Mont Chateau State Park

Mont Chateau State Park is a natural area beside Cheat Lake consisting of forested land and rock formations. The park connects through marked trails to the larger Coopers Rock State Forest system and provides opportunities for outdoor activities.

The land became a state park from 1955 onward, with a lodge and beach added starting in 1958. After closing to the public as a park, the main building was repurposed for scientific use.

The former lodge now houses a geology collection with minerals, stones, and fossils that draws visitors interested in the natural sciences. This repurposing shows how scientific work has become part of the public experience.

Visit during warmer months when trails are easy to walk and the collection is fully open to the public. Wear sturdy shoes since the grounds are uneven in places.

The grounds hold a real dinosaur skeleton of an Edmontosaurus, a rare find in this region. This fossil specimen is one of the main attractions visitors come to see.

Location: Monongalia County

Elevation above the sea: 322 m

GPS coordinates: 39.65917,-79.84778

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04