35 Best Things to do in Lynchburg!

Lynchburg in Virginia, often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills,” is a charming and historic destination nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This city is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. With its friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere, Lynchburg offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Lynchburg during your visit to Virginia.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Point of Honor

The Point of Honor was built in 1806 and is known for its Federal-style architecture. The name Point of Honor comes from the land’s history as a dueling ground. The house was originally built by Dr. George Cabell, a physician to Patrick Henry and a friend of Thomas Jefferson. Over the years, it passed through several owners, including members of the Langhorne family, whose descendants include Lady Astor, the first woman elected to the British Parliament. Today, museum features guided tours showcasing artifacts, exhibits on Lynchburg’s history, and displays about the people who lived in the house.

Historic Sandusky-University of Lynchburg

The Historic Sandusky is a preserved Federal-style home built in 1808 by Charles Johnston. The house has a deep connection to American history, serving as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864. Today, it operates as a historic house museum, offering visitors a chance to explore its past through exhibits and guided tours. The site is managed by the Historic Sandusky Foundation in partnership with the University of Lynchburg, providing hands-on learning experiences in history and preservation. It showcases artifacts and restored rooms that reflect life in the mid-19th century.

Lynchburg’s Historic District

The Lynchburg’s Historic District is filled with well-preserved architecture, rich history, and scenic streets. The city has seven historic districts, each showcasing unique styles and stories from the past. Federal Hill Historic District is one of the most notable, featuring brick and frame houses in styles ranging from early 19th century Federal-style townhouses to Edwardian-era homes. The district’s French Second Empire houses on Harrison Street add to its architectural charm.

Walking through the historic neighborhoods, visitors can see homes once owned by tobacco tycoons, doctors, and attorneys, reflecting Lynchburg’s prosperous past. The Courthouse Hill, Daniel’s Hill, Diamond Hill, Garland Hill, Pierce Street Renaissance, and Rivermont Avenue districts each have their own character, offering a mix of Queen Anne, Victorian, and Colonial Revival architecture. Guided walking tours are available, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while learning about the city’s history.

Historic Courthouse

Designed in the Greek Revival style in 1855, Historic Courthouse features stucco-over-brick construction on a granite ashlar basement, giving it an elegant appearance. It was once the center of legal affairs in Lynchburg and now it is transformed into Lynchburg Museum, which showcases exhibits on local history, cultural heritage and military events. The museum holds artifacts, including a haunted cradle once owned by Methodist bishop John Early, adding a mystery to the site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, the building remains an important piece of Lynchburg’s history.

Federal Hill Historic District

Established in the early 19th century, Federal Hill Historic District covers about 33 acres and features a mix of Federal, Greek Revival, Second Empire, and Queen Anne-style homes. Many of the houses were built by merchants and civic leaders, reflecting the city’s early prosperity. The area developed slowly, allowing for a variety of architectural styles to emerge over time. Federal Hill is known for its brick and frame houses, with some of the oldest homes dating back to 1816. The district includes landmarks like the Roane-Rodes House and the Norvell-Otey House, both were built in the early 1800s.

2. Outdoor Adventures

James River Trails

The James River Trails provide a great way to explore nature while enjoying scenic views along the river, with several interconnected paths making up the James River Heritage Trail. The trail system includes Blackwater Creek Trail, Point of Honor Trail, Kemper Station Trail, RiverWalk, and Percival’s Island Trail, each offering different experiences. Percival’s Island Trail is one of the most popular sections, taking visitors across a bridge onto a peaceful island with wildlife and beautiful river views. The RiverWalk portion offer urban sights, making it an ideal route for those who enjoy both cityscapes and nature.

Ivy Creek Park

The Ivy Creek Park features Clemmons Lake, a 6 acres body of water where visitors can kayak, and fish. It has multi-use trails that are ADA-compliant, making them accessible for all visitors. The park is home to an supporting site for the Nature Zone, where visitors can learn about local wildlife, including reptiles and amphibians. Originally part of private land, Ivy Creek Park was dedicated in 2011 and has since become a favorite spot for outdoor activities. The park has green design principles, such as aggregate paving to reduce stormwater runoff and designed with native plants to attract wildlife.

Peaks View Park

The Peaks View Park is the second largest in Lynchburg, covering a wide area with trails and picnic spots. Visitors can enjoy soccer, football, softball, and baseball, along with three lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, and volleyball courts. The Ivy Creek Greenway, a paved trail running through the park, is ADA-compliant, making it accessible for all visitors. The park was originally a dairy farm before being developed into a public space in 1983, and completed in 1986. The Bill Foot Recreational Area within the park is named after a local trails advocate, and volunteers help maintain the biking trails.

Riverwalk Trail

The Riverwalk Trail offers a great mix of city views and nature, starting where Blackwater Creek Trail ends on Jefferson Street and running through Riverfront Park downtown. The trail passes restaurants, shops, and a children’s museum, making it a lively section before crossing onto Percival’s Island, a peaceful area with shaded trails and scenic river views. The trail is flat, paved, and accessible, making it perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. Fishing is allowed along the river, though swimming is not permitted. The trail continues into Amherst County, giving visitors more places to explore outdoors.

Blackwater Creek Trail

Built along an abandoned railway bed, Blackwater Creek Trail is a outdoor path that offers a mix of nature and history. The 3 miles paved trail follows the winding Blackwater Creek, running through a peaceful urban forest making it a great choice for walking, jogging, and biking. It connects to the Jefferson Heritage Trail system, linking different parts of the city. Located at Ed Page entrance, the Awareness Garden is dedicated to those affected by cancer. The Point of Honor Trail branches off from Blackwater Creek Trail, passing through Hollins Mill Park and leading to the historic Point of Honor home.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Lynchburg is a great place for kayaking and canoeing, with scenic waterways offering exciting paddling experiences. James River Adventures offers guided trips and rentals, allowing visitors to explore the river while learning about its history and wildlife. Another great location is Ivy Creek Park, where visitors can paddle on Clemmons Lake, a quiet spot perfect for a relaxing day on the water. The city’s parks and recreation department maintains several access points along the river. Nearby state parks, such as James River State Park and Smith Mountain Lake State Park, also provide paddling opportunities.

Hiking Trails

Lynchburg has excellent hiking trails that blend nature, history, and scenic views, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast. Blackwater Creek Trail is favorite among locals, passing through an urban forest along a former railway bed, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The Liberty Mountain Trail System provides over 50 miles of trails, with paths designed for both hikers and mountain bikers.

Percival’s Island Natural Area offers a quiet escape, featuring a bridge that leads to an island rich with wildlife and peaceful river views. Peaks View Park has wooded trails ideal for short hikes, while the James River Overlook offers a beautiful spot to pause and take in the scenery. Many trails connect to the James River Heritage Trail, linking parks and historical landmarks.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra

The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra is a well-loved musical group that has been entertaining audiences in Central Virginia for over 40 years. It performs a variety of concerts throughout the year, including classical, contemporary, and themed performances. The main concert series takes place at the Academy Center of the Arts, a historic venue that adds to the experience. The orchestra also hosts special events at different locations, bringing live music to the community. The Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra trains young musicians, helping them develop their skills and gain performance experience.

Lynchburg Museum

The Lynchburg Museum features exhibits on Lynchburg’s past, covering topics like early settlement, the Civil War and local culture, with artifacts and photographs that highlight important moments in the city’s development. As part of the Lynchburg Museum System, the museum also manages Point of Honor, a nearby historic home offering more insights into Lynchburg’s heritage. The building itself is a landmark with Greek Revival architecture and a towering dome, making it an interesting spot to visit. Visitors can attend special events, guided tours, and educational programs throughout the year.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Built as Jefferson’s personal retreat, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is one of only two residences he designed for himself. The estate sits on land Jefferson inherited in 1773 and began developing in 1806. The house is known for its octagonal design, reflecting Jefferson’s love for architecture and symmetry. Visitors can explore the villa, which showcases Jefferson’s innovative design and the craftsmanship of the enslaved workers who built it. The site features archaeological digs, exhibits, and guided tours that share stories about Jefferson’s life and the people who lived and worked on the plantation.

Maier Museum of Art

The Maier Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American art from the 19th to 21st centuries, featuring paintings, works on paper, and photographs. Some of the most well-known artists represented include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and Andrew Wyeth. The museum hosts changing exhibits and educational programs, making each visit unique. One of the most interesting facts about the museum is its connection to Project Y, a secret storage facility built in 1951 to protect national art treasures during the Cold War.

Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum

The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum is dedicated to showcase the life and work of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer. The house was built in 1903 by her husband, Edward Spencer, and served as their home for 72 years. The museum is known for its Queen Anne-style architecture, with much of the original furnishings still in place. Anne Spencer’s writing cottage, Edankraal, sits within the garden, where she wrote many of her poems. The house and garden were gathering places for influential figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Martin Luther King Jr., who visited over the years.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Hill City AquaZoo

The Hill City AquaZoo is an interactive space where visitors can connect with animals and learn about conservation. Developed by River Ridge, offers hands-on experiences with various species, making it a great place for families and animal lovers. Guests can enjoy activities like feeding sharks and alligators, which provide unique encounters with marine and reptile life. Sloth encounters, featuring animals like Prince and Aurora, offer visitors a chance to meet these gentle creatures up close. The AquaZoo hosts educational programs designed for schools, groups, and private events, adding to its appeal.

Amazement Square

The Amazement Square’s highlight is the Amazement Tower, a multi-level play structure with slides, tunnels, and ladders that extend through all four floors, keeping kids entertained as they and explore. Visitors can paint directly on walls, create a rainstorm over downtown, and float boats down a model of the James River, making it exciting. The exhibits focusing on life on a farm, global cultures, and music, encouraging creativity and curiosity. Recognized as a Certified Autism Center, the museum hosts workshops and educational programs, serving thousands of families and school groups.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre

The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre is a unique destination for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The centre features Snowflex, a synthetic surface designed to mimic real snow, allowing visitors to enjoy winter sports in any season. The slopes include areas for beginners and advanced riders, with terrain park features for freestyle tricks. Guests can rent equipment on-site, making it easy to try skiing or snowboarding without bringing their own gear. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy Neveplast tubing runs, which provide a fun and fast ride down the slopes.

Lynchburg Parks

Lynchburg has a great selection of parks that offer outdoor activities and picnic spots for relaxation. Riverfront Park is a popular place for events and walks along the James River. The city has over 40 miles of trails, connecting parks and natural areas, making it easy to explore different locations. Parks have picnic shelters and playgrounds, making them ideal for families and gatherings. The Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department maintains these spaces, ensuring they are clean and accessible. Some parks host seasonal events, outdoor concerts, and nature programs, making it an engaging place.

Lynchburg Community Market

The Lynchburg Community Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country, serving the community since 1783. The market hosts a farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where local growers sell fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Inside, visitors can find a variety of shops and artisan vendors, offering everything from homemade jams to handcrafted jewelry. The market is also home to the Heritage Crafters Gallery, which showcases unique handmade items. The market hosts seasonal events, bringing the community together for celebrations and special activities.

Golfing Courses

Lynchburg has great golf courses that offer a mix of scenic views and challenging play. Colonial Hills Golf Club is a well-known public course with 18 holes and a par of 71, featuring a driving range, practice greens, and lessons for golfers. Oakwood Country Club is a private club with a beautiful course, dining options, and event spaces, making it a great place for social gatherings. Poplar Forest Golf Course is a 9-hole course with a driving range, offering a relaxed setting for casual golfers. Many of these courses have pro shops, lessons, and membership options, making them accessible for both visitors.

FunQuest Family Entertainment Center

The FunQuest Family Entertainment Center is a great place for families to have fun together. One of the main attractions is roller skating, with special sessions for preschoolers and families. Visitors can enjoy laser tag, where players compete in a multi-level arena filled with exciting challenges. It features PlayQuest, the largest indoor playground in the area, designed for kids to play and explore safely. There is an arcade with a mix of classic and modern games, where players can win tickets and redeem prizes. FunQuest hosts birthday parties and school outings, making it a popular spot for celebrations.

5. Natural Attractions

Historic Garden Week Tours

The Historic Garden Week Tours offer an opportunity to explore beautiful gardens, organized by the Garden Club of Virginia. The event takes place each spring and includes tours of private homes, gardens, and historic sites. Visitors can walk through gardens, see conservation efforts in action, and admire floral arrangements created by local garden club members. The tour includes a visit to Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center, an educational site that showcases native plants and gardening practices. Historic Garden Week is part of a larger statewide event, with over 120 private gardens open to visitors.

Percival’s Island Natural Area

The Percival’s Island Natural Area is a peaceful spot where visitors can enjoy nature while walking or biking along the James River. The island is about 1.5 miles long and features a paved trail that follows an old railroad bed, making it easy to explore. The area is known for its wildlife, including herons, migrating waterfowl, and native plants. The James River provides a scenic backdrop, with both calm pools and rushing waters. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, following Virginia state regulations. The island is maintained in its natural state, offering a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the city.

Hollins Mill Park

The Hollins Mill Park is a peaceful outdoors with scenic views and access to Blackwater Creek. The park is linked to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway, including the Point of Honor Trail, offering great paths for biking. Before becoming a park, this park housed Blackwater Mills, it’s a water-powered mill owned by William Hollins before the Civil War. Later it became the site of Taylor Wagon Works, one of the largest wagon manufacturers in the country, before it was destroyed by fire in 1912. The city purchased the land in 1914 and turned it into a public park, preserving its natural beauty and history.

Riverside Park

The Riverside Park covers 49 acres of rolling land with scenic views of the James River. Visitors can explore Alpine Trail, it’s one of the first dedicated hiking path in Lynchburg. The park has tennis and basketball courts, making it a great place for sports lovers. One of the highlights is the transportation exhibit, which includes a train locomotive and historic Fink Deck Truss Bridge, known for it’s national engineering landmark. Another highlight is Packet Boat Marshall, an iron-hulled boat with historical significance. The park has picnic shelters and a gazebo, available for rent for gatherings and events.

Blackwater Creek Natural Area

Covering 300 acres of urban forest, Blackwater Creek Natural Area features paved and earthen trails passing through stream valleys and hillside forests, making it a great spot for walking, jogging, and biking. One of the popular routes is Blackwater Creek Trail, a 3 miles path that takes you along the creek and provides beautiful views. The area includes the Point of Honor Trail, which connects to historic sites, and Kemper Station Trail, leading toward Lynchburg’s Midtown neighborhood. At the Ed Page entrance, visitors will find the Awareness Garden, a special place dedicated to those affected by cancer.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Roanoke

Planning a day trip to Roanoke takes about an hour drive from Lynchburg, following U.S. 460 West or Route 29 North. Start at the Mill Mountain Star provides a panoramic view of the city and surroundings. The Taubman Museum of Art showcases regional and national exhibits, while the Virginia Museum of Transportation features historic trains, cars, and aviation displays. The Roanoke City Market is a great place to grab fresh produce, local crafts, and snacks. For history lovers, the O. Winston Link Museum highlights railroad photography and Roanoke’s connection to the railway industry.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

From Lynchburg, a day trip to Smith Mountain Lake State Park takes around an hour and covering 1,248 acres on the lake’s north shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating, with a boat rentals available nearby lake. Several hiking trails pass through the park, including Turtle Island Trail, a 1.4 mile loop offering beautiful views. Picnic areas provide a great place to relax, while campsites are available for those wanting to extend their visit. The Discovery Center offers educational programs about local wildlife and conservation efforts, giving visitors a chance to learn about the environment.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

A day trip to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park takes around 45 minutes from Lynchburg. Located about 23 miles east of Lynchburg, the park marks the site where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, and that makes an ending the Civil War. Guests can explore over a dozen restored buildings, including the McLean House, where the surrender took place. Walking trails lead through the historic village, offering a glimpse into life in the 19th century. The park features a museum and ranger-led programs, providing deep insights into the events.

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Start a day trip from Lynchburg and drive about an hour, following U.S. 460 West toward Roanoke to reach George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Covering 1.8 million acres, visitors can hike trails like Devil’s Marbleyard, a challenging boulder scramble, or Crabtree Falls, known for its beautiful waterfalls. The forest is home to parts of the Appalachian Trail, providing scenic routes for both short and long hikes. Camping is available at designated sites, with options for both tent camping and RVs. Fishing and kayaking are popular activities, with streams and rivers running through the forest.

How to Reach Lynchburg

Lynchburg is easy to reach by plane, train, car, or bus, offering convenient options for travelers. Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) has daily flights to and from Charlotte in North Carolina, and is located at the intersection of Route 29 South and Route 460, providing easy access to the city. Amtrak serves Lynchburg with daily trains, including routes to Roanoke and Blacksburg, through the SmartWay Amtrak Connector. The train station on Kemper Street in Lynchburg makes it simple for visitors to start exploring the city upon arrival.

For those driving, Lynchburg is connected by U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 460, and Virginia Route 501, ensuring smooth road trips with plenty of parking available in garages and street spots, some free of charge. Local transportation includes GLTC bus services and The Hopper, a free downtown bus, helping visitors move around easily. Uber and Lyft are also available for rideshare options. Walking is a great way to explore the downtown area, where attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy reach.

Local Transportation

Lynchburg has several transport options that make it easy to get around the city. Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) operates 14 fixed bus routes, covering key areas in Lynchburg and parts of Madison Heights. The buses run on a set schedule, and riders can track their trips using the Transit app. GLTC also offers paratransit services for individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A newer option is Flex Microtransit, which provides on-demand rides in select locations.

For those looking for private transport, Legacy Transport of Virginia LLC offers limousine and airport shuttle services, as well as bus charters for events. TMC Transportation and Old Dominion Freight Line provide commercial transport services for businesses. Lynchburg also has rideshare options like Uber, making it easy to get a ride anytime. The Hopper, a free downtown bus, helps visitors move around quickly. Many areas in Lynchburg are walkable, especially downtown, where attractions and restaurants are close together.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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