local attractions

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg, VA offers a wealth of activities and leisure for all. Whether you are in search of family fun, an outdoor experience, or a lesson in history, it can be found in our Central Virginia location. It's safe to say that Lynchburg offers something exciting to everyone.

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Anne Spencer House and Garden

Internationally acclaimed poet who was part of the Harlem Renaissance, Anne Spencer was the only black woman and the only Virginian included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and British Poetry. On grounds is Spencer's writing cottage "Edan Kraal." Many dignitaries have visited here. Museum with artifacts, memorabilia, period antique furnishings. (House open by appointment.) The garden,...

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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Just twenty miles east of Lynchburg, The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park commemorates the heroic acts which took place in April of 1865 in this, the original village, to bring about the end of the Civil War. The walking tour allows you to see all buildings which are original to the site, and have been restored to their original condition. The highlight of the Park is the McLean...

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Avoca Museum

Just a short forty minute drive south of Lynchburg, Avoca, the principal architectural landmark of the Town of Altavista, is an American Queen Anne-style house, designed by architect J.M.B. Lewis and built in 1901. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca is the home site of Colonel Charles Lynch, Revolutionary War hero.On the of...

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Booker T. Washington National Monument

Located approximately sixty miles southwest of Lynchburg near Smith Mountain Lake, this site is maintained by the National Park Service. Washington, the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, was an orator, author and presidential advisor.

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Civil War Trails

Lynchburg is home to an impressive twelve sites on the Civil War Trails. Enjoy discovering Lynchburg as you follow these historic markers from downtown, to midtown and beyond. Sandusky 757 Sandusky Drive, Lynchburg VA 24502  434-832-0162  Road map  This 1808 Federal-style home was taken over by  Gen. David Hunter and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of...

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Fort Early

Named in honor of Jubal Early, Fort Early was a Civil War earthworks that anchored the outer defense line during the Battle of Lynchburg. Interpretive maps and displays showing both the inner and outer defenses are located on the grounds.

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Historic Sandusky

Historic Sandusky, built in 1808, is one of the Lynchburg area's first homes to display the architectural details and refinements characteristic of Federal style mansions. Taken over and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg, the home is now the site of the Historic Sandusky Museum and Civil War Center.

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Legacy Museum of African-American History

The Legacy Museum offers rotating exhibitions and programs on all aspects of local African American history and culture, from the first arrival of Africans in Central Virginia until the present day. The museum sponsors exhibit-related programs as well as special events during Black History month. In 2000 the Legacy Museum of African American History opened. New exhibits are mounted annually. The...

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Lynchburg Museum - Old Court House

Explore the rich history of Central Virginia at The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. The Museum shares stories about the people and fascinating events that shaped the region. Exhibits include antique toys, military items from all wars, fine art, furniture and silver made in Lynchburg, costumes, historic photographs, sports and music memorabilia, three media programs, and much more.

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McLean House - Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Twenty miles east of Lynchburg, here on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, bringing an end to the Civil War. The war cost more American lives than World War I and II and the Korean War combined. The McLean House and the surrounding village, beautifully restored to their 1865 condition, are now the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The...

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Miller Claytor House

The sole surviving pre-18th century townhouse is where Thomas Jefferson allegedly proved to the owner that  garden tomatoes were not poisonous by eating one. The home was dismantled in 1936 and rebuilt at Riverside Park, where the garden was also restored . Interpreters relate lifestyles of the 18th century.

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Monacan Indian Nation Ancestral Museum

Located thirty minutes north of Lynchburg, The Monacan Indian Nation of Virginia is a small tribe composed of about 1,000 people, located in the Amherst County area and recognized as a tribe by the State of Virginia. Our culture in this region dates back 10,000 years, and the original territory of our tribe comprised roughly half of the state of Virginia, including most of the Piedmont region.We...

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Monument Terrace

The inspiring rise of Monument Terrace commemorates Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and present day. At the base on Church Street stands the iconic doughboy statue. Many other sculptures and markers line the 139 steps and terraces all the way to the top, where the old Court House Museum stands on Court Street. 

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National Civil War Chaplains Museum

The museum/research center is unique in that there is no other museum in the nation dedicated solely to the memory of the chaplains, priests, and rabbis who served in the US and CSA armies during the Civil War.  Employing videos, murals, paintings, artifacts, and displays, the museum/research gives its visitors an overview of the importance of religion to soldiers of both sides during the...

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National D-Day Memorial

Twenty minutes west of Lynchburg is Bedford, Virginia,  from Lynchburg, the town reported to have suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. Here the National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces participating in the largest land, sea, and air operation in history: the invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944. This 9-acre complex features a lush English...

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Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum

Established in 1806, this restored public cemetery is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive plaques, signage, and brochures are available throughout the 26-acre site. Features include a Confederate Section with over 2,200 graves of soldiers from 14 states, significant African-American history, and four small museums equipped with push-button audio:...

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Omniterrum

Omniterrum The Globe Museum Sponsored by the American Globe Preservation Society Opens its doors on February3, 2012. The museum offers a permanent location dedicated to the preservation of globes and related planetary from around the world spanning four centuries. The purpose of a globe museum is to: Showcase and preserve vintage and antique globes from around the world, including related...

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Patrick Henry's Red Hill Estate

A forty-five minute drive south of Lynchburg, nearby Red Hill is the last home of American patriot Patrick Henry. Best known for his five terms as governor of Virginia and his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, Henry and some of his 17 children are buried on site at Red Hill.

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Point of Honor

Visit Point of Honor and discover the charm and surroundings of life in the early 1800's. A tour of this remarkable Federal style home, with its classic architecture and rich furnishings, echoes true grace and southern hospitality. The recreated hearth kitchen offers insight into the adventure and struggle of daily chores at this once 750 acre plantation. A fascinating exhibit explores medicine...

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South River Meeting House

In the mid-eighteenth century, pioneer Quakers settled the Lynchburg area. South River Meeting was organized in 1757 when Sarah Lynch gave 2 acres of land for the Quaker's first meeting house.The first meeting house burned in 1768, and a framed building was erected. Within 25 years the increased membership made necessary the building of a larger one. In 1791, John Lynch, Founder of...

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Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

Just a short twenty minute drive to the west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded retreat, now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed the octagonal house at Poplar Forest during his second term as President of the United States. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest between the ages of 66-80 to rekindle his...

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Visitors Guide

Lynchburg’s Visitor Guide now viewable online for FREE!

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