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Community Calendar

Photos from events at Helvetia, WV

Photo by Gabe Dewitt

Fasnacht

Swiss for 'fasting night,' Fasnacht is celebrated in Helvetia just before Fat Tuesday. This pre-lenten masquerade ball boasts fatty foods and traditional music as revelers scare away Old Man Winter.

Annual Events

Helvetia Annual Events

(listed chronologically - see our Community Calendar for specific dates)

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  • Fasnacht - Saturday before Fat Tuesday

  • Ramp Supper - Last Saturday in April

  • Cemetery Decoration - Sunday before Father’s Day Weekend

  • Follow Your Bliss Festival - Weekend after Father’s Day

  • Swiss National Holiday - Saturday closest to August 1

  • Helvetia Community Fair - Second full weekend in September

  • ​Town Meeting - First Sunday in November

  • Thanksgiving Dinner - Fourth Thursday in November

  • Feast of Saint Nicholas Day - Saturday closest to December 5

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Pickens Annual Events

(listed chronologically - see our Community Calendar for specific dates)

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Plan your visit

We're excited you're planning a trip to Helvetia. There are a few things to consider as you make your travel plans. First, cell phones do not receive service in Helvetia, and GPS is not reliable. We suggest you download maps to your mobile or follow the directions below. 

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Given the rural nature of the village, there are no ATMs and the nearest gas station is in Pickens, WV, five miles south of Helvetia. There is a pay phone near the Helvetia Star Band Hall.

Directions

From Morgantown & North: I-79 to Weston (Exit 99) and take Rt 33 East to Buckhannon. Take Rt. 20 South 12 miles to WV Wildlife Center, turn left onto Alexander/Helvetia Road. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.


From Elkins: Rt. 219 South 16 miles to Mill Creek, turn right onto Mill Street. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.
 

From Charleston & South: I-79N to Flatwoods (Exit 67). Take Rt. 19 North 20 miles to Ireland then Rt. 4 East (toward Rock Cave). Go 6 miles through Rock Cave to the WV Wildlife Center, turn right on the Alexander/Helvetia Road. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.

Local Hevletia, WV people participating in a parade

Photo by Gabe Dewitt

Tours of Helvetia

  • Walking Tour
    A tour of the village customized to interest & ability.
    30 US dollars
  • Helvetia Cemetery Stroll
    Self-led half mile walk to the cemetery. Beginner level.
  • Helvetia Historic Trail
    Self-led two and a half mile hike. Intermediate level.

Green Bank Observatory

Green Bank Telescope at Green Bank Observatory, Green Bank, WV

Green Bank Observatory uses radio astronomy as its foundation and is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. Visit their gift shop, science center or take a tour of the telescopes.

Kumbrabow State Forest

Kumbrabow State Forest on top of Rich Mountain

Kumbrabow State Forest sits on top of Rich Mountain along Allegheny Highlands' western edge. 9,474 acres of forest at more than 3,000 feet above sea level, it is West Virginia’s highest state forest.

Holly River State Park

Holly River State Park, West Virginia's largest state park

Holly River is West Virginia’s second largest state park with 8,101 acres of dense forest. Located in the Mountain Lakes region, Holly River provides guests with a natural setting where they can find peaceful solitude.

nearby attractions

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