If you’re driving down U.S. Route 60 in Ansted, West Virginia, you might see a giant, colorful gorilla standing on a roof. It’s loud. It’s strange. It’s the kind of thing that makes you hit the brakes because your brain can't quite process why a primate is wearing a crown in the middle of the mountains. This is the Mystery Hole WV, and honestly, it’s one of the last true pieces of authentic American "roadside oddity" culture left standing. It’s not a polished corporate theme park. It’s a gravity-defying, head-spinning underground room that has been tricking tourists since 1973.
People come here expecting a magic trick. They leave feeling slightly nauseous and deeply confused about how levels work.
The whole thing started with a guy named Donald Wilson. He was a Methodist minister, which adds a funny layer to the story when you realize he spent his time showing people a place where the "laws of nature" seemingly go out the window. Wilson claimed he discovered this "gravitational anomaly" on his property. Whether you believe in actual geological weirdness or just really clever carpentry, the experience is undeniably visceral.
What Actually Happens Inside the Mystery Hole WV?
When you walk into the Mystery Hole WV, the first thing you notice isn't the hole itself—it's the tilt. Everything is skewed. You’re guided into a subterranean room where the walls, the floor, and the ceiling don’t align with what your inner ear is telling you is "down."
It’s a classic "Gravity Hill" or "Tilted House" illusion. But knowing it’s an illusion doesn’t stop your stomach from doing a somersault. You’ll see water appear to flow uphill. You’ll see chairs balanced on walls in ways that shouldn't be possible. You might even find yourself leaning at a 45-degree angle just to feel like you’re standing straight. It’s disorienting. It’s goofy. It’s brilliant.
The tour guides are a huge part of the charm. They aren't reading from a corporate script. They’re usually locals who know exactly how to play up the mystery. They’ll show you a billiard ball rolling "up" a plank of wood. They’ll invite you to stand on a platform that feels like it’s vibrating or shifting, even though it’s bolted to the earth.
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The Science of Why You Feel Weird
You aren't actually in a vortex. Sorry to ruin the magic, but there’s no localized rift in the space-time continuum in Ansted. What you’re experiencing is a massive conflict between your visual system and your vestibular system. Your eyes see the horizontal lines of the floor and walls and tell your brain, "This is flat." But your inner ear—the part that handles balance—is screaming, "No, we are leaning significantly to the left!"
This sensory mismatch is what causes that lightheaded, "giddy" feeling. It’s basically motion sickness without the motion. Psychologists call this the "Ponzo illusion" on a grand scale. Your brain uses the surrounding environment to judge the size and orientation of objects. When the environment is intentionally built at a 15 to 25-degree angle, your perception of "true vertical" gets hijacked.
A Survival Story of West Virginia Roadside Americana
Roadside attractions are a dying breed. Most of the ones that thrived in the 50s and 60s are now just rusted signs and empty lots. The Mystery Hole WV almost faced the same fate. After Donald Wilson passed away, the attraction sat closed for a while. The gorilla grew moss. The mystery felt like it was over.
Then came Will and Sharon Miller.
They bought the place in 1999 because they loved the kitsch. They didn't want to see it turned into a parking lot. They lean into the "weirdness" of it all. They added the iconic fiberglass gorilla (whose name is Arthur, by the way) and kept the interior exactly as confusing as Wilson intended.
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The Local Vibe
Ansted isn't a big city. It’s a small town perched near the New River Gorge, which is now a National Park. This proximity has saved the Mystery Hole. Hikers and rafters coming off the New River or the Gauley River see the signs and decide they need a break from nature.
It’s cheap. It’s fast. You can do the whole tour in about 15 to 20 minutes.
That’s the beauty of it. In an era of $150 Disney tickets, you can pay a few bucks to get confused in a basement. It’s a slice of 1970s nostalgia that hasn't been "optimized" for Instagram, even though it’s incredibly photogenic. The gift shop is also a fever dream of West Virginia souvenirs, ranging from "I Survived the Mystery Hole" shirts to locally made crafts.
Common Misconceptions and Rumors
You’ll hear some wild stories about this place. Some people swear their watches stopped inside. Others claim their GPS goes haywire when they pull into the gravel lot.
- The "Vortex" Theory: Some paranormal investigators claim the site sits on a ley line or a magnetic anomaly. There is zero geological evidence for this. The "anomaly" is purely architectural.
- The "Bottomless Hole": Despite the name, you aren't looking into a hole that goes to the center of the earth. It’s a room. A very slanted room.
- The "Miniature Humans": Some visitors claim people look shorter or taller depending on where they stand in the room. This is a real visual effect caused by the forced perspective of the slanted ceiling, similar to an Ames Room used in movie sets.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re actually going to make the trek to the Mystery Hole WV, don’t just wing it. It’s a seasonal business.
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Usually, they’re open from May through October. If you show up in the middle of January, you’re just going to be staring at a cold gorilla in the snow. They also tend to close on Wednesdays and Thursdays, though that can change depending on the season. Always call ahead or check their Facebook page.
It’s located on Route 60 (the Midland Trail). If you’re coming from the New River Gorge Bridge, it’s about a 10-minute drive. The road is curvy. It’s West Virginia—the roads are always curvy.
Is it worth it?
If you hate "tourist traps," you might roll your eyes. But if you appreciate folk art, local history, and the sheer absurdity of human creativity, it’s a must-see. It’s one of those places that reminds us that the world is more fun when it’s a little bit crooked.
Kids love it because it’s basically a funhouse. Adults love it because it’s a nostalgic trip back to a time when family vacations meant stopping at every weird sign on the highway.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Bring Cash: While they take cards now, the local vibe often favors quick cash transactions for small souvenirs.
- Check Your Balance: if you suffer from severe vertigo or inner ear issues, be careful. The illusion is strong enough to make some people feel genuinely dizzy for an hour afterward.
- Combine the Trip: Don’t just go for the hole. Pair it with a visit to Hawks Nest State Park, which is literally right down the road and offers one of the best views of the New River.
- Photos: Take photos of people standing "straight" inside the room. When you look at the photos later, the lean is even more obvious than it felt in person.
- Respect the Kitsch: Don't go in trying to "debunk" it. Everyone knows it’s an illusion. The fun is in letting your brain be fooled.
The Mystery Hole WV survives because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a weird, wonderful, tilted room in the woods. It’s a testament to the fact that we all just want to be a little confused sometimes.
Next Steps for Your West Virginia Adventure
- Call ahead: Confirm the current operating hours at (304) 658-4382 before driving out.
- Route your path: Use U.S. 60 instead of the interstate to catch the best views of the Gauley River on your way to Ansted.
- Pack for the Gorge: Since you're in the area, bring hiking boots to explore the Long Point Trail nearby after you've finished the tour.