Discover Wardensville

Wardensville brings together several themes that appeal to different interests when choosing a place to stay: local history, glassblowing, a farm market and a lake five miles to the north. The historic sites and workshop offerings are in town; Warden Lake offers a distinct connection to nature and water.

History Across Several Eras

A Civil War Trails sign for Wardensville is located at 301 E Main St. On May 7, 1862, a skirmish took place in and near Wardensville. Wardensville’s roots date back to the mid-18th century and the French and Indian War. Trout Run was later renamed after William Warden, who had built the fort; Fort Warden was located near Trout Run on the Cacapon River. The town’s early history, the later renaming of Trout Run and the 1862 skirmish are distinct historical points of reference.

Another point of interest is the Cline Blacksmith Shop/Town Jail, a historic building dating from before the American Civil War. John Cline Sr. and his son C.H. Cline operated a blacksmith shop there from the 1830s until 1895; from the 1930s through the 1950s, the building housed prisoners. The gap between its use as a workshop and as a jail makes the building’s change of function tangible. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is also among Wardensville’s historic buildings dating from before the Civil War. Alum Banks in Wardensville is a historic African American cemetery.

Glassblowing, Market and Gallery

Dakota Glass Works is a glassblowing studio and gallery in Wardensville. Hand-blown glass is made there, and guests are invited to take part in the process. Visitors can enter the hot glass workshop, watch the glass being made or try blowing glass themselves at the workbench. This offers a choice between watching and taking part.

The Wardensville Garden Market is located in the historic Frye Farmhouse. As a farm market, it offers goods from its own bakery, farm, kitchen and glass studio, as well as local and regional products and pantry goods from farmers, small businesses and artisans. This brings food and crafts together in one place; the Lost River Trading Post also includes the Grasshopper Gallery.

Warden Lake and Other Trail Names

Warden Lake is located five miles north of Wardensville. Its impoundment covers 44 acres; there is a boat ramp, and only electric motors are permitted for boating. The lake also has an accessible trail. Warden Lake is home to largemouth bass, catfish, various sunfish and pike; trout are stocked seasonally. These details describe a specific body of water, a clear restriction on boating and a dedicated trail.

The Brushy Hollow Trail and Bucktail Cutoff Trail are also listed under the Lee Ranger District, with Wardensville, West Virginia, as the location. So alongside local history and crafts, you’ll find trail names associated with Wardensville and the ranger district.

Wardensville Fall Festival

The Wardensville Fall Festival takes place annually in Wardensville. The program includes more than 100 vendors, a car show, a parade and live music. The festival offers a different focus from the historical and craft themes: it is a recurring event with several activities. If you’d like to plan your stay around it, check the event dates before your trip.

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