Little Beaver State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Beaver State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Little Beaver Lake
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 Little Beaver State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Raleigh, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 562 acres (227 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,450 ft (750 m) |
| Established | 1970 |
Little Beaver State Park is a fun state park located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. It's a great place to visit near Beckley, West Virginia. You can find it about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of I-64 at Grandview Road, exit 129A. The park is famous for its beautiful 18-acre (0.07 km²) Little Beaver Lake.
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Things to Do at Little Beaver State Park
Little Beaver State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a perfect spot for outdoor adventures and relaxing with family and friends.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a meal outdoors with plenty of space for everyone.
- Playground: Kids can have a blast on the playground equipment.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the park's natural beauty on various walking paths.
- Mountain Biking Trails: If you love biking, there are trails just for you.
- Fishing: Try your luck catching fish in Little Beaver Lake.
- Boat Rentals: Rent a boat and explore the lake from the water.
- Campground: Stay overnight at the park's 46-site campground.
Little Beaver Dam: A Historic Structure
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Little Beaver Dam
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Little Beaver State Park Dam, June 2005
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| Location | Little Beaver State Park off WV 307, near Crow, West Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1942 |
| Architect | Coda, S.C., WPA; Konrad, John, CCC |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000287 |
| Added to NRHP | April 1, 1998 |
Inside Little Beaver State Park, you'll find the historic Little Beaver Dam. This dam is near the town of Crow. It was built a long time ago, between 1938 and 1942.
How the Dam Was Built
The dam was a big project supported by the United States government. It was built with help from two important groups: the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These groups helped people find jobs during a difficult time in history. The dam is 400 feet long and 29 feet high. It is made of rough, chiseled sandstone, which gives it a unique look.
National Recognition
Because of its history and importance, Little Beaver Dam was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it's recognized as a special historical site.
Park History and Development
Little Beaver State Park has grown over the years. It started as a place mainly for day visits. People would come for picnics and outdoor fun, then leave at the end of the day.
Adding a Campground
In 2011, the park got a big upgrade. A new 46-site campground was added. On July 1 of that year, 30 of these sites opened. These sites had electric and water hookups, making camping more comfortable. The remaining 16 sites, which offered water-only hookups, were planned to open later that same year. This made it possible for visitors to stay overnight and enjoy the park for longer.
Accessibility for Everyone
Little Beaver State Park works to be welcoming for all visitors. In 2005, West Virginia University checked how accessible the park was for people with disabilities. Their review found that the park was indeed accessible, meaning many areas could be enjoyed by everyone.
