Elkins WV

Elkins, West Virginia – Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this charming small town is where natural beauty meets rich history and warm community spirit. Known for its scenic landscapes, vibrant arts culture, and welcoming locals, Elkins is a hidden gem for those seeking both adventure and serenity. Whether you're exploring the majestic Monongahela National Forest, enjoying live bluegrass at the Augusta Heritage Center, or simply strolling through the historic downtown, Elkins invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and experience true Appalachian hospitality.

• Population: ~6,900
• Weather: Four-season climate; crisp winters, pleasant springs and autumns, warm summers (20°F to 85°F)
• Places To Visit: Monongahela National Forest, Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, Davis & Elkins College, Allegheny Highlands Trail
• Top Activities: Hiking, scenic train rides, attending Mountain State Forest Festival, fly-fishing, exploring local art galleries and shops
• Famous Food: Appalachian-style fried trout, pepperoni rolls, homemade pies, and local craft brews at Big Timber Brewing Company

Elkins, WV, is a charming city nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offering a vibrant job market shaped by its local government, healthcare system, education institutions, and proximity to outdoor tourism. The city supports a variety of professions that contribute to its economic and social well-being. Here are five of the top jobs in Elkins, WV.

Elkins, WV may be a small mountain town, but it offers plenty of cool spots where students can unwind, hang out with friends, and recharge after a long week of classes. Whether you're into nature, music, coffee, or local vibes, Elkins has its own charm that makes it easy to feel at home.

Davis & Elkins College Amphitheater – Right on campus, this peaceful outdoor spot is great for catching live performances, studying outside, or just laying back and enjoying the mountain views. It’s a favorite for many students looking for fresh air and good vibes.

Big Timber Brewing Company (Student-Friendly Patio) – While this is a brewery, it’s also a huge local favorite with outdoor seating, local music events, and a chill atmosphere. Many students 21 and over love hanging out here on weekends to enjoy live bands and food trucks.

Elkins City Park – Just a short walk from campus, this scenic park is ideal for hammocking between classes, grabbing lunch with friends, or playing a casual game of frisbee. In the summer and fall, local festivals light up the park with food stands and music.

TipTop Coffee – Cozy, modern, and full of personality, TipTop is where students go to sip on a latte, get some studying done, or meet up for a group project. They also feature local pastries and an artsy vibe that’s hard not to love.

The Delmonte Market – Tucked inside the historic railroad depot, this unique shop offers handmade gifts, vintage finds, and snacks that are fun to browse. It’s a great spot to relax, check out something new, and support the local arts scene.

Monongahela National Forest Trails – If you need a proper mental escape, hit the trails. With dozens of scenic hikes nearby, students can enjoy weekend hikes or short afternoon strolls. The forest is peaceful, beautiful, and a guaranteed stress reliever.

The Ramps Restaurant – A local gem that’s perfect for a casual bite with friends. Known for its Appalachian-inspired menu and warm setting, it’s a go-to for weekend brunch or low-key dinners that feel like a treat without breaking your budget.

The Old Brick Playhouse – For theater lovers or those looking for something different, this creative space offers community plays, concerts, and open mic nights where students are welcome to perform or just be part of the audience.

El Gran Sabor – Latin flavor and live music? Yes, please. This charming restaurant is known for its tasty eats, colorful decor, and good energy. Friday night salsa bands and open mic events make it a student favorite.

Whether you're exploring the wooded trails or sipping coffee downtown, Elkins has a rhythm all its own. It's the kind of place where students can slow down, find their people, and still have plenty of fun away from the stress of daily college life.

Elkins, West Virginia is a welcoming city nestled in the scenic Allegheny Mountains, offering students a supportive and vibrant educational environment. While Elkins is a smaller city, it is rich in opportunities for higher learning, offering access to both public and private colleges and universities that serve a wide range of academic interests. Whether you’re interested in liberal arts, technology, or health sciences, the city and its nearby region have reputable institutions ready to help you succeed.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Elkins, WV

Davis & Elkins College (Public-Private Partnership) – While historically private, Davis & Elkins now benefits from community collaborations. It’s best known for its programs in nursing, business, and the liberal arts, and offers a supportive campus experience in the heart of Elkins.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg (Regional) – Located within driving distance, WVU Parkersburg offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in education, business administration, and technology. It’s a great option for students seeking affordable tuition and regional opportunities.

Fairmont State University (Nearby) – Just over an hour from Elkins, Fairmont State is a well-respected public university with strong programs in education, engineering technology, and business. Many Elkins residents attend for its affordable tuition and flexible learning options.

Glenville State University (Nearby) – Known for its roots in teacher education, Glenville State attracts students interested in criminal justice, natural resources management, and teaching, and is about an hour’s drive from Elkins.

Pierpont Community & Technical College (Regional) – Serving central West Virginia, Pierpont offers practical associate’s degrees and certificates in areas like healthcare, information technology, and applied design, making it a solid choice for career-minded students in the Elkins area.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Elkins, WV

Davis & Elkins College – As the city’s flagship private college, D&E is acclaimed for its personalized education, vibrant student life, and strong programs in nursing, education, fine arts, and business. Its picturesque campus is a central part of the Elkins community.

Alderson Broaddus University (Nearby, Philippi, WV) – Just 30 minutes from Elkins, ABU is known for its health sciences, including nursing and physician assistant studies, and pays special attention to leadership development and personal growth.

West Virginia Wesleyan College (Buckhannon, WV) – Located less than an hour away, WVWC is renowned for its excellent academics, including programs in biology, creative writing, and musical arts. It offers a traditional, residential college experience.

Wheeling University (Wheeling, WV) – Within a broader driving radius, Wheeling University attracts students with its healthcare, business, and liberal arts programs. Its small class sizes and commitment to service learning set it apart.

Salem University (Salem, WV) – Salem University, about an hour and a half away, provides flexible online and on-campus programs in business, education, and criminal justice. It appeals to working adults and transfer students seeking individualized attention.

Whether you’re looking for the community feel of a small-town college or access to specialized programs in the broader region, Elkins offers students a nurturing space to grow academically and personally. The region’s colleges and universities emphasize supportive faculty, hands-on experiences, and tight-knit campus communities—making this area a great place to start your educational journey.

Elkins, WV, may be a small mountain town, but it’s filled with schools that are deeply committed to student success. From excellent public institutions to nurturing private schools, Elkins offers great options for families focused on education. Whether you're seeking strong academics, creative programs, or a close-knit learning environment, the town has something for everyone. Here are the top public and private high schools in Elkins, West Virginia.

Top Public High Schools in Elkins, WV

• Elkins High School – The primary public high school in the city, Elkins High offers a range of academic tracks including college prep, AP courses, and career-technical programs. Students participate in athletics, performing arts, and clubs that build leadership and teamwork skills.
• Randolph Technical Center – Although not a traditional high school, this public vocational school partners with Elkins High to offer students hands-on learning in trades like welding, healthcare, and automotive technology. It’s a valuable option for students interested in skill-based careers.
• Tygarts Valley High School – Located just south of Elkins, this public school serves rural areas in Randolph County. With small class sizes and personalized attention, it helps students stay on track academically while fostering a strong sense of community pride.
• Buckhannon-Upshur High School – Around 30 minutes from Elkins, this larger public high school offers more diverse course options and competitive extracurriculars, making it a choice for some Elkins-area families willing to commute.
• Harman School – A K-12 school northeast of Elkins, Harman provides a unique learning environment where students benefit from teacher consistency and a tight-knit community atmosphere throughout their academic years.

Top Private High Schools in Elkins, WV

• Highland Adventist School – A Christian-based private school offering education from elementary through high school. Known for its faith-integrated curriculum and individualized instruction, Highland Adventist is a great option for families looking for values-based education.
• Elkins Christian Academy – This private school emphasizes academic excellence and Christian values. Small class sizes allow teachers to focus on each student’s needs, and the close-knit school culture fosters spiritual as well as intellectual growth.
• North Central West Virginia Home School Co-op – While technically not a traditional school, many Elkins-area families turn to this private Christian cooperative for high school-level classes and enrichment opportunities for home-educated students.
• Seneca Trail Christian Academy – Located in nearby Beverly, this private school focuses on building strong academic foundations within a faith-based framework. It offers rigorous instruction and a supportive, nurturing environment.
• Mountain State Christian School – Based a short drive away, this school draws students from Elkins and surrounding areas who seek a traditional Christian education with a focus on character development and college readiness.

Parents in Elkins have access to a supportive and encouraging educational landscape. Whether choosing public or private, families can find schools that focus on academic achievement, character building, and preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

Elkins, West Virginia, is a charming mountain town known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor adventures. While Elkins is beloved for its small-town charm, it doesn’t host any major professional sports teams. However, that doesn’t mean locals and visitors don’t enjoy sports—far from it! The passion for athletics is alive and well, with a strong focus on college sports, regional teams, and minor league action that brings the community together.

For fans in Elkins who crave the thrill of professional sports, larger cities in West Virginia and nearby states provide plenty of powerhouse teams to root for. Here are some key connections to the wider world of sports for those living in or visiting Elkins:

College Athletics – Davis & Elkins College (NCAA Division II)

• Davis & Elkins Senators – Located right in Elkins, this NCAA Division II program fields competitive teams across multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, and cross country. The Senators compete in the Mountain East Conference (MEC), building school spirit and providing local fans with exciting on-campus matchups.

Minor League Baseball – West Virginia Black Bears

• West Virginia Black Bears – Based in Morgantown, about two hours from Elkins, the Black Bears play in the MLB Draft League. The team showcases top college prospects and future stars of the game. Though not a traditional Minor League team since MLB's restructuring, it still offers high-level baseball action and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Football & Basketball – Regional Support for Nearby NFL & NBA Teams

• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) – Just a few hours north, the Steelers are one of the most popular NFL teams in the region. Their gritty, blue-collar identity resonates strongly with fans in Elkins. Sundays in Elkins often find residents donning black and gold to cheer on their team.
• Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) – Both Ohio teams have dedicated followings in West Virginia. The Bengals, with recent playoff success, have gained more national attention, making them an exciting team to watch.
• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) – For basketball fans, the Cavs remain a regional favorite, especially since the days of LeBron James. Though West Virginia doesn’t have an NBA franchise, the Cavs’ games are often broadcast and followed in the Elkins area.

Hockey – Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

• Pittsburgh Penguins – Hockey enthusiasts in Elkins often support the Penguins. With five Stanley Cup wins (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017) and superstar players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins remain a top pick for West Virginia hockey fans.

Soccer – Afternoon Watch Parties & Regional MLS Action

• Columbus Crew (MLS) – Based in Ohio, the Crew are a go-to MLS team for some in the Elkins area. With a passionate fan base and MLS Cup victories in 2008 and 2020, the Crew offer competitive soccer close to home.
• DC United (MLS) – Around three and a half hours from Elkins, fans who prefer to travel for live matches can visit Audi Field in Washington, D.C., to catch another well-known MLS franchise.

Even though Elkins does not host its own major league teams, the town offers easy access to regional professional sports while maintaining a strong collegiate athletic culture. Whether you're cheering on the Senators at Davis & Elkins College or road-tripping to watch the Steelers or Penguins play live, sports are absolutely part of life in and around Elkins, WV. With passion and pride, local fans always find a way to be part of the action!

Elkins, West Virginia is a charming mountain town packed with history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, Appalachian heritage, or small-town vibes, Elkins has a little something for everyone. Here are 10 fun facts about this hidden gem in the heart of the Mountain State:

1. Mountain Music Capital – Elkins is home to the Augusta Heritage Center, a nationally acclaimed program that celebrates traditional music, dance, and crafts of the Appalachian culture.
2. Train Lover’s Paradise – All aboard! Elkins is a hub for historic train excursions with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offering scenic rides deep into the mountains.
3. A College with Character – Davis & Elkins College, located right in town, was founded in 1904 and gives the city a youthful vibe with its picturesque campus and performances open to the public.
4. Autumn’s Best Kept Secret – Known for “Leaf Peeping,” Elkins bursts with vibrant fall colors and scenic drives that attract visitors from around the country each autumn.
5. The Forest Is Calling – Elkins serves as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, offering easy access to hiking, camping, and fishing in over 900,000 acres of wilderness.
6. Art in the Mountains – The town has a thriving arts community. Explore The Arts Center, where local artists display everything from pottery to paintings and offer hands-on workshops.
7. Festivals Galore – You’ll never be bored in Elkins. It hosts unique events like the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the oldest and largest festivals in West Virginia.
8. Historic Downtown Strolls – Elkins has a walkable downtown with charming vintage architecture, cozy cafés, local boutiques, and friendly small-town warmth.
9. A Place in Presidential History – The “Davis” and “Elkins” in Davis & Elkins College were named after two U.S. Senators—one of whom was also Abraham Lincoln’s former Secretary of War!
10. Snowy Wonder – Thanks to its elevation, Elkins gets its fair share of fluffy snow in winter, turning the area into a scenic wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cozy cabin stays.