About This Park

The heritage of early West Virginia and the pioneer spirit of Watters Smith are both preserved in the homestead restoration at this 532-acre historical park. This historical park, located in Harrison County, features log cabins, period-accurate buildings and a museum that depicts pioneer life from 1796 to the early 1900s. The grounds are open to picnicking and hiking, and the park also is a popular site for birdwatching. The museum and Smith Home are open on select days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

This park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park.

Activities

Select an activity below to learn more
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Museums & Historical Sites
Attraction is located outside of the park.

History

The land that is now Watters Smith Memorial State Park was settled in 1796 by Watters Smith and his wife Elizabeth. The couple built a home, farmed the land and raised eight children. In 1876, Smith’s great-grandson, Alexander, reconstructed the family’s original hand-hewn log cabin. The land was donated to the West Virginia Parks system in 1949 when Burr Smith willed the 236-acre farm to the state with instructions it be developed into a park honoring his great-great-grandfather. Today the cabin is used as one of two museums in the park. The farm was operated as a family business for four generations, and the implements on display in the museums and in the barns and sheds were used to keep it running.

Additional Information

Picnicking

Bring along your homemade goodies for a delicious picnic in the park! Watters Smith Memorial State Park has a large picnic area equipped with game courts. You can also enjoy hiking and biking trails and an activity building that can seat up to 60 people.

Upcoming Events

There are no events scheduled at this time. Check back for updates to the schedule.
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