8, 1960. The Dingess Petroglyphs are located near the lake, after being moved there from their original site at a surface mine near Dingess. Together, these places show different forms of remembrance—from historic buildings and inscriptions to memorials and petroglyphs.

Trails, Lake and Wildlife Areas

The Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse and Rockhouse trail systems are connected, forming a network of more than 300 miles. The Devil Anse Trailhead has a parking area, a staffed trailhead and restrooms on site; permits and merchandise are also available. Laurel Lake, in the Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area, covers 29 acres. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake, and there is also an accessible fishing pier.

The Big South Wildlife Management Area has different access routes to its two sides: the west side is accessible via Route 119 and Route 65 South to Delbarton. To reach the east side, take Route 44 south and Route 52 west. The Tomblin Wildlife Management Area spans Logan and Mingo Counties. Guided Elk Management Tours venture deep into the area for four hours in September or October and explain the WVDNR elk restoration program. Check current dates and booking options before planning your visit.

Waterways and More Trip Ideas

The Bloody Mingo Tug Fork River Water Trail runs for more than 60 miles along the full length of Mingo County and its border with Pike and Martin Counties in Kentucky. West Virginia has designated it as a certified water trail. One recommended stretch runs 5.9 miles from Burnwell Beach to Williamson. Check conditions at the put-in and on the river before setting out on this stretch.

Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tours depart from a dock right next to downtown Matewan and pass historic sites associated with the Hatfield and McCoy feud. Depending on the request, tours last between 20 and 80 minutes; calling is recommended for reservations. Check availability before your trip. For a different kind of outing, Twisted Gun Golf Course in Gilbert has 18 holes, a par of 72 and 7,015 yards from the back tees. Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine also offers a behind-the-scenes tour of its distillery; here, too, it’s best to check availability in advance.

Choose a Vacation Rental to Match Your Itinerary

A round of golf or a distillery tour offers a different focus. If your travel group has several interests, compare the specific destinations on your itinerary and use them to guide your search for a vacation rental in Mingo County.

As a broader travel theme, the Hatfield-McCoy Mountains region combines the history and heritage of coal mining with Appalachian culture, rugged mountains and outdoor adventures.

Discover more destinations: Williamson, Borderland, Hardy County, Greenbrier, Preston County, Hampshire County, Monongalia, Randolph County.

See the broader travel overview: West Virginia.