Near Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The WVBG Labyrinth
A Connection to the Past and Yourself
| — | West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve | — |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 26, 2026
1. The WVBG Labyrinth Marker
What is the Purpose of a Labyrinth?
Humans throughout history have utilized labyrinths as a relaxation technique, a tool to increase mindfulness, a living metaphor, and a way to connect with the present and the past. Countless prehistoric labyrinths exist worldwide. During the Middle Ages, labyrinths served as a metaphor of a pilgrimage for those who were unable to travel to the holy land themselves. Today, they are celebrated as an archetype of transformation and journeying inward. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is a unicursal path, meaning it is a single path and the way in is the same as the way out. What is the purpose of this labyrinth? You decide.
Practice Mindfulness While Walking the Labyrinth
Walking the labyrinth is simple. Start at the opening on the outside of the labyrinth and follow the path to the center. Then do the reverse. Many people use labyrinths to practice mindfulness, which encourages us to focus on the present moment. It is a way to increase our awareness of our thoughts or sensations while letting go of judgement. Mindfulness improves focus and working memory, as well as overall health.
this page online
(Caption):
Labyrinths around the world are constructed from a variety of materials, some permanent and some transient. Pictured here are a tile floor labyrinth from the island of Cyprus, a turf labyrinth from 16th century England, and an ancient rock mural near Lake Onega, Russia.
Erected 2026 by West Virginia Botanic Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 39° 37.677′ N, 79° 52.063′ W. Marker is near Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. It can be reached from Tyrone Road (County Route 75) 0.1 miles south of Quartz Drive, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located on a spur trail off the Reservoir Loop Trail at the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown WV 26508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Central
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 3, 2026
2. The Labyrinth and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Who Wants Clean Water? (about 400 feet away); 351 Commercial Street: Blanche Lazzell's Provincetown Studio (about 400 feet away); Modernism and Mastery: Lazzell's Paris Influence & the White-Line Woodcut (about 500 feet away); Strong Men and Horses Build the Basin (about 500 feet away); How the Reservoir Worked (about 500 feet away); The Dam and the Bowl (about 500 feet away); From Water Resource to Public Garden (about 500 feet away); Clean Mountain Water? (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgantown.
Other markers no longer nearby. Who Wants Clean Water? (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Tibbs Run Reservoir: Then a Water Source, Now a Local Treasure (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Remnants of the Past: The Dam and Outlet Tower (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 3, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
