West Virginia is a beautiful state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. Nicknamed the Mountain State, it is known for its stunning mountains, winding rivers, and abundant natural resources. Though small in size, West Virginia has a unique culture and fascinating history just waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore some brain-teasing riddles about the Mountain State!
Geography Riddles
Test your knowledge of West Virginia’s geography with these riddles:
Riddle 1
I’m the highest peak in West Virginia, with an elevation over 4,800 feet. Skiers love swooshing down my slopes. What mountain am I?
Answer:
Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest peak in West Virginia at 4,863 feet.
Riddle 2
I’m West Virginia’s largest river, flowing northward for over 300 miles. Pittsburgh and other cities rose up along my banks. Name me.
Answer:
The Monongahela River starts in northern West Virginia and flows north to meet the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, forming the Ohio River.
Riddle 3
I’m the lowest point in West Virginia, found along the Potomac River in Jefferson County. At just 240 feet above sea level, what am I?
Answer:
Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is the lowest point in West Virginia at 240 feet.
History Riddles
How well do you know the history of the Mountain State? Try these riddles:
Riddle 4
I was admitted to the Union during the Civil War after breaking away from another state. What state did I separate from and in what year was I admitted?
Answer:
West Virginia separated from Virginia during the Civil War and was admitted as a new state in 1863.
Riddle 5
We were the site of a famous labor uprising in 1921, when thousands of armed miners confronted law enforcement and mine guards. What are we?
Answer:
The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest labor uprising in United States history, involving 10,000 West Virginia coal miners.
Riddle 6
I’m considered the founding father of West Virginia, playing a key role during the separation from Virginia. Who am I?
Answer:
Francis H. Pierpont, known as the “Father of West Virginia,” was instrumental in the separation from Virginia and establishment of West Virginia as a state.
Culture Riddles
How’s your grasp on West Virginia’s culture? Test it out:
Riddle 7
Shoo-fly pie and pepperoni rolls are two examples of my hearty cuisine. What type of cooking am I?
Answer:
Appalachian or mountain cuisine features dishes like shoo-fly pie and pepperoni rolls.
Riddle 8
Developed in the coal camps, I’m a folk dance featuring intricate footwork timed to old-time fiddle and banjo music. What am I?
Answer:
Flat-footing is a traditional Appalachian folk dance that developed in West Virginia.
Riddle 9
I’m a college football rivalry game played annually since 1895. Marshall and West Virginia battle for bragging rights in this contest. What am I called?
Answer:
The Friends of Coal Bowl features the Marshall Thundering Herd and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Wildlife Riddles
How much do you know about wildlife in West Virginia? Test your knowledge:
Riddle 10
With my white-tailed deer relative, I’m one of only two cervids native to West Virginia. I’m bigger with antlers that branch. Who am I?
Answer:
The elk is native to West Virginia, in addition to the white-tailed deer.
Riddle 11
Over 300 species of this winged creature inhabit West Virginia. Neotropical migrants like the ruby-throated variety stop by during spring and fall migrations. What are we?
Answer:
Over 300 species of birds can be found in West Virginia, including migratory songbirds.
Riddle 12
With unique paddle-shaped tails and bill-shaped snouts, my kind spends much of its time in West Virginia’s rivers. Identify me.
Answer:
The river otter is adapted for an aquatic life in West Virginia’s waterways.
Industry Riddles
How well do you know the industries that have shaped West Virginia? Take a guess at these:
Riddle 13
I fueled the Industrial Revolution and was mined extensively in West Virginia. Though I lifted the economy, I also took the lives of many miners. What mineral am I?
Answer:
Coal mining was integral to West Virginia’s economy but also a very dangerous occupation for miners.
Riddle 14
Plentiful in the mountainous forests, my harvest led to a thriving industry in West Virginia. I’m used to make furniture, flooring, and a variety of wood products. What am I?
Answer:
Timber from West Virginia’s forests supplied the wood products industry.
Riddle 15
Called the “gem stone to the world,” millions of dollars’ worth of me have been mined in West Virginia. Emeralds and rubies fall under my classification. What precious stone am I?
Answer:
Gemstones like emeralds and rubies are mined from West Virginia’s gem fields.
Inventions Riddles
West Virginia is the birthplace of some important American inventions. How familiar are you with them?
Riddle 16
Invented in Huntington in 1921, I revolutionized food storage. You might find me keeping your sandwiches fresh. What am I?
Answer:
The zipper bag was invented by a West Virginian in Huntington.
Riddle 17
Need to cut down a tree? Use me, invented by Joseph Buford Cox in Lewis County around 1900. I’m a motorized contraption that can fell trees efficiently. What am I?
Answer:
The chainsaw was invented in West Virginia around 1900.
Riddle 18
Back in the 1960s, this chemical compound was discovered at DuPont’s labs in West Virginia. I’m stain and water resistant, used to make carpets, clothing, upholstery and more. Who am I?
Answer:
Teflon was invented at DuPont facilities in West Virginia.
State Symbols Riddles
Each state has designated symbols that represent it. How well do you know West Virginia’s?
Riddle 19
I’ve been the state flower since 1903, my bright golden clusters blooming in every county of West Virginia. What flower am I?
Answer:
The rhododendron is the state flower of West Virginia.
Riddle 20
Chosen for my regal profile, I’ve represented West Virginia since 1965. My antler rack crowns the state seal. What male animal am I?
Answer:
The whitetail deer buck appears on the state seal.
Riddle 21
Since 2014 I’ve been the official state fruit, though my cousin the red delicious apple was first. I’m a little tart and perfect for baking in pies or applesauce. What apple am I?
Answer:
The Golden Delicious is the state fruit of West Virginia.
Famous West Virginians Riddles
West Virginia is the home state for many notable figures. Can you identify them from these riddles?
Riddle 22
I was born in Keyser and gained fame portraying daredevil motorcyclists and pilots. My most iconic role featured a black leather jacket and pompadour hair. Who am I?
Answer:
West Virginia native Steve McQueen became an icon in The Great Escape and Bullitt.
Riddle 23
I wrote novels like Night and Dawn depicting the struggles of West Virginia coal miners. My book Storming Heaven is considered a classic of Appalachian literature. Who am I?
Answer:
Denise Giardina was a novelist known for her Appalachian works.
Riddle 24
I was born in Clarksburg and gained fame on Broadway, in movies, and on my own TV variety show. Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam and Dick Van Dyke were my co-stars. Who am I?
Answer:
Mary Tyler Moore hailed from West Virginia originally.
State Slogans Riddles
West Virginia has used several slogans to promote tourism and business. How many can you recall?
Riddle 25
I was adopted in 1972 to highlight West Virginia’s natural beauty and recreational offerings. With “wild, wonderful” descriptors, what am I?
Answer:
“Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” promoted tourism starting in 1972.
Riddle 26
First used in 2005, I promoted West Virginia as an ideal location for new businesses and industry. With the word “open,” what am I?
Answer:
“Open for Business” targeted economic development after 2005.
Riddle 27
Introduced in 2017, I optimistically describe West Virginia’s future. I contain the words “comes tomorrow.” What am I?
Answer:
“West Virginia: The Future Comes Tomorrow” debuted in 2017.
Cities and Towns Riddles
West Virginia has some unique city and town names. Can you identify them?
Riddle 28
I’m the capital city, centrally located on the Kanawha River. What’s my name?
Answer:
Charleston is the capital of West Virginia.
Riddle 29
I’m the largest city, prominent in the northern panhandle along the Ohio River. Nicknamed “The Steel City,” what do they call me?
Answer:
Huntington is the most populated city in West Virginia.
Riddle 30
Located in the Eastern Panhandle, I’m named for an early settler who operated a “packing” line to transport cargo. What unique name do I have?
Answer:
The city of Packhorse Ford got its name from an early settler’s shipping business.
Fun Facts Riddles
Think you know some intriguing trivia about West Virginia? Try these fun fact riddles:
Riddle 31
Developed in 1963, I’m a code that’s standard for all U.S. phone numbers. I was named for a town in West Virginia. What am I?
Answer:
The 304 area code is named for Weston, West Virginia.
Riddle 32
At this West Virginia university, daily flag ceremonies are held to honor those lost in the 1970 plane crash. What school is it?
Answer:
Marshall University honors the 1970 football team with daily memorial ceremonies.
Riddle 33
Opened in 1977, I’m the nation’s first state-sponsored youth outdoor education center located in West Virginia. What am I called?
Answer:
North Bend State Park is home to the first state-run outdoor youth camp.
Landmarks and Attractions Riddles
West Virginia has many unique landmarks and attractions. Can you name them?
Riddle 34
Built beginning in the 1870s, I’m a 20-mile engineering marvel connecting Virginia and West Virginia. What famous vehicular bridge am I?
Answer:
The New River Gorge Bridge is a stunning arch bridge in southern West Virginia.
Riddle 35
Located in Berkeley Springs, I’m the oldest spa resort in the U.S., famous for my healing mineral waters. Who am I?
Answer:
The Berkeley Springs resort has offered mineral baths since the 1700s.
Riddle 36
I’m a National Park located in the steep mountains of southern West Virginia, featuring the New River Gorge. What park am I?
Answer:
New River Gorge National Park encompasses the New River Gorge area.
Riddle 37
Perched on a sandstone cliff in Raleigh County, I’m a renowned performance venue and athletic site. What famous name do I have?
Answer:
The Cliffside Amphitheater in Grandview State Park is a well-known landmark.
Conclusion
How did you enjoy these riddles about West Virginia? The Mountain State certainly has a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse geography just waiting to be uncovered. From coal mines to winding rivers, Appalachian folk dances to legendary figures, there is so much fascinating trivia about this state. I hope these riddles have helped spark your curiosity to keep discovering the wonder of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia!
