Central Virginia Attraction Guide
Central Virginia has numerous attractions that are sure to spark the interest of all kinds of travelers.
The area is filled with heritage, history and natural beauty. Visitors most likely can’t see everything on a single trip, but they can see some of the top attractions.
Monticello – The magnificent architectural masterpiece that Thomas Jefferson called home definitely reflects the personality and interests of the owner. The Charlottesville home offers guided tours daily year round, but outdoor garden and plantation tours are offered seasonally, April through October.
Montpelier – The 2,650-acre estate was the lifelong home of James Madison, who was the architect of the Bill of Rights and father of the Constitution. Visitors can tour the home that just completed extensive architectural restoration and can stroll through the gardens and forest. There are also galleries and a variety of hands-on activities that will maintain the interest of visitors of all ages.
Kings Dominion – This hugely popular theme park offers a combined ride park and water park in one location. It boasts the largest collection of roller coasters on the East Coast with 15 roller coasters, including the Intimidator 305, which is voted one of the best new coasters during 2010. It also is home to the world’s largest Peanuts-themed area for children. The area known as Planet Snoopy is home to 18 rides and plenty of fun for the entire family.
Henricus Historical Park – For history buffs, this park is a must see as it is where legendary Pocahontas grew up. The park is operated by living history interpreters who share the stories of centuries past.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site – Commemorating the life of a progressive and gifted African-American woman, this site honors a owman who became the first woman in the nation to found and serve as president of a bank. The house has been completely restored to its original 1930s appearance and has been decorated with original Walker family pieces.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center – Detailing the complex experiences of the people of Africa and the African Diaspora, while putting particular emphasis on the people of Virginia, this center emphasizes history through its collection, preservation and interpretation of historical and cultural artifacts.
Civil War Trails – The Civil War played a significant role in American history and many important events of that time took place in Central Virginia. Visitors can take the Civil War Trails to visit preserved battlefields that are located in Richmond, Petersburg, and Appomattox. There they can see where some of the bloodiest battles in America’s history took place and learn about the logistics of the war.
Appomattox Court House and National Historic Park – Commemorating the historic acts of April 1865, this original village allows visitors to step back in time to the place where the Civil War came to an end. McLean House, which is the location where Generals Lee and Grant crafted and signed the terms of the surrender, is the highlight of the park.
Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier – The Travel Channel has labeled this site as one of “Virginia’s Best Places to Visit.” The park consists of 424 acres that includes high-tech museums and hands-on learning experiences. It features four world class museums, four antebellum homes and features the site of the battlefield where Union forces broke through Petersburg’s defense lines on April 2, 1865.
Jackson Ward Neighborhood – This neighborhood in Richmond is considered “The Birthplace of Black Capitalism.” This neighborhood played a significant role in African American history and tells stories that cannot be found elsewhere.
So there you have it. There are plenty of attractions to choose from in Central Virginia. Regardless of the interest or the size of your group, there is something that is bound to keep the attention of travelers of all ages.