Mystery Hole Ansted West Virginia
Experience mind-bending optical illusions and gravity-defying fun at this classic West Virginia roadside attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mystery Hole Ansted West Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience mind-bending optical illusions and gravity-defying fun at this classic West Virginia roadside attraction.
"It's a cool place that is just really unique to see in this area of WV. "
🎯 Embrace the Fun!
Go with an open mind and a sense of humor; it's a quirky, unique attraction!
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular spot, waits can be long. Consider purchasing tickets in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mystery Hole Itself
Experience mind-bending optical illusions and gravity-defying fun in this unique West Virginia roadside attraction.
Campy Roadside Souvenirs
Browse a collection of nostalgic and fun souvenirs reminiscent of classic 70s-era roadside attractions.
Unique Photo Opportunities
Capture memorable and quirky photos outside the attraction, showcasing its distinctive charm and character.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky Charm
Plan Your Visit Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Traveling to Fayetteville, WV from Durham, NC.
🎯 Embrace the Fun!
Go with an open mind and a sense of humor; it's a quirky, unique attraction! +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular spot, waits can be long. Consider purchasing tickets in advance.
📸 Phone-Free Tour
Phones may need to be stored during the tour, but there are great photo ops outside.
💰 Worth the Price?
A bit pricey for some, but kids often love it enough to want a second go!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Fun!
Go with an open mind and a sense of humor; it's a quirky, unique attraction! +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Popular spot, waits can be long. Consider purchasing tickets in advance.
📸 Phone-Free Tour
Phones may need to be stored during the tour, but there are great photo ops outside.
💰 Worth the Price?
A bit pricey for some, but kids often love it enough to want a second go!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Mystery Hole is a beloved, quirky roadside attraction in West Virginia that offers a unique and fun experience, particularly for families. While some find the price steep for the short tour, most visitors appreciate its nostalgic charm, optical illusions, and the engaging guides. It's a place best enjoyed with a sense of humor and an open mind.
"I feel bad for the low reviews for not having a sense of fun/humor. It’s a cool place that is just really unique to see in this area of WV. We stopped by on our roadtrip from Ohio and thought it was worth the stop. The tour is pretty quick but you gotta approach it with an open mind. While the $10 may be steep for some people, it was still fun to see what the owners could come up with. Everyone that worked there was very nice and I feel like keeping your phones in the car isn’t the worst thing to ask when it comes to a place like this. Tons of cool things to take pictures outside of anyways. Check it out, have some fun with the mystery side of things and just enjoy it for what it is: a unique attraction."
Jacen East
"This is clearly a very popular attraction. The wait to get in was 45 minutes... and they were about sold out for the day. I highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time."
Seazonz 219
"If you’re looking for something astounding and overwhelming, with lots of bells and whistles, this probably isn’t the place for you. If you’re looking for a campy roadside stop that’s reminiscent of 70s-ish roadside attractions and souvenirs of yesteryear, then you’ll enjoy The Mystery Hole. Adults looking to be professionally entertained should probably move along; but adults with kids should definitely swing through and enjoy The Mystery Hole for what it is: optical illusions, silly humor, and the things of the simple life of yesteryear. You won’t find flash or bang, but you will find lighthearted fun and humor, and decent illusions! Everyone there was super welcoming and nice, and the guy who gave the tour made it fun! It was a total of $18 for me and my 9 year old granddaughter to go through the 15-20 minute tour, which might seem a little much…but as soon as we were coming out of the hole and she looked at me and said, “I want to do it again!”, it made it worth every penny…so we went through it a second time! Enjoy it for what it is and you won’t be disappointed!"
Cindy E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mystery Hole is located in Ansted, West Virginia. It's a classic roadside attraction, often mentioned as a stop when traveling through the Fayetteville area. Check your GPS for the most direct route to Ansted, WV.
It's a roadside attraction, so keep an eye out for its distinctive signage as you drive through Ansted. It's part of the charm of exploring West Virginia's scenic routes.
Many visitors find it a fun stop on a road trip. Consider combining it with other nearby attractions like the New River Gorge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is around $10 per person, with a slightly higher price for adults and children. Some reviewers feel it's a bit steep for the short tour, but many find it worth it for the unique experience, especially for kids. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to buy tickets ahead of time. The attraction is popular and can sell out for the day, with waits of up to 45 minutes.
Operating hours can be limited and may vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
There isn't a strict age limit, but the attraction is particularly enjoyable for families with children who appreciate optical illusions and lighthearted fun.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour is relatively short, about 15-20 minutes, and focuses on optical illusions and quirky fun. Guides are known for their engaging and humorous delivery, working the crowd well. +1
Some reviews suggest phones may need to be put away during the tour itself. However, there are plenty of unique photo opportunities outside the attraction.
Given the nature of the attraction with its illusions, it might be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly with the attraction for specific accessibility details.
Expect to see classic roadside attraction illusions that play with gravity and perspective, creating a fun and disorienting experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Mystery Hole offers many quirky and memorable photo opportunities. The unique architecture and surrounding kitschy elements make for great shots.
While photos are encouraged outside, there might be restrictions on using phones or cameras during the guided tour itself. It's wise to follow the guide's instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the price might seem a bit high for a short tour, the joy and wonder it brings to children often make it well worth the cost. There are also plenty of fun, kitschy souvenirs available that kids will love. Just be prepared for the possibility of a wait, and consider booking tickets in advance to maximize your fun time.
🚗 Road Trippers
It's often mentioned alongside other points of interest in the Fayetteville and Beckley areas, making it easy to incorporate into a larger itinerary. The unique nature of the attraction provides memorable photo opportunities and a lighthearted experience that travelers often rave about.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Roadside Attractions
Many visitors appreciate these attractions for their nostalgic charm and lighthearted entertainment. They evoke a sense of simpler times and provide a fun, often inexpensive, diversion. While some may dismiss them as 'kitsch,' they hold a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy the unexpected and the delightfully peculiar. The Mystery Hole, with its gravity-defying phenomena and vintage souvenir shop, perfectly embodies this enduring appeal.
For travelers looking for an authentic taste of Americana, exploring these roadside gems is a must. They offer a unique perspective on local culture and history, often telling a story through their eccentric designs and offerings. The Mystery Hole is a prime example of how these attractions continue to draw visitors seeking a memorable and fun experience.
Understanding the 'Mystery' and the Experience
The tour itself is designed to be engaging and humorous. Guides are key to the experience, often described as welcoming and skilled at interacting with the crowd, making the 15-20 minute tour lively and entertaining. While the experience is brief, the impact on visitors, especially children, can be significant, with some wanting to go through it multiple times.
It's important to note that the Mystery Hole is not about high-tech thrills or elaborate shows. Instead, it offers a more down-to-earth, campy fun that harks back to a different era of entertainment. Approaching it with an open mind and a willingness to be amused is the best way to fully enjoy what this unique West Virginia attraction has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit