From tree-lined streets and a vibrant downtown, to the hills that surround the city, Elkins is known for having all the benefits of both a small town and a larger city.  While its size makes it friendly and safe, Elkins can also boast of having:

A vibrant arts community. With the Randolph County Community Arts Center, Augusta Heritage Center and Old Brick Playhouse, it’s no wonder Elkins was listed as one of the 100 best small arts communities in the U.S and is a West Virginia Certified Arts Community.

Quality health care facilities. Elkins is home to the Davis Health System (DHS) which includes Davis Memorial Hospital and an extensive list of specialty services including the Cancer Care Center, Women’s HealthCare, WVU Cardiac Care, the Pain Management Center and Wound Care. Over 1,000 health care professionals make up the DHS which offers technology equal to that of larger hospitals. It serves more than five counties.

An appreciation of history. Despite its small size, Elkins is rich in National Register historic sites, including several National Historic Landmarks. This is due in large part to the city’s dedicated volunteer community. The Elkins Historic Landmarks Commission works hard to preserve the city’s many historic structures and neighborhoods. Both the downtown and Wees neighborhoods are listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Commitment to education. Elkins is fortunate to be home of Davis & Elkins College, the Randolph County Board of Education, the Randolph County Wood Technology Center and the Kump Education Center, which is currently being created.  There are offerings for every age student, from Pre-K to post-baccalaureate degrees.

Recreation and the great outdoors. You’ll find that great adventures start in your own backyard. With the best ski resorts in the south, miles of mountain biking, hiking in our national forest, access to over 500 miles of trout streams, whitewater rivers for all skill levels, an unparalleled blaze of fall colors, hunting, and award winning golf courses a "short drive" from home— it’s easy to acknowledge why our region has been recognized as one of our Nation's top five tourism destinations!

Ideally situated as the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest, our community has long been a destination for sightseers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts alike.

The community also provides a wealth of youth activities to keep young minds sharp. Local youth organizations range from theater productions at the Old Brick Playhouse and art classes at the Randolph County Community Arts Center to youth baseball, soccer, and swimming leagues.

Elkins and the surrounding region also offer unique opportunities for youth to experience the natural wonders that surround them. Families often enjoy the benefits of living close to historic sites, state parks, and our national forests.

Canaan Valley State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cass Scenic Railroad, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, and National Radio Astronomy Observatory all offer educational programs, interpretive hikes, historic rail excursions, and one-of-a-kind educational experiences for adults and youth alike. There’s always something fun and exciting to do!

Tourism. Elkins is a terminus for the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad excursion trains and the American Mountain Theater, a Branson-style music and comedy variety show, which attracts visitors from throughout the United States. For more information go to Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Tree City, USA! Elkins proudly received Tree City, USA designation in 2009 thanks to the hard work of the Elkins Tree Board and Friends of Trees organization. The Board is an active 5-member committee made of volunteers selected by City Council that are dedicated to preserving, replacing and maintaining trees in the city. They also assist with developing plans for plantings and grant-writing. The Friends of Trees meets monthly and includes concerned citizens who want to help manage and care for trees. Their programs include an Adopt-a-Tree Program and the city’s tree inventory.
For more information, go to appalachianforest.us

Download Tree City Brochure [PDF]

Vision 2010. Spearheaded by the City of Elkins, the Vision 2010 process was built on a foundation of public participation. Area residents and visitors were given the opportunity to have their voice heard and to have a say in decisions about actions that affect their lives. More than 500 residents from Elkins and surrounding areas spent more than 1,900 hours and provided input into Vision 2010 through town hall meetings, roundtable discussions, visioning sessions and a public opinion survey. The report focused on: Economy, Education, Government, Quality of life, Connecting the Communities, and History and Culture.

Download a PDF version of the Vision 2010 report.