Elkins, West Virginia, USA is a vibrant mountain town with a population of just over 7,000, nestled in the heart of Appalachia. Known for its strong sense of community and scenic surroundings, Elkins offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, artistic spirit, and cultural heritage. The city is home to a diverse population with proud Italian and Scottish roots, and a thriving liberal arts college whose student body is more than 50% international, bringing energy and global perspectives to the community.
Elkins boasts a growing arts scene, anchored by annual events such as the Augusta Heritage Festival and the Mountain State Forest Festival, alongside several historic districts that reflect its rich past. The city is also recognized for its leadership in developing its outdoor economy, with easy access to nearby resorts like Snowshoe and Canaan Valley for skiing, hiking, and nature tourism.
Economically, Elkins is driven by small-scale manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, education, and a growing craft brewing sector, highlighted by Big Timber Brewing, one of West Virginia’s most popular microbreweries. The community is actively exploring innovative ways to expand its tax base, including tax increment financing, and is preparing to open a new events center in 2026 to attract regional conferences and business activity.
The city has earned notable recognitions, including being named a finalist in Budget Travel’s “Coolest Small Town in America” (2011), one of the “Best Small Towns in Appalachia” by Far & Wide (2022), and “West Virginia Community of the Year” by the WV Municipal League (2018).
Elkins seeks sister city partnerships with communities that share its love for the arts, sports, education, and tourism-based exchange. It is particularly interested in mountain towns and places working to boost tourism and private investment. The city is open to collaborations in cultural exchanges, youth and student programs, economic partnerships, virtual learning, governance exchanges, and hosting regional conferences.
Elkins, West Virginia is also interested in:
- Cultural exchanges and joint festivals
- Youth/student exchange programs
- Economic partnerships and business development
- Virtual classroom partnerships
- Municipal governance exchanges
- Hosting regional conferences
With its strong community pride, creative energy, and focus on sustainable growth, Elkins is eager to connect with cities around the world that share its vision for building vibrant, resilient, and culturally rich communities.