The official Site of
Beech Fork State Park
Special Events and Activities
Beech Fork State Park hosts special events as well as provides daily activities during the summer season.
Events and activities are open to park guests and the general public.
Special Events
April 3, 2010
Spring Clean Up
Volunteer and be part of an annual spring cleaning, learn more.
July 10, 2010
Bil Lepp- Master Storyteller; Believable Liar
Come to the Activities Room to see a winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Bil Lepp, tell tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories will have you roaring with laughter!! Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 304-528-5794
July 24, 2010
Squaredancing w/Lou Maiuri
Join the fun as dance master Lou Maiuri welcomes everyone to a great evening of Appalachian dance and square dancing. No previous dance experience necessary. Good old fashioned fun. Activities Building. Free admission.
Contact: 304-528-5794
September 24, 25, 26, 2010
"The Legacy of Mary Ingles"
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day
Beech Fork State Park
The Legacy of Mary Ingles, in its 22nd year is an 18th century living history weekend that introduces visitors and guests to life and the ways of our pioneering ancestors through demonstrations and the portrayal of life in 1755 that Mary Ingles lived and encountered.
The presentations are not lecture-style and is a three-day encampment with more than 20 interpreters and tradesmen and women staged in primitive encampment settings. The interpreters engage those attending throughout the course of the day in conversation and with on going action and worklife.
Some of the life skills and demonstrations planned over the course of the 3-day event include: the importance of trade, animal care, spinning and weaving, music, salt making, medicinal and edible native plants as early healthcare, finger weaving, blacksmithing, candle making, lye soap making, hunting skills, tomahawk throwing, plant dyes, toys and games, wood working, hide tanning, Indian pictographs, women’s and men’s roles, and frontier cooking and foods.
It’s been 255 years since Ingles made her trek through the Kanawha Valley and New River area, and her remarkable story is woven throughout the each day.
A special presentation by Robert Weiford will occur at 3:00 p.m. on September 25 and again 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. Portraying Dr. John P. Hale, Weiford will recall history from the viewpoint as the great-grandson of Mary Ingles. Dr. Hale was an early Kanawha Valley resident and entrepreneur.
'The Legacy of Mary Ingles' encampment is open to the public at no charge from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for three days, September 24, 25 and 26, 2010 at Beech Fork State Park. Parking is free. Individuals or groups should park at the administration building. Signs will be posted to direct attendees to the encampments and demonstrations. The site is accessible by wheelchair with the understanding some level grassy areas are off of the paved path.
Contact: 304-528-5794
October 9, 2010
Heron Fest
Magic, arts and crafts, food, hayrides, boat rides, will begin at 11:00 A.M. and continue throughout the day until 7:00 P.M. Other events will include a camper display by Setzer’s Camper Sales, pumpkin decorating contest, food and craft vendors, gospel sing, and Smokey Bear.
New events this year will be apple butter making by local BSA Troop #63, Dancing by the Porter Creek Cloggers. Individuals setting up as flea market vendors, may register at the park office and set up for free of charge for the day. Antique, unique car, or motorcycle owners may also are invited show vehicles and participate in the car show display.
There is no charge to attend Heron Fest and the activities are open to the public.
Interested vendors, view application and information here
Summer Activities
Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend is the traditional vacation season. During this time daily activities are scheduled and include hikes, games, evening programs and nature-based activities. Activities are posted at the park office and vary from week to week.
