Skip to Main Content

Where to Go in a Nuclear War

Field review by the editors.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

This is not just any bomb shelter. It's the fallout-proof command bunker for the Secretary of the Interior and staff. Food, medical supplies, weapons, communications gear -- they're all here, only two blocks from the Harper's Ferry tourist attractions on Washington Street. All that you have to do is to get through the metal doors....

The bunker is at the Stephen P. Mather Training Center, which occupies the campus of the former Storer College. Just drive into the parking lot of Wirth Hall -- the main campus building -- and look for the ventilation shafts poking through the soil. The entrance to the bunker is through two metal doors in a stone retaining wall next to the parking lot. You would never be allowed inside, of course, but it couldn't hurt to knock. And the doors do make a unique photo-op.

Where to Go in a Nuclear War

Address:
Hartzog Dr., Harpers Ferry, WV
Directions:
From Washington St./US 340 turn south onto Storer College Place, which is three blocks east of Union St. Drive one block to Fillmore St., turn right and then immediately left, following signs to Wirth Hall. Once you turn left off of Fillmore St., bunker is on left, between the street and the Wirth Hall parking lot.
Hours:
Visible from street. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Official William McKinley Coffee Break MonumentOfficial William McKinley Coffee Break Monument, Sharpsburg, MD - 9 mi.
Birthplace of Wright Brothers MomBirthplace of Wright Brothers Mom, Hillsboro, VA - 9 mi.
Monument to James Rumsey, Father of SteamMonument to James Rumsey, Father of Steam, Shepherdstown, WV - 8 mi.
In the region:
Ductwork Tin Man, Fairfax, VA - 41 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in West Virginia

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in West Virginia.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

West Virginia Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings