ZooWest Virginia, US

West Virginia State Wildlife Center

Discover West Virginia's native and once-native wildlife in a beautiful forest setting.

About

Discover West Virginia's native and once-native wildlife in a beautiful forest setting. The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility dedicated to educating visitors about the state's diverse animal inhabitants. Operated by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, this 338-acre center in French Creek provides a unique outdoor experience. Visitors embark on a self-guided exploration along a 1.25-mile paved, wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail that winds through a mature hardwood forest. The spacious enclosures are designed to resemble natural habitats, allowing the nearly 30 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles to exhibit more natural behaviors. Informative signs throughout the trail deepen understanding of each animal's life history, biology, and its relationship with humans. Beyond the animal exhibits, the center encourages a full day of outdoor enjoyment. Guests can pack a picnic to enjoy in the large wooded picnic areas, complete with grills and a shelter, or try their hand at fishing in the regularly stocked pond. A gift shop offers souvenirs and refreshments, including local favorites like pepperoni rolls, making it a perfect family-friendly destination for learning and leisure in nature. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center began its life in 1923 as the French Creek Game Farm, established by the Game and Fish Commission. Its initial mission was to breed and reintroduce various game species, such as quail, pheasant, turkey, and deer, in an effort to restore wildlife populations across the state. However, it became evident that farm-raised animals often lacked the necessary survival skills for the wild, leading to the discontinuation of these reintroduction programs. Despite this, the Game Farm's popularity as a tourist attraction grew, with notable additions like bison and elk in 1954. Recognizing its evolving role, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources initiated the construction of modern facilities and exhibits in 1984. The revamped center was officially dedicated and renamed the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in 1986, focusing on education and displaying native and once-native wildlife in more naturalistic settings. The center temporarily closed in early 2024 for a federal relicensing process and successfully reopened in April 2024.

What to do here

Walk the main paved trail to view animals, read educational signs, enjoy a picnic, fish in the pond, hike the Old Oak Trail, and visit the gift shop. Free guided tours are available upon request.

Seasonal info

April 1 – October 31: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults (16+), $2 for children (6-15), and free for children under 5. Special events may occur during this period, such as Memorial Day activities or the Living History Rendezvous. November 1 – March 31: Open daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. February 2nd hosts the annual Groundhog Day celebration. Hours of operation are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Accessibility

The main 1.25-mile interpretive trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible. The facility also features accessible ramps, restrooms, and access to goods and services.

Don't miss

1.25-mile Interpretive Trail

Observe nearly 30 species of West Virginia wildlife in spacious, natural enclosures.

French Creek Freddie

The resident groundhog, famous for his Groundhog Day predictions.

Bison & Elk

Impressive displays of these historically native species.

River Otters

Known for their playful antics in a beautifully designed habitat.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

American Bison

Black Bear

North American River Otter

Timber Rattlesnake

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

The 1.25-mile paved trail is easy to walk, but comfortable footwear is always recommended for extended strolls.

Bring a camera

The naturalistic enclosures and active animals provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

Pack a picnic

Enjoy the scenic wooded picnic areas with grills for a relaxed meal amidst nature.

Visit during cooler months for free entry: Admission is free from November through March, making it a budget-friendly option during the off-season.

Check the WVDNR website

Before your visit, confirm current hours of operation and any special event schedules, as they can be subject to change.

Consider a guided tour

Free guided tours are available upon request and can offer additional insights and stories about the animals and the center.

Frequently asked questions

: The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is home to nearly 30 species of native and once-native West Virginia wildlife, including black bears, bison, elk, river otters, bobcats, coyotes, various foxes, eagles, owls, and snakes. Don't miss French Creek Freddie, the resident groundhog!
: Yes, the main 1.25-mile interpretive trail is paved and fully wheelchair-accessible, allowing visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy the exhibits.
: Admission is free from November 1st to March 31st each year. The Center also hosts special events throughout the spring and summer, such as a Memorial Day event, West Virginia Day festivities, and a Living History Rendezvous. It's recommended to check the official WVDNR website for the most up-to-date event schedule.