Mercer County West Virginia

Identified by the East River Mountain tunnel along I-77 lies Mercer County. Exit 9, Princeton, is the county seat and offers a variety of motels and restaurants. Exit 1, Bluefield, once the financial hub of the coalfields has a rich history, an active rail yard and several attractions.

The area guarantees fun and excitement for everyone. For the outdoor adventurists Mercer County offers hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, ATV riding and the amenities of three state parks – Camp Creek, Pinnacle Rock and Pipestem.

For those who prefer indoor activities, you’ll find meeting facilities, fitness centers, nightly entertainment and some of the finest dining in southern West Virginia.

Mercer County, West Virginia is home to Bramwell, a national award winning Preserve America Community. See the beautiful elaborate homes built by the wealthy coal operators and hear the stories of their elegant and active social life. Visitors are invited to explore a rich heritage in West Virginia’s southern coalfields and hear stories of miner’s hardships. See the opera house, saloon and churches in the miner’s town of Pocahontas. Walk back into the earth and feel the dampness at the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine & Museum.

Learn about the railroad’s role in developing Mercer County, particularly Bluefield and Princeton, into a hub for a flourishing region. The Princeton Railroad Museum offers additional information on railroad history. With this thriving economy, the area developed a heritage rich in the arts with a heavy musical influence.

Visit the Vietnam Memorial and the Mercer County War Museum. Talk with veterans who served and see a unique collection of wartime memorabilia at the Mercer County War Museum.

Enjoy a variety of shopping options from a modern shopping mall, antique stores or quaint specialty shops.

Spend your evenings cheering at one of our many sporting events, including two Appalachian league professional baseball teams – Bluefield Orioles (Baltimore) and Princeton Rays (Tampa Bay). Talk with players or enjoy what “Doc” Gooden termed “the best hot dog I’ve ever had at any ball park”.

Make plans to attend one of the unique festivals. Taste the beer at Bramwell’s Oktoberfest, eat local cuisine at the Italian Festival or enjoy the variety of entertainment at the Mountain Festival (just to name a few).

We invite you to enjoy all that Mercer County and Southern West Virginia has to offer.

For more information contact:
The Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau: 800-221-3206
Bluestone Travel Plaza: (304) 384-7535
Princeton Tourist Information Center: (304) 487-2214