Explore Cass Company Houses At This West Virginia State Park

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park — it’s an iconic destination in West Virginia and a treasure trove of history related to railroad travel. Understandably, when many people think of this state park in West Virginia, one of the first things that come to mind is the scenic railroad for which it’s famous. And while a ride on any of the trains that depart from Cass, West Virginia, is an adventure to treasure, a visit to the town of Cass itself is an ideal family-friendly excursion, too. Especially when you consider the fact that it’s possible to rent out some Cass company houses for the night! Learn more about planning your trip to this one-of-a-kind state park in West Virginia.

Perhaps some people don’t realize that the tiny town of Cass, WV is part of the state park known as Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Flickr/Joanne C Sullivan

Or, that the town of Cass, founded in 1901, still has nearly 50 residents.

Google Maps/Elizabeth Kowalski

Here’s the backstory: In 1960, the lumber company employing the majority of the workers in this logging town (a true Company Town), went out of business. A year later, the state turned the railroad into a tourist attraction.

TripAdvisor/gary and pam j

And in 1977, the state acquired most of the town and restored and refurbished it to include in their park. The town makes up about one-half of the size of the state park, which includes 940 acres.

Flickr/Mark Plummer

On Main Street, just south of the company store (pictured in the first photo above), the town refurbished 20 of the original 52 company houses built in the early 1900s for the workers at the lumber mill and the machine shop. They are perhaps, some of the most unique state park cabins available in West Virginia! And what’s more: they can accommodate up to 14 people, so gather up the kids and the grands and plan a vacation with everyone under the same roof!

TripAdvisor/Management

Exploring Cass on foot is always an option. The town is less than one square mile is size, so it isn’t an overwhelming thought to trek around on foot to see the sights.

TripAdvisor/gary and pam j

But there’s nothing wrong with bringing your own wheels either!

TripAdvisor/gary and pam j

And there is much to see! An old church stands at the end of the row of Company houses on Main Street, and several other streets are also lined with the same company houses from the early 1900s. Be sure to pop by the building where the Mayor’s Office and Town Council Chamber sign hangs!

TripAdvisor/gary and pam j

You’ll find adventure around every turn in Cass. From foot trails to boardwalks that lead around the historic town, and cozy shops to explore, this state park seems to have it all, including a restaurant located inside the Company Store!

Google Maps/Curtis Putney

And of course, you won’t want to miss the “other” main attraction: the trains! The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park rail excursions are now managed by the Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad, as listed on the West Virginia State Parks’ website. A variety of rail trips are available and they couldn’t be more fun!

Google Maps/Aaron Foltz

One of them carriers passengers to a replica logging operation at the halfway point to its final destination at the very top of Bald Mountain, the third highest peak in West Virginia.

Flickr/Joanne C Sullivan

How about it? Did you know the town of Cass, West Virginia is actually a state park these days? We love exploring state parks! Don’t you?

Flickr/Joanne C Sullivan

Google Maps/Elizabeth Kowalski

TripAdvisor/gary and pam j

Flickr/Mark Plummer

TripAdvisor/Management

Google Maps/Curtis Putney

Google Maps/Aaron Foltz

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is located in Cass, West Virginia. It’s approximately three hours from Charleston, Wheeling, Martinsburg, and Parkersburg (as a mere point of reference). Twenty Cass company houses are available for rent with advance reservations required. You can also spend the night in the wilderness in a caboose! Learn more about the town of Cass, West Virginia when you visit the official West Virginia State Parks website. Enjoy your railroad-themed adventures!

For related content, check out this railroad-themed getaway in West Virginia the whole family will enjoy.

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Address: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

cass west Virginia December 29, 2022 Beth C. What are the best state parks to visit in West Virginia? Some of the best state parks to visit in West Virginia include:

Audra State Park in Buckhannon Babcock State Park in Clifftop Beartown State Park in Hillsboro Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville Berkeley Springs State Park in Berkeley Springs Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis Bluestone State Park in Hinton Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkeley Springs Canaan Valley State Park Cathedral State Park in Aurora Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted Little Beaver State Park Prickett’s Fort State Park in Fairmont Tu-endie-wei State Park in Point Pleasant

It’s hard to imagine West Virginia without its great outdoor destinations. The state parks encompass some of the most beautiful, rugged landscapes of all. No matter which of West Virginia’s state parks you opt for, you’re in for a real adventure. Just be sure to leave the parks in pristine condition so that others may enjoy them too. Happy exploring! Does West Virginia have any national parks? Below is a list of the national parks of West Virginia:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Bluestone National Scenic River Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park Chesapeake Bay Watershed Gauley River National Recreation Area Harpers Ferry National Historical Park New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The OIYS Visitor Center

cass west Virginia

December 29, 2022

Beth C.

What are the best state parks to visit in West Virginia? Some of the best state parks to visit in West Virginia include:

The OIYS Visitor Center

Some of the best state parks to visit in West Virginia include:

Audra State Park in Buckhannon
Babcock State Park in Clifftop
Beartown State Park in Hillsboro
Beech Fork State Park in Barboursville
Berkeley Springs State Park in Berkeley Springs
Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis
Bluestone State Park in Hinton
Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkeley Springs
Canaan Valley State Park
Cathedral State Park in Aurora
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro
Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted
Little Beaver State Park
Prickett’s Fort State Park in Fairmont
Tu-endie-wei State Park in Point Pleasant

Does West Virginia have any national parks?

Below is a list of the national parks of West Virginia:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Bluestone National Scenic River
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Gauley River National Recreation Area
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve