Mont Chateau State Park

Former West Virginia State Park (1955–1977) — Cheat Lake Setting, Now WV Geological Survey Headquarters, Museum of Geology and Natural History, Coopers Rock Trail Access, Near Morgantown Monongalia County West Virginia

Mont Chateau State Park was a West Virginia state park that operated from 1955 to 1977 on the shores of Cheat Lake near Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia. After its closure as a state park, the site was repurposed and currently serves as the headquarters of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey (WVGES), housing the Museum of Geology and Natural History with displays on rocks, minerals, fossils, and dinosaur skeletons. The state-retained 13-acre portion provides trail access to the Coopers Rock State Forest trail system via the Mont Chateau Trail.

History and Transition

Mont Chateau was established as a state park in 1955, taking advantage of its scenic location overlooking Cheat Lake, an impoundment on the Cheat River. The park featured a lodge-style building and recreational grounds. However, the park was closed in 1977, and much of the original property was eventually sold to private owners in the 1980s. The state retained a 13-acre portion centered on the former lodge building, which was converted into the WVGES headquarters.

Museum of Geology and Natural History

The Museum of Geology and Natural History, housed in the former lodge, is open to the public and features exhibits on West Virginia’s remarkable geological heritage. Displays include rock and mineral specimens, Paleozoic fossils from the state’s ancient seabeds, dinosaur skeletons, coal formation exhibits, and educational materials on the geological processes that shaped the Appalachian region. The museum is a popular educational destination for school groups and geology enthusiasts.

Trail Access and Recreation

The site provides access to the Mont Chateau Trail, which connects to the broader Coopers Rock State Forest trail system, including routes to the Henry Clay Furnace historical area. This makes the former park property a viable trailhead for hikers exploring the Coopers Rock area from the Cheat Lake side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mont Chateau still a state park?

No, Mont Chateau ceased operations as a state park in 1977. The site now houses the WV Geological and Economic Survey and a public museum.

Can I visit the geology museum?

Yes, the Museum of Geology and Natural History is open to the public. Contact the WVGES at 1 Mont Chateau Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 for current hours.