In the mountains of central West Virginia, there’s a little isolated community of just 59 people where historic traditions are kept alive. The town loves to celebrate and share their heritage with guests, so it’s worth a visit! Take a look at Helvetia, West Virginia.

Helvetia is a tiny community in Randolph County that was designed to be like a little piece of Switzerland.
WikiMedia Commons/Andrew Bain
Early Swiss and German settlers came to the area in 1869, and used log construction to build the town.
Google Maps
Some of the original buildings can still be seen today, and some of the newer buildings were constructed by traditional methods.
Many of the townspeople are skilled in various methods of traditional crafts, farming, and food preservation.
Helvetia Community Fair/Facebook
Much of the town's history is preserved in the public library, which also houses a small museum.
Helvetia Library
The people's heritage is remembered by an annual celebration of Swiss National Day.
Helvetia WV
The town also has an annual community fair, which just celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Helvetia Community Fair/Facebook
A parade with traditional clothing and decorations is a big part of the event.
Helvetia Community Fair/Facebook

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The fair features traditional food, music, and dancing.
Helvetia Community Fair/Facebook
There are numerous agricultural, food, and craft related competitions.
Helvetia Community Fair/Facebook
It's also worth a visit to the town for the springtime celebrtion of Fasnacht.
Mask Museum
Elaborate masks are worn, and people dance around a bonfire to chase away the spirit of Old Man Winter.
Visitors to the town will want to stop in to the Kultur Haus.
Kultur Haus Helvetia/Facebook
The building includes the General Store, Post Office, Alpen Lodge, Mask Museum, and Research Center.
Here you can purchase souvenirs, see the traditional masks, and even rent a room for the night.
Kultur Haus Helvetia/Facebook
You can also stay in the Beekeeper's Inn bed and breakfast.
Hutte Swiss Restaurant/Facebook
Breakfast is served at the Helvetia Hutte, with a variety of traditional Swiss and German offerings.
Hutte Swiss Restaurant/Facebook
The restaurant is also open to the public daily for lunch and dinner.

You can read about more events and celebrations in Helvetia on the town’s website.

For more charming little towns around the state, check out the perfect West Virginia small town road trip.

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Helvetia, WV 26234, USA