Things to do & places to visit in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States

Lynchburg, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has had a prosperous history, serving as a center of trade, the home of numerous notable personages, and the site of the official end of the Civil War. Visit Appomattox Court House, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The house and gardens of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, the landmarked Old City Cemetery and Thomas Jefferson's retreat at Poplar Forest are also open for tours.

Lynchburg city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 5:05.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 One Way Out (304 reviews)
- Escape rooms
Thursday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

One Way Out is a real-life escape room business in Lynchburg, VA. This exciting new type of game "locks" guests in a room with only one way out-- discover the clues, solve the puzzles, and work together as a team to escape the room in under 60 minutes. Are you up for the challenge? See more..
5.0 Blackwater Creek Trail (40 reviews)
- Excellent Bike/Walking trails - Rails to Trails
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Excellent Bike/Walking trails - Rails to Trails. Most of the trails are blacktopped for smooth biking/walking and are shaded from the hot sunny days. We biked over 9 miles in beautiful surroundings, including a low water crossing area that was concrete with water going under/through pipes with view of waterfall, an amazing tunnel that was a cool refreshing spot on a hot day, and multiple trails for you to choose from. See more..
5.0 Presbyterian Cemetery (13 reviews)
- Fabulous visit to this historic and beautiful cemetery
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries

The Presbyterian Cemetery in Lynchburg is a must see if you are in the central Virginia area. It is easy to get to, right-off the Lynchburg Expressway, Route 29 Business, by taking Grace St exit and convenient to historice downtown Lynchburg. Having been established in 1823 the cemetery has a large number of the graves of the most distinguished and earliest citizens of Lynchburg. What is truly spectacular about it is the sculptures for so many of the grave sites. This is not so much a cemetery as a sculpture park. This is a world class location to visit even if you do not have any relatives buried in it. There is a great youtube.com video you can watch to give you a better idea of how unique it is. The link is: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLAE0dIg1T8 See more..
5.0 Daura Gallery (4 reviews)
- Always Interesting
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries
Whenever we are in town and the gallery is open, we always try to stop on the what's on exhibition. Very enjoyable, never disappointing! See more..
5.0 Irvington Spring Farm (3 reviews)
- Hidden Magic
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Gardens

We are an actively growing flower farm in the heart of the city of Lynchburg. We’re open to the public from March-October every year. We sell fresh cut flowers and native pollinator plants directly from our farm and have over 50 varieties of antique roses blooming in our display gardens. Let us be a respite for your busy-ness. See more..
5.0 Starr Hill Brewery on Main (2 reviews)
- Good Beer...Cute Brewery
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Starr Hill On Main, the fourth tap room from Starr Hill Brewery located in Downtown Lynchburg. Offering 24 beers on tap as well as beer to go. Snacks and non-alcohol drinks are available, food is allowed to be brought in or delivered too. Close to many restaurants and local shops. See more..
4.5 Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest (388 reviews)
- Thomas Jefferson’s retreat
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s personal retreat home and plantation located just outside Lynchburg, VA. It is one of only two homes Thomas Jefferson designed for his own use. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior, today it is an exciting opportunity to experience the award-winning rescue, archaeological exploration and restoration of one of America’s most important national landmarks. The Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest's mission is to preserve, inspire, and tell the emerging story of the free and enslaved people who lived and worked at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. Visitors can experience ongoing archaeological digs, historically accurate restoration and conservation work in the historic house, and exhibits throughout the house and the grounds that tell the full story of Jefferson, his family, and the enslaved men, women, and children who lived at Poplar Forest. See more..
4.5 Old City Cemetery (283 reviews)
- Rich history in a beautiful setting.
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Cemeteries • Gardens

The Old City Cemetery, established in 1806, is one of the oldest public cemeteries in the United States still in use today. Mayors and other prominent civic leaders, along with the city's indigent and "strangers," are among the estimated 18,000 people buried here. Two thirds of those interred here are of African descent, both enslaved and free. The cemetery's Confederate section contains the graves of more than 2,200 soldiers from 14 states. Museums on the property interpret the diverse history of this rehabilitated graveyard and its inhabitants. Today, Old City Cemetery is the most visited historic site in the City of Lynchburg and is Central Virginia's most unique public garden. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. See more..
4.5 Amazement Square (277 reviews)
- Pure FUN!!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Children's Museums

Amazement Square is Central Virginia's first multidisciplinary, hands-on children's museum! Climb, slide and discover as you make your way through four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities and programs. Visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore global and regional topics, the arts and humanities, science and health-related themes, as well as expand their creativity. See more..
4.5 Riverwalk Trail (147 reviews)
- Well Maintained and Scenic
Hiking Trails

We enjoyed a 10 mile walk along this well maintained and scenic trail on a beautiful Spring week day. We found plenty of parking available in the 10th Street lot along the river. From there we headed north and west along what is listed as the James River Heritage Trail for almost 3 miles to the end at Park Avenue just past the Kemper Street train station. From there we retraced our steps past our parked car, crossed the river through Percival's Island Nature Preserve, and u-turned back to the car. Trail conditions and signage were excellent. See more..
4.5 Point of Honor (124 reviews)
- Enjoyed our visit
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Point of Honor is a former plantation located in what is now the historic Daniel’s Hill neighborhood of Lynchburg. The refined Federal-style main house was built in 1815 for the Cabell family. It has been carefully restored and is now a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was once 740 acres and home to a large enslaved community that lived and worked there for nearly a century from 1775 and 1865. Today the 4-acre historic site includes a house museum, kitchen dependency, gardens, and visitors center, all with striking views of Downtown Lynchburg and the James River. See more..
4.5 Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Services (112 reviews)
- Must see when in Lynchburg
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Speciality Museums

Start your visit to LYH at the Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. The Museum consists of the Court Room Gallery, the history of Lynchburg from the First People to the 21st century, and four other specialized changing galleries. The First Friday of each month the Museum is open for free from 5pm to 8pm and each month is a different topic relating to Lynchburg history. See more..
4.5 Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre (84 reviews)
- Kids & Mom take on Snowflex
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas

While we did fall & felt the Snowflex burn, we all enjoyed our 2 hour Combo pass. We tried snowboarding first. 2 kids did trampoline. Finally, ended up trying skiing towards end. Great introduction to trying to snowboard & skiing. See more..
4.5 Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College (36 reviews)
- Small, but very impressive
Thursday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Randolph College’s Maier Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of American art from the 19th-21st centuries, chiefly paintings, works on paper, and photographs. The Maier serves the College community and public, offering changing exhibits, rotating displays of the collection, and programs. Artists include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and Andrew Wyeth. In 1951, facing nuclear threat by the Soviet Union, the National Gallery of Art chose Randolph-Macon Woman’s College as the site of a secret storage facility to safeguard the nation’s art treasures. Given the code name “Project Y,” construction was supervised by NGA staff, and it was dedicated December 11, 1952. Though never used by the NGA, the College maintained and insured the facility for 50 years. It remained listed as an emergency location until 1979 and a 1983 endowment established by the Pauline and Sarah Maier Scholarship Fund created today’s Maier Museum. See more..
4.5 SeaQuest Lynchburg (29 reviews)
- Amazing
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos • Aquariums

Immerse yourself in a world of discovery as SeaQuest takes you on an adventure through rainforests, deserts and the depths of the seas. With exciting exhibits and activities for families and children of all ages, you’ll be able to get wet with the stingrays, feed the toucans, encounter the caimans, marvel at the sharks, take selfies with the snakes and more. Creating an unforgettable experience for every guest by connecting them with amazing animals from all over the planet. See more..
4.5 Anne Spencer House (28 reviews)
- Memories of a Granddaughter
History Museums

One of the granddaughters is curator of the museum and did our tour. We had to make arrangements ahead of time for the tour. The house is just like Anne will return from the library any minute. The garden is beautiful and Anne had one of the original “she-sheds” for her work studio. Be sure to checkout this unique home and learn more about the owners and their contributions to the Harlem Renaissance era. See more..
4.5 Historic Sandusky (26 reviews)
- Headquarters and Hospital during Battle of Lynchburg
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

Sandusky is a federal style home built in 1808 by Charles Johnston. Today, the home is open as a historic house museum and is currently under ongoing restoration to the 1864 period when the home was used as Union Headquarters by General David Hunter. Historic Sandusky is operated by the Historic Sandusky foundation in partnership with the University of Lynchburg. See more..
4.5 Court House Hill (25 reviews)
- Beautifu war memorials
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A multi-level war memorial from the Civil War to Vietnam. Not handicap accessible. Beautiful view overlooking Lynchburg water front. See more..
4.5 Pest House Medical Museum (23 reviews)
- Educational about medicine during the Civil War era.
Speciality Museums

The Pest house is part of the Old City Cemetery. Very educational. Makes you glad that you have access to modern medicine.. See more..
4.5 Percival's Island Natural Area (21 reviews)
- Beautiful Boardwalk
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We rented bikes and rode the trail through the nature area all the way to the end. The trails are in great shape and are very flat for beginning bikers. We saw lots of deer and found several geocaches along the way. There is a well done display of Rocks of Virginia along the path as well. See more..
4.5 Academy Center of the Arts (19 reviews)
- Wedding Venue
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Academy Center of the Arts is greater Lynchburg’s center for arts, culture, and community building. Our mission is to serve our community through arts education for both children and adults, gallery shows, and performances from nationally renowned performers, partner cultural non-profits, and our very own community members with a desire to perform. The Academy is also committed to making sure the arts are available to all our citizens despite economic restrictions. Our facility includes a flexible black box theatre with programming year round, classes in the visual and performing arts, multiple galleries, a pottery studio, and very soon we will add a restored 750 seat historic theatre. The Academy has something for all ages and is here for local residents and visitors alike. Come see us! We are the hub for arts and culture in the city of Lynchburg, serving our community in the heart of downtown! See more..
4.5 Monument Terrace (15 reviews)
- A nice memorial
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

I haven’t seen something quite like this before. I thought it was nicely done. The trees, etc have grown up I guess. We didn’t see a good view of the river/city that other reviews mentioned. Easy to find street parking. Spent maybe 20 min here going down and up the steps and looking at each monument. See more..
4.5 Jones Memorial Library (15 reviews)
- Five Star Library for Genealogy
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

If you are interested in Virginia Genealogy, Jones Memorial is the tops. The staff is excellent and so is the space. I recommend this library as a first stop to Richmond's Virginia State Library because the parking is more convenient. See more..
4.5 Riverviews Artspace (10 reviews)
- Don't miss FIRST FRIDAYS
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Riverviews has art galleries, artist studios, film screenings, literary readings and other events. First Fridays are the biggest events of the month with live music, wine, beer and crowds of over 300 on all three floors. See more..
4.5 The Nature Zone (8 reviews)
- Wonderful nature center!
Thursday: Parks

Touch a turtle…see a snake…or just take in the “wild” sights. The Nature Zone is an environmental education center that offers a world of fun and excitement for all ages! The Nature Zone is excited to be located on the first floor of the beautiful, historic Miller Center! Each of our carefully selected displays are focused on our local watershed and homes for the Nature Zone animals. We also offer Discovery Drawers for visitors to explore. We are FREE and open to the public. Snake Feeding Fridays Ever wonder how a snake eats its prey? Stop by to watch our favorite snakes eat every Friday. Here are some happenings and activities you can experience at the Nature Zone: Animal Feedings Discovery Drawers Exhibits about Central VA Ecosystem Q&A with Naturalists Classes & Camps Adopt an Animal See more..
4.5 Legacy Museum of African American History (7 reviews)
- A significant and meaningful museum
History Museums

First of all, thanks to Mary Ann for her warm welcome and tour of the museum, which is in a beautiful old home. There is just one exhibit at a time, and all of the museum is currently taken up by pictures painted by local high school kids about the significant black figures (and some events) in the city's history. It has come a long way, but not without great struggle requiring courage and determination, and it is wonderful to see tribute paid to persons of achievement, many not recognized in their day. by today's young people. This place is a treasure and deserves the support of the community. See more..
4.5 Liberty Baseball Stadium (4 reviews)
- What a stadium!
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

I was surprised at the stadium, how new, fresh, clean it was. We even caught a little bit of the game as we toured the campus. We got there early in the day and loved walking around and the field was just beautiful. The stadium didn't seem to have a bad seat in the house. See more..
4.5 Seven Hills Theater (3 reviews)
- loved Seven Hills Theater
Theaters
if you are looking for some wonderful entertainment in Lynchburg, Va this july head over to the Seven Hills Theater . We had the pleasure of seeing "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and "Two couples go to Italy". Both shows had us laughing out loud.The young cast is talented, enthusiastic and engaging. i believe this is their first season, and if so, they are off to a fantastic start. The shows are performed on the beautiful VES campus. See more..
4.0 Bounce About of Lynchburg (40 reviews)
- Very Nice Place!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Playgrounds

I spend A lot of Family time here over the summer. Very nice place for the kids or "Adults" to play :) See more..
4.0 Calvin Falwell Field (27 reviews)
- Star Wars Night
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

We had free tickets from my husbands company. We were right up front close to the players. Many autographs were signed and balls caught. South Paw bobble heads were a give away for the 1st 1000 guest thru the gate. Star Wars characters roamed and mingled. Much Fun! The Hillcats Won too. See more..