Grafton, West Virginia travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Grafton (West Virginia) is a city in north central West Virginia. It is the county seat of Taylor County. It is believed to be the location where the first Civil War fatality occurred, when Union private Thornsbury Bailey Brown was shot on May 22, 1861. What put Grafton on the map was the railroad.

But what Grafton is probably best known for is that Mothers Day was founded here in 1908.

3 sights · 3 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Grafton

International Mother's Day Shrine

A historic church where Mother's Day was first observed, in the early 1900s.

Grafton National Cemetery

Resting place for over 1500 Union and 600 unidentified Civil War military personnel, including Thornsbury Bailey Brown, presumed to be the first Civil War fatality.

Tygart Lake State Park

This pristine recreation area was developed after the Tygart River was dammed. Boating and camping are some of the options here.

Collect fossils at Hebron

Brachiopods can be found in the road cut across from Hebron Church in the unincorporated community of Hebron.

B&O Railroad Station

Historic train depot.

WV Memorial Day Parade

The longest running Memorial Day parade in the United States started on June 14, 1868 and is now celebrated on Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Snowshoe)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
CKB North Central West Virginia Airport, Bridgeport — 12 mi away. Directions
MGW Morgantown Municipal Airport Walter L. (Bill) Hart Field, Morgantown — 22 mi away. Directions
PIT Pittsburgh International Airport, Pittsburgh — 80 mi away (major hub). Directions

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning International Mother's Day Shrine, B&O Railroad Station
Lunch Gormet Express
Afternoon WV Memorial Day Parade, Tygart Lake State Park
Dinner Lesa's Place
Evening Rendezbrews

Day 2

Morning Grafton National Cemetery
Afternoon Collect fossils at Hebron

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

See

See International Mother's Day Shrine

A historic church where Mother's Day was first observed, in the early 1900s.

📍 11 E Main St☎ +1 304-265-1589

Maps Website

See Grafton National Cemetery

Resting place for over 1500 Union and 600 unidentified Civil War military personnel, including Thornsbury Bailey Brown, presumed to be the first Civil War fatality.

📍 353-401 Walnut St🕒 Dawn-dusk☎ +1 304-265-2044Checked Dec 2021

Maps Website