U.S. Route 50 cuts across the entire nation of America from east to west. Also known as U.S. Highway 50, it stretches 3,073 miles from Maryland to California, and is one of the major east-west highway routes connecting our country… right through the state of West Virginia. In the Mountain State, U.S. Route 50 is also known as the Northwestern Turnpike or the George Washington Highway, and it enters West Virginia near Rowlesburg in the east and exits west of Parkersburg. And one of the most unique stops along the entire 3,073-mile route is here: Cool Springs Park in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, an animal farm, restaurant, and general store that’s like an oasis along this lengthy highway that’s been nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America.”

Cool Springs Park is a family owned and operated shop located along U.S. Route 50 outside of Rowlesburg, West Virginia.

RoadTripper516 / Tripadvisor

And, unless you’ve been there to experience it for yourself, it’s a bit hard to pin down in words exactly all the wonderful ventures this local business encompasses.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Is it a museum? Yes.

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With a yard full of old farm implements, cars, train cars, and more, this park is a transportation lover’s paradise.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Is it a restaurant? Yes.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Within these walls, you can order up some of the best sandwiches, barbecue, soup beans, and pie  - at some of the best prices - in the state.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Save room for dessert!

Liora V / Tripadvisor

Is it a zoo? Yes, of sorts.

Liora V / Tripadvisor

A wide variety of animals roam this mini farm park and petting zoo, including donkeys, ducks, peacocks, llamas, and more. And these friendly beasts love to show off for visitors.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Is it a grocery store? Yes, and a general store and a produce stand and a hardware store and a five-and-dime store with a little bit of everything for everyone squeezed onto the shelves.

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You could spend hours perusing the assortment of products and displays here at Cool Springs Farm, but even if you don’t have hours to spend, it’s still a great place to stop and stretch your legs before fueling up and hitting the road again.

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

All that to say that if you have never visited Cool Springs Park, it deserves a spot on your bucket list this year! And if you have visited it already, then you know it’s worth a revisit soon – like the very next time you find yourself navigating this portion of Route 50. And this is only the tip of the iceberg for what Rowlesburg, West Virginia has to offer.

RoadTripper516 / Tripadvisor

Cool Springs Park Inc / Facebook

Mangement / Tripadvisor

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Address: Cool Springs Park, 12696 George Washington Hwy, Rowlesburg, WV 26425, USA