Things to do

Incredible Things to Do in Lynchburg, Virginia

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Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where history whispers on the wind and vibrant energy pulses through the streets, lies Lynchburg, Virginia.

You can dip in the city's rich history at the Legacy Museum of African American History or embark on an outdoor adventure at the Blackwater Creek Natural Area. 

Amazement Square

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This is a multi-disciplinary, hands-on museum and the first museum in Virginia to be a Certified Autism Center. It offers four floors of interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun for guests of all ages.

Visitors can engage in activities such as painting on the walls, exploring life on the farm, creating a rainstorm, and more. The museum also features an indoor play structure called the Amazement Tower, which extends through all four floors, offering a maze of ladders, tunnels, and a zip-line.

Blackwater Creek Natural Area

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This is a forested area and part of things to see in Lynchburg Virginia. It features an extensive trail system, including eight miles of paved and earthen-packed trails that follow the creek through the city, incorporating wooded hillsides and stream valleys throughout its length.

The trails allow hikers, bikers, and runners access to most of the natural area, as well as connecting busy neighborhoods, schools, and parks to the peace and solitude of the Blackwater Creek Natural.

Legacy Museum Of African American History

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The museum's exhibits and permanent collection focus on topics central to African American history, including the historic struggle for civil rights, business and employment, civic and social organizations, entertainment and sports, medicine, and health, the Black church, the professions, political life, education, and more.

The 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.

Lynchburg Community Market

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This is one of the oldest markets in the country and offers a unique shopping experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The market features a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade crafts and artisanal goods.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and other special events throughout the year. With its historic charm, friendly vendors, and vibrant atmosphere, this is a true gem that should not be missed.

Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball

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The Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball team is among the must-see attractions Lynchburg VA for sports enthusiasts. The team is a Class High A team in the Carolina League and is currently a farm team of the Cleveland Indians.

The team has a rich history, having been a farm team of the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates in the past. Visitors can check out the team's website for the current season's schedule and come out to enjoy a game, where they might even meet the team mascot, South Paw.

Lynchburg Museum

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This Museum is a compelling destination and one of the Lynchburg VA attractions for visitors seeking to delve into the rich history and culture of the region. It offers a diverse range of exhibits, including antique toys, military items from various wars, and captivating stories about the people and events that have shaped the area.

If you're eager to explore the intersection and display of local history, a visit to the Lynchburg Museum seems to be an enriching and enlightening experience.

Monument Terrace

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This is a historic site that commemorates the city's citizens who fought and died in various wars, including the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The terrace features 139 steps and terraces, with the Doughboy statue and pool at the bottom and the 1855 Old Court House at the top.

It serves as a practical set of pedestrian steps connecting two busy downtown streets and is a lively crossroads of urban life in Lynchburg.

National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Housed on the campus of Liberty University, the museum is dedicated to the role of chaplains, priests, rabbis, and religious organizations who ministered to the common soldier during the Civil War. 

It features treasured artifacts from the Civil War era, testimonies, and historical facts, providing a comprehensive perspective on the significant role of religious figures during this pivotal period in American history. The museum's extensive collection of objects and artifacts, including original soldier's uniforms, offers a compelling journey into the past.

Percival's Island Natural Area

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The island features a flat and accessible paved trail, making it perfect for activities such as hiking and biking. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including the opportunity to see herons, migrating waterfowl, and native plants.

The island's historical significance, as a former industrial site, adds to its unique charm. Additionally, the presence of the LOVEworks sculpture and the opportunity to wade in the James River make it a delightful destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Pest House Medical Museum

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The museum is dedicated to the history of the Pest House, which was Lynchburg's first hospital and was used as a quarantine hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The House was a place where people with contagious diseases such as smallpox or measles were quarantined.

The museum features exhibits on the medical practices of the time, including Civil War-era medical equipment and displays on the history of the Pest House. You can walk around the outside of the small building and look in at the various exhibits at budget-friendly prices.

Anne Spencer House & Garden

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The museum is the former home of the renowned Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer and features the only restored garden of an African American in the US. The house showcases artifacts, memorabilia, and period antique furnishings, that were influential in African American culture.

The garden, which served as a gathering place for leading African Americans such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Martin Luther King, Jr., offers a serene and historically significant setting.

Poplar Forest

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Poplar Forest is one of the activities in Lynchburg VA and is Thomas Jefferson's retreat and plantation. The property, which Jefferson inherited in 1773, remained in the Cobb-Hutter family until 1946.

You can explore the architectural and natural beauty of the site, learn about Jefferson's life and the enslaved community at Poplar Forest, and participate in a variety of events and tours, including docent-guided or self-guided tours, school tour programs, and special events such as historical theater and more.

Sandusky House

This is a significant historic site that offers a compelling glimpse into the region's past. Built around 1808, this formal two-story, brick "I" house is a registered Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house served as the Union Army headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864, adding to its historical importance. Today, it operates as a museum and offers house tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore its rich history.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center

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This is an exhilarating experience that is sure to leave people feeling thrilled and fulfilled. The center offers a unique year-round snowless skiing, snowboarding, and tubing experience, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers of all skill levels.

With its state-of-the-art Snowflex slopes, the center provides a safe and enjoyable environment for learning and mastering snow sports. Additionally, the stunning alpine resort ambiance and the picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains contribute to a truly memorable visit.

Riverside Park

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Riverside is a popular park and is the second oldest park in Lynchburg It has over 49 acres of rolling parkland with lovely stands of trees and walking trails that provide views of the James River from the Overlook and along the Alpine Trail, which was the first dedicated hiking trail. 

This park is included in the Lynchburg VA activities and offers active recreation opportunities such as tennis and basketball, and there are also picnic areas. The park has a fully accessible playground.

SeaQuest Lynchburg

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SeaQuest Lynchburg is an ultimate sea and land adventure and is among Lynchburg VA tourist attractions. This allure offers a unique experience for visitors to immerse themselves in a world of discovery through rainforests, deserts, and the depths of the seas.

Visitors can experience up to nine encounters and interactions from all three of their safari adventures: Feathered Friends, Reptiles of Extraordinary Size, and Under the Sea. This is another list of things to do in Lynchburg VA and offers animal interactions.

Apocalypse Ale Works

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As the first brewery in Forest since Thomas Jefferson's time, it offers a rich historical connection and a commitment to brewing quality beer for all palates. The brewery's location adds to its charm, and the tasting room provides a welcoming space to savor their latest and greatest recipes.

With a focus on local distribution and a mission to brew quality beer, a visit to Apocalypse Ale Works promises a delightful and authentic craft beer experience.

Blue Ridge Parkway & Peaks of Otter Lodge

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The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned as one of America's Favorite Drives making it a top hiking destination. There you'll be surrounded by the historic legacy of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rooms providing breathtaking views of tranquil Abbott Lake.

Whether you're into hiking, riding, or simply relaxing, there's something for everyone. You can also treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Lake View Restaurant, offering a renowned dining experience with a menu featuring Blue Ridge favorites. Plus, the lodge is pet-friendly.

Appomattox Court House

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Appomattox Court House is the site where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War. The site is now a National Historical Park and features a walking tour of the original village, including the McLean House where the surrender took place.

The park is open daily and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the Civil War and the events that led to its conclusion.

Old City Cemetery

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Old City Cemetery is the oldest municipal cemetery still in use in Virginia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a village of five small museums that tell the stories of the diverse population of nearly 20,000 buried there.

The cemetery is also an accredited arboretum, featuring over 600 trees and about 121 labeled species, including the largest public collection of antique roses in the state of Virginia. That's why this is included in Lynchburg VA activities.