Other Destinations and Attractions in Virginia

Shenandoah National Park

Established: 1936

Shenandoah National Park lies roughly in the centre of Virginia, taking in a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains (the most easterly ridge of the Appalachians) some 80 mi. long but only between 2 and 13 mi. wide. The Blue Ridge Mountains, which range in height between 2000 and 4000 ft, owe their name to the bluish mist that shrouds the tops of the hills, particularly in the early morning. 95 per cent of the park's area is covered by dense mixed forest, the rest by meadowland.

Shenandoah National Park is open throughout the year, though in winter some sections of the Skyline Drive may be closed. The flowers and shrubs are at their finest in spring and summer, but the great glory of the park is its autumn colouring. The most popular time for a visit, therefore, is in October.

History The name of the National Park comes from the Indian name of the Shenandoah River ("daughter of the stars"). None of the original inhabitants, the Monacan and Manahoac Indians, survived the settlement of the area by Europeans, which led, particularly during the 19th c., to the almost complete destruction of the mountain forests by deliberate clearance, mining and livestock farming. Finally in the 1930s, in order to save at least part of the landscape and provide work for the remaining inhabitants, the National Park was established and the Skyline Drive constructed.

Flora The most striking feature of Shenandoah National Park is the density and variety of the forest cover, in which species of oak and pine predominate. In the undergrowth there are ferns and flowers such as the yellow lady's slipper.

Fauna The commonest animal is the Virginian white-tailed deer, the ever-popular Bambi. Much rarer - and distinctly less welcome - is an encounter with one of the five or six hundred black bears who live in the National Park.

The Luray Caves, in the Shenandoah Valley only a short drive west from the Skyline Drive on U.S. 211, contain magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites. One of the cave's highlights is the world's only "stalacpipe" or stalactitic organ, the stalactites resonate when struck with rubber covered clappers.

The Skyline Drive, the northern continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway, runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the north entrance to the in Shenandoah National Park at Front Royal (milepost 0.6) to the south entrance at Rockfish (milepost 104.6). Along the road there are numerous stopping points to enjoy the view or see some particular sight. Among them are the Shenandoah Valley Overlook (milepost 17.1), the Swift Run Overlook (milepost 67.2), at an altitude of over 3300 ft, President Hoover's summer residence at the end of the Mill Prong Trail (milepost 52.5) and the old Cave Cemetery below Dark Hollow Falls (milepost 50.7).

Information about hiking trails in the National Park can be obtained at the park entrances or the park office.

The Avoca Museum is Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and definitely worth a visit while in Altavista. The home was built at the turn of the 20th Century in American Queen Anne-style. Avoca is now a museum displaying a range of historical artifacts, primarily related to Virginia's history.

In Appomattox Court House, near the little town of that name in western Virginia, on April 9th 1865, the northern General Ulysses S. Grant and the Confederate leader General Robert E. Lee negotiated the surrender of the southern army and thus ended the Civil War.
Those who know their US Civil War history will recognize the unusual name of this town. Appomattox Court House is now a National Historical Park and chronicles the events that took place at this location in 1856 when General Lee surrendered to General Grant to end the US Civil War. The park consists of many original historic structures and features a visitor's center.

The Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia located in Atkins is a beautiful piece of property housing a museum showcasing the life and times of the early settlers to the area. The museum has an exciting event calendar with the main event each year being their Heritage Day celebration, generally held in October

The Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum in Bastian recreates an Indian Village from over 600 years ago. Costumed interpreters provide visitors with information on the former inhabitants and the way they used to live. The museum located on the site showcases the archeological finds unearthed nearby.

The State Arboretum of Virginia located in Boyce is a gardener's paradise. On display are plants from the local area along with rare and unique species from around the world. The State Arboretum of Virginia is located on the Blandy Experimental Farm.

Reuel B. Pritchett Museum at Bridgewater College was started with the donation of Rev. Reuel B. Pritchett's private collection in 1954. Since that time the museum has grown and now features exhibits from different parts of the world in addition to local historical items. Some of the topics covered at the Reuel B. Pritchett Museum include, Civil War artifacts, currency, weapons, pioneering items, and natural history.

Patrick Henry uttered the rallying cry; "Give me liberty or give me death!" For the background on this famous man, be sure to visit the Patrick Henry Memorial. Here visitors will find the complete story of his life along with every scrap of memorabilia one could imagine. The memorial is located in Brookneal.

The MacCallurm More Museum & Garden in Chase City is both a great place to enjoy culture and nature. The museum features an exhibit on Indian Artifacts. The Garden is a unique green space, displaying pieces collection from around the world by Edward Wren Hudgins former Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court who traveled extensively in his many roles.

The Prestwould Plantation was built by Sir Peyton Skipwith, a prominent citizen of Clarksville in the late 18th Century. Of note in the house is the wall paper, some of which is original, some of which has been recreated, but all of which is representative of the 18th and 19th Century wall paper styles.

Today the town of Colonial Heights is a bustling little community. In the days of the civil war, the French troops set up artillery on the hills and named them the Colonial Heights. General Lee also had his headquarters here in 1864.

The Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Courtland is operated by the Southampton County Historical Society. The museum deals with the history of the town's farming and lumber industry. The museum is a complex of buildings that help recreate the scene.

Croaker is located on the edge of York River State Park. This small town is largely farming based and offers little for travellers in terms of amenities.

Cumberland Gap covers 20,444-acres at the convergence of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Pinnacle Overlook provides a view into the gap as well as views of the mountain range parts of all three states.

Natural Tunnel State Park located near Duffield is a geological sight to see. In fact the actual site is so deep that a chairlift takes visitors down the 230 feet to the bottom. Apart from the main attraction, the state park also features a swimming pool and a campground along with a concession stand selling fast food.

Edinburg was incorporated in the mid 19th Century and retains some lovely Victorian homes. The old town hall buildings is now the Edinburg Madison District Museum with interesting displays on the history of the town.

The Edinburg's Madison District Park is a nice recreational area and green space, complete with a pool.

Blue Ridge Institute & Museum showcases folk heritage in all its forms, including crafts, music, foodways, decorative arts, architecture, tales, folk art, and more. Located in a recreated 1800s farmstead, costumed interpreters diplay daily life as it was during this time period. The museum galleries feature changing exhibits on the Ridge history and heritage.

Historic Fincastle, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is known for its collection of 17th and 18th Century buildings that comprise the Fincastle historic district. This little village was first established in 1770 and has seen many prominent historical figures pass through, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Take a guided tour of the historic district to learn more about Fincastle.

Bear Path Acres Animal Educational Center is set in a country setting offering education about ecosystems, animal husbandry and wildlife. There is an array of species including a peacock, kinkajou, macaws, bull frog, buffalo, chinchillas and water turtles.

Galax boasts a charming downtown area, noted for its old buildings and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Unique shops in beautifully restored buildings make Galax a pleasant place to spend an afternoon wandering around.

The Jeff Matthews Memorial Museum in Galax, is spread over two restored log cabins. The cabins have been furnished in period pieces and showcase collections from the Civil War era. Also on display are mounted game animals.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 111,000 acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge protects habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals and plants, and also maintains walking trails for public use. Opportunities are also available on Lake Drummond in the Great Dismal Swamp.

Green Springs National Historic Landmark District is a natural basin caused by erosion of a volcanic intrusion resulting in particularly fertile soil, which has sustained grassland farming for over 270 years.

Grand Caverns have been open to the public since 1806. Visitors walk past huge stalactites and stalagmites and through the huge Cathedral Hall, that were once visited by civil war soldiers. Above ground are hiking and biking trails, along with picnic sites.

Hanover Tavern once was a stopping point on the main road from northern Virginia to Williamsburg. Travelers on horseback and then stagecoach made their way along the sometimes impassable roads. Travel was slow and overnight accommodations were needed. The Tavern was built in five stages and contains more than 12,000 square feet on three levels. The large frame structure has 27 rooms, 97 exterior windows, and 16 exterior doors. The earliest surviving section of the present Tavern dates to 1791.

The Booker T Washington National Monument in Hardy provides visitors with an insight as to the life and times of this great man. All manner of items related to his life, along with a historical background on his achievements are presented. The Booker T Washington National Monument also features a re-created farm complete with animals and a heirloom garden.

The Carter Family Memorial Music Center is a tribute to the Original Carter Family, a popular country music group in the 1930s. The trio, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter later split up but Maybelle went on to perform with her three daughters under the name Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters. One of these daughters, June Carter, eventually married musician Johnny Cash.

Visitors to the Carter Family Memorial Music Center can hear performances of old time and bluegrass music on Saturday nights.

Hot Springs is located in a scenic valley that is surrounded by mountains. The springs are medicinal and have made the town a health resort for generations.

The Historic 1908 Courthouse located in Independence and is a fine example of Richardsonian-style architecture. The courthouse was in use until 1981 when a new, larger and more modern facility was built. The building has been extensively renovated back to its original appearance and condition.

The Pamunkey Indian Museum in Lanesville showcases Native American history in Virginia. On display are a variety of items including arts, crafts, and day-to-day essentials. On site is a gift shop where hand made pottery items is available for purchase.

Hiking, fishing and boating can be enjoyed in Luray's recreational areas.

The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum located in Luray showcases the history of transportation in the United States. The museum has 140 displays of antique and rare automobiles and other modes of transport.

DarkWood Manor is a haunted house attraction located in downtown Luray that features movie quality sets and make-up. The house was built in 1880 and noted for supernatural occurrences, ghostly sightings, and a murder.

Officially known as the Belle Brown Northcott Memorial, the tower was erected in 1937 in memory of Colonel T.C. Northcott's wife. At 117 feet in height, contains a carillon of 47 bells with the largest bell weighing 7,640 pounds and six feet in diameter.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville has over 22 million items in its collection.

The town of McDowell is famous for the battle of McDowell that took place here on May 8th, 1862. This was an important battle because it was the first victory by Confederate troops. The battleground looks exactly the same as it did on that fateful day and has been declared "100% pristine" by the US Department of the Interior.

The town of Middletown is a friendly place of just over 1000 people. It is located at the junction of the Swatara Creek and Susquehanna rivers. Although quite quiet today, the town was a major economic powerhouse when two nearby canals opened at the turn of the 19th Century.

Belle Grove National Historic Park features an authentic 1797 Manor House, located in Middletown which preserves significant Civil War areas. Currently restored to Belle Grove's early 19th century elegance, the house is remarkably unscathed despite more than two centuries years of turmoil including serving as a headquarters by Union General Phillip Sheridan during the Civil War Valley Campaign of 1864. The plantation grounds also feature an 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, demonstration garden, slave cemetery, and a heritage apple orchard.

The park is spread over 300 acres and much of the land is privately owned. The park encompasses the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation lands along with the Shenandoah Battlefield Foundation lands.

The North Anna Nuclear Information Center in Mineral gives the visitor an insight as to the inner workings of a nuclear reactor and power generation overall. Interesting displays break the process down to the lowest common denominator so that the layman can understand easily. One exhibit allows visitors to generate their own electricity by hand.

Natural Chimneys Regional Park is named for the seven limestone formations that jut up from the valley flooor. Natural Chimneys Park is also a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors, with swimming, hiking, and camping available.

The Wilderness Road Regional Museum located in Newburn showcases the area's history through interesting displays and photographs. The museum also features a collection of restored buildings, many dating from the 19th Century. The museum has a library and archive of historical books as well.

The Giles County Historical Society is housed in the 1829, Andrew Johnston house. Visitors can tour the house as well as Dr. Johnston's office (c 1857) and learn about the history of the home and area, particularly during the Civil War.

The Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine and Museum describes the history of the town and the Pocahontas Coal Field. Visitors can tour the mine and do a walking tour of historic Pocahontas.

Virginia Aviation Museum in Sandston displays a variety of vintage aircraft. The museum also has a number of fun exhibits, including a flight simulator, and a new addition of Piper Club that visitors can hop in for a close up look. Children will enjoy the "Kids Ready Room".

Walton's Mountain Museum in Schuyler is devoted to the famous television series The Walton's. Here visitors are treated to all manner of memorabilia related to the television show. The museum also recreates some of the sets used on the show including John Boy's Bedroom, The Living Room, The Kitchen, and Ike Godsey's Store.

The Scottsville Museum focuses on local history, including river transportation, Native American artifacts, and daily life in the 19th Century. A mid 19th Century former church is home to the Scottsville Museum.

Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History presents a range of historical content related to the history and culture of Halifax County and Southside Virginia. Changing exhibits are presented on a variety of topics including, Native American history, politics, natural history, and more.

In Walnut Grove visitors can see an historic grist mill and blacksmith shop at the McCormick Farm, both of which are listed as National Historic Landmarks.

The Historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park in Tazewell showcases the 18th and 19th Century. On the site visitors will find a restored home and outbuildings along with beautiful grounds suitable for strolling. The museum is considers itself the regions most comprehensive cultural heritage museum.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville is the third one to stand on this location. The current church was built in the mid 1900s.

White Post is located in an area referred to as Virginia's Hunt Country. Recreational activities abound in the gently rolling hills. Active visitors can choose from hiking, biking, and walking, among many other pursuits. The small town is blessed with several very fine restaurants and a few cozy BnB's. For those looking for a great weekend get-away, White Post should be on the radar.

The Walk in the Wild Nature Museum in Woodlawn is an interesting attraction for young and old. Here visitors will find stuffed animals in wildlife dioramas. On display are birds, fish, and reptiles along with a spectacular 25-foot waterfall. The Walk in the Wild Nature Museum is easily accessible off of Interstate 77.

Woodstock is a quaint little town in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, full of history and culture. Visit the Woodstock Museum to learn about the history of the Woodstock, established in 1761, or walk through the shops in the town center.

The Woodstock Museum in Woodstock, VA, explores the history of the town and surrounding area.