Mystery Hole
4.1(582)google
3.2(32)yelp
QuirkyInteractiveFamilyPhoto Spot
Overview
The Mystery Hole is an eccentric, classic American roadside attraction that defies the laws of gravity and physics. Located near Ansted, this quirky destination offers a lighthearted guided tour through a tilted underground chamber where water flows uphill and furniture stands at impossible angles. It provides a nostalgic glimpse into mid-century tourism with its vibrant, kitschy displays and optical illusions, guaranteeing an entertaining experience filled with laughter and mind-bending fun for families.
Practical Info
Mon–FriClosed
Sat–Sun10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration45-75 minutes
Best TimeThis retro gravity-defying roadside attraction operates seasonally from May to October. Visiting on a weekday afternoon between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM is highly recommended to avoid weekend tour queues and to maximize the optical contrast between bright outside light and the disorienting interior illusions.
Getting ThereDriving is the only feasible option. It is located just west of Ansted town limits, closely bordering Hawks Nest State Park along US-60. Look for the iconic, brightly painted yellow building with a giant gorilla statue on the roof; a small, complimentary paved parking strip is located directly out front.
Travel Tips
- This attraction features a heavily tilted indoor floor to simulate a 'gravity anomaly'. It can cause rapid disorientation, severe motion sickness, or vertigo. Visitors prone to car sickness or inner-ear issues should proceed with extreme caution.
- The attraction operates on a highly restrictive seasonal schedule (late spring to autumn) and is subject to unannounced closures. Always call (304) 658-9101 or email ahead to confirm they are open on the day of your visit.
- The roadside parking area is extremely narrow and situated on a sharp curve of the fast-moving U.S. Route 60. Exercise extreme caution when exiting your vehicle or backing out, and keep children close at all times.
Reviews
Positive
- It is a fun, cheesy, and kitschy roadside attraction filled with unique physics-defying oddities well worth experiencing.
- The tour guides are highly entertaining, witty, and engaging, keeping everyone laughing throughout the visit.
- The quirky gift shop is fantastic, offering a wide selection of unique souvenirs and odd merchandise.
- The admission fee is quite reasonable, making it a budget-friendly and quick stop to add unique flavor to your trip.
Heads up
- The optical illusions and tilted rooms can easily cause severe vertigo and dizziness for sensitive visitors.
- The operating hours are very limited as it is often closed from Monday to Friday, leading to disappointment for weekday travelers.
- The actual indoor tour is extremely brief, often lasting less than 20 minutes, which can feel a bit fleeting.
- The tour lacks deep background info, as they don't really share the historical background of the place or its original owners.