Featured Local Stop
Trailhead Bar & Grill
Right in downtown Matewan, Trailhead Bar & Grill makes an easy stop for lunch, dinner, and a well-earned meal after a day exploring the trails.
Est. 1895 • Mingo County, WV
Where History
Meets Adventure
Discover the untold stories of the Mine Wars, explore the rugged beauty
of the Tug River, and experience the authentic spirit of Appalachia.
More Than Just
A Small Town
Matewan is a living monument to American labor history and a gateway to the wild beauty of West Virginia. From the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feuds to the pivotal Battle of Matewan, our streets echo with stories of resilience and courage.
Today, we welcome travelers seeking connection—to the past, to nature, and to a community that stands proud in the heart of the coalfields.
Mine wars museum
Preserving the people's history of the WV Mine Wars.
Welcome to Matewan
Your Adventure Starts Here
Planning your next ATV adventure? Looking for lodging, food, shopping, history, and fun? Matewan puts it all within reach. Explore a historic Appalachian town surrounded by trail access, local businesses, unique attractions, and genuine small-town hospitality.
ATV Trails
Local Food
Lodging
Museums
Local Shops
Tours & Fun
18 & 43
Devil Anse Trail Access Matewan is conveniently located near Devil Anse trail numbers 18 and 43, making town an easy base for your Hatfield-McCoy Trail adventure.
Come see where history meets adventure.
2026 in Matewan
Mark Your Calendar
From spring celebrations and Heritage Days to the Feud Rally, Fall Festival, and Christmas Parade, there is something happening throughout the year in historic Matewan.
APR
11
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Springtime fun in Matewan.
MAY
16
Heritage Days
Celebrate the history and heritage of Matewan.
JUN
10–13
Magnolia Fair Festival
Four days of community festivities.
AUG
06
Back to School Bash
A community celebration before the school year begins.
SEP
26
Golden Social
Presented by the Matewan CVB.
OCT
10
Fall Festival
Celebrate autumn in downtown Matewan.
OCT
17
The Feud Rally
A signature fall event in historic Matewan.
NOV
11
Veterans Day Program
Honoring those who have served.
NOV
28
Annual Tree Lighting
Kick off the Christmas season in Matewan.
DEC
12
Christmas Parade
A holiday tradition in downtown Matewan.
Save the dates and plan your next visit around one of Matewan's community events.
2026
Make Matewan part of your plans this year. Explore local history, hit the trails, enjoy downtown restaurants and shops, and experience one of our community events while you're here.
Matewan CVB Presents
ATV Poker Run
Hit the trails for a day of riding, stops, cards, and competition during the Matewan CVB ATV Poker Run, guided by Legendary Tours Inc.
Event Date
Saturday, October 17
Entry
$25 Per Person
Registration
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Start & Finish
The Depot in Matewan, West Virginia
Guided By
Legendary Tours Inc.
Trail Pass
$5 Hatfield-McCoy Trails one-day passes will be
available to purchase.
Registration Phone
Call the Depot at
(304) 426-5744
to register.
5
Five Stops. One Winning Hand. Riders will collect cards at five stops along the route. The best five-card hand takes half the pot.
Ride the trails. Play your hand.
Explore Historical Landmarks
Use this map to locate key historical sites throughout the town.
Matewan
Historic Landmarks
Explore Historical Landmarks
Walking Tour
Where to Stay for History & Adventure
Trailhead Haven — A Featured Local Stay
Featured Stay
Trailhead Haven
A spacious Matewan rental built for adventure weekends, group trips, and Devil Anse Trail riders — with comfort features that make you want to stay an extra night or two.
1 mile to Devil Anse Trailhead
Private saltwater pool
Hot tub + fire pit
Group-friendly stay
🛏️
Sleeping
6 King Beds
🚿
Bathrooms
3 Full Baths
🏡
Amenities
Hot tub, fire pit, foosball, washer & dryer
🅿️
Parking
Plenty of room to park for guests, groups, and trailers
Tip: This is a great fit for trail groups, families, and weekend visitors looking for extra space and resort-style amenities close to Matewan.
Featured Rental
Stay Near the Action
Trailhead Haven gives guests quick access to the Devil Anse Trailhead while offering a comfortable, amenity-rich place to unwind after a full day out.
• Private saltwater pool
• Hot tub + fire pit evenings
• Room for large groups
• Washer/dryer for longer stays
• Easy trail access
Eat Local
A Taste of Matewan
A day of trails, history, and exploring works up an appetite. Pull up a chair at some of Matewan's local favorites and experience the food, coffee, and hometown hospitality waiting right here in town.
Mexican Restaurant
Mi Pueblito
Add a little flavor to your Matewan visit with a relaxed local stop for Mexican favorites, lunch, or dinner.
Hometown Favorite
Wingo's Grill
A local Matewan stop right on Mate Street and an easy place to grab a bite while exploring historic downtown.
Coffee Stop
Chit and Chat Coffee Shop
Slow down, grab a cup, and enjoy a casual coffee stop while exploring the shops and historic streets of downtown Matewan.
Discover Matewan
Experience The Region
River & Ridge Adventures
Kayak the Tug Fork River or explore the rugged ridges
surrounding the town. Nature reclaims the industrial past.
Walking Tours
Guided and self-guided tours of historic downtown Matewan.
Events
Reenactments, festivals, and community gatherings.
The Matewan Massacre
Learn about the pivotal 1920 shootout that sparked the
West Virginia Mine Wars and changed labor history forever.
Start Your Journey
Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for a meaningful getaway, Matewan has a story for you. Let us help you plan your perfect trip.
Visitor FAQs
Where is Matewan, West Virginia located?
Matewan is located in southern West Virginia along the Tug Fork River, near the West Virginia–Kentucky border. The town sits in a scenic Appalachian valley surrounded by ridges and historic coalfield communities.
What is Matewan best known for?
Matewan is best known for its role in American labor history, particularly the Matewan Massacre of 1920, a pivotal event in the West Virginia Mine Wars. Today, it is also known for its museum, walkable historic downtown, river scenery, and Appalachian culture.
How long should I plan to stay in Matewan?
Many visitors explore Matewan as a day trip, but a one- to two-night stay allows time to visit the Mine Wars Museum, walk the historic downtown, enjoy river views, and explore nearby outdoor attractions.
Is Matewan a walkable town?
Yes. Matewan’s historic downtown is compact and walkable. Visitors can easily walk between the Mine Wars Museum, historic sites, local shops, and restaurants.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes. Matewan offers guided and self-guided walking tours that focus on labor history, the Matewan Massacre, and the town’s historic landmarks. Group and educational tours may be available by request.
Learn about the pivotal 1920 shootout that sparked the West Virginia Mine Wars and changed labor history forever.
Explore
Contact us
Visit Matewan
Ready to experience history and adventure? Start planning your trip today.