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Lynchburg, Virginia: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Lynchburg sits on hills above the James River, and the old city is stacked up the slope from the water. Downtown holds the museums, the market and the courthouse within walking distance of each other, and Monument Terrace climbs the hill between them on 139 steps. The trails run flat along the river and the creek below. Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge lie west, out of town. The rest is that one grid.

Are you planning a trip to Lynchburg, Virginia and wondering what are the best things to do and places to visit? Look no further. Lynchburg is a city full of history, art, outdoor adventures, and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, Lynchburg has something for everyone.

The Historical Journey: Lynchburg is a city that is rich in history. Take a walk through the historic downtown and visit the Lynchburg Museum to learn about the city’s past. You can also visit Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a personal retreat of the founding father, or explore the Old City Cemetery, which dates back to 1806.

Artistic Lynchburg: If you’re an art lover, Lynchburg won’t disappoint. Visit the Academy Center of the Arts to catch a show, exhibition, or art class. Take a stroll through the Riverfront Park, where you can find art installations and sculptures. You can also visit the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the Harlem Renaissance poet.

Key Takeaways

• Lynchburg is a city full of history, art, outdoor adventures, and fun for the whole family.
• You can explore Lynchburg’s rich history by visiting the Lynchburg Museum, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, or the Old City Cemetery.
• Art lovers can visit the Academy Center of the Arts, Riverfront Park, or the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum.

The Historical Journey

If you’re a history buff, Lynchburg, Virginia is the perfect destination for you. With a rich and fascinating past, the city is home to several historical sites that are sure to transport you back in time. Here are a few must-visit spots to add to your itinerary:

Point of Honor

Step back in time to the early 1800s with a visit to Point of Honor, a Federal-style home that once belonged to John Lynch, the founder of Lynchburg. This stunning mansion is now a museum that offers a glimpse into life during the early days of the city. With beautiful period furnishings and informative exhibits, a visit to Point of Honor is a must for any history lover.

Point of Honor is the Federal-style house that belonged to John Lynch, the man the city is named for, now a museum with period furnishings and exhibits on the early city.

It suits a visitor who wants the beginning of the story rather than a survey of it.

Lynchburg Museum

For a comprehensive look at Lynchburg’s history, head to the Lynchburg Museum. Located in the city’s historic court house, this museum is filled with fascinating exhibits that cover everything from the Civil War to the city’s industrial boom. With interactive displays and informative guides, you’re sure to learn something new about this vibrant city.

The Lynchburg Museum occupies the city’s historic courthouse and covers the whole arc, from the Civil War through the industrial boom, with interactive displays throughout.

It stands in the same downtown block as Point of Honor and Monument Terrace. Walk between them.

Old City Cemetery

While it may sound morbid, a visit to Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery is actually a fascinating journey through time. This 27-acre “history park” is home to hundreds of varieties of native and heirloom plants, as well as the largest public collection of antique roses in the state. But the real draw here is the cemetery itself, which is the final resting place of nearly 20,000 Lynchburg residents, including Confederate soldiers, freed slaves, and prominent citizens.

The Old City Cemetery covers 27 acres and holds nearly 20,000 people. Confederate soldiers are buried here. So are freed slaves and the city’s prominent families. The grounds hold hundreds of varieties of native and heirloom plants, and the largest public collection of antique roses in the state.

It is a walking site. Give it longer than a cemetery usually gets, because it is laid out as a history park.

The Garden Museum sits inside the same grounds and is counted separately on this page.

The Battle of Lynchburg

If you’re a Civil War buff, you won’t want to miss a visit to Lynchburg’s Civil War sites, including the location of the Battle of Lynchburg. This fierce battle took place in June of 1864 and saw Confederate forces successfully defend the city against Union troops. Today, you can explore the battlefield and learn about the strategies and tactics used by both sides.

With so much American history to explore in Lynchburg, Virginia, you’re sure to have a blast on your historical journey. Don’t forget to add these must-visit spots to your itinerary.

The Battle of Lynchburg was fought in June 1864. Confederate forces held the city against Union troops. The ground can be walked, and the interpretive material covers what each side attempted.

It sits with the Old City Cemetery and the Lynchburg Museum as the Civil War half of a visit.

Artistic Lynchburg

Lynchburg has a vibrant artistic scene that is sure to impress even the most discerning art lovers. From world-class museums to historic houses, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of the must-visit artistic attractions in Lynchburg:

Maier Museum of Art

The Maier Museum of Art is a hidden gem located on the campus of Randolph College. The museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by American impressionists and artists from the Harlem Renaissance. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see.

The Maier Museum of Art sits on the Randolph College campus and holds American work, including American impressionists and artists of the Harlem Renaissance, alongside a changing exhibition programme.

It suits a visitor who wants a serious collection rather than a large one, and it is on campus rather than downtown.

Anne Spencer House

The Anne Spencer House is a must-visit for anyone interested in African American history and literature. Anne Spencer was a prominent poet and civil rights activist who lived in Lynchburg during the early 20th century. Her house has been preserved as a museum, and visitors can explore the rooms where she wrote her poetry and entertained guests like Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois.

The Anne Spencer House preserves the home of the poet and civil rights activist who lived and wrote here in the early twentieth century, and who received Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois in these rooms.

It suits anyone reading American poetry or Black history, and the garden is part of the visit rather than an addition to it.

Is it the same as the Garden Museum? No. Anne Spencer’s garden belongs to her house; the Garden Museum sits in the Old City Cemetery.

Legacy Museum of African American History

The Legacy Museum of African American History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African Americans in Lynchburg and the surrounding area. The museum features exhibits on topics like slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as local African American artists and musicians.

Whether you’re a serious art lover or just looking for something fun to do, Lynchburg’s artistic attractions are sure to impress. So why not plan a visit to one of these must-see destinations today?

The Legacy Museum of African American History covers slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement in Lynchburg and the surrounding area, alongside local Black artists and musicians.

It pairs with the Anne Spencer House rather than standing alone, and both are close enough to do in one afternoon.

Outdoor Adventures

Looking for some fun outdoor activities to do in Lynchburg? Look no further. Lynchburg has plenty of outdoor adventures for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, or just take a leisurely stroll, Lynchburg has something for everyone.

Blue Ridge Mountain

The Blue Ridge Mountain is a must-see destination for any outdoor enthusiast. With its breathtaking views and challenging trails, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Lynchburg. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails. You won’t be disappointed.

The Blue Ridge rises west of Lynchburg and carries the long views and the harder trails, which is where people go when the town has stopped being the point.

It suits walkers who want distance and elevation rather than a stroll. The scale does the work here, not the itinerary.

It is a drive out of the city rather than something to slot between two museums.

Blackwater Creek Trail

If you’re looking for a more leisurely outdoor activity, then the Blackwater Creek Trail is perfect for you. This scenic trail is perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. So grab your bike or put on your walking shoes and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Blackwater Creek Trail is a paved route through the city for walking, running and cycling, and it runs about 3 miles.

It suits families and anyone who wants flat ground, which is rare in Lynchburg.

It connects with the Riverwalk Trail, so the two work as one loop rather than two outings.

Riverwalk Trail

The Riverwalk Trail is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or just taking a leisurely stroll. With its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

The Riverwalk Trail follows the James River below the old town and is level the whole way, for walking, cycling or an unhurried stroll.

It joins the Blackwater Creek Trail, and between them they cover the flat half of Lynchburg.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center

If you’re looking for some winter fun, then the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center is the place to be. With its skiing, snowboarding, and tubing runs, it’s the perfect place to hit the slopes. So grab your skis or snowboard and get ready for some winter fun.

So whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, or just take a leisurely stroll, Lynchburg has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center runs skiing, snowboarding and tubing on a synthetic surface, which is how Virginia manages a slope without a winter.

It runs through the year rather than only in the cold months, which is the point of the surface.

Adults come off the tubing run laughing harder than the children do, and nobody has to explain that.

Fun for the Little Ones

Looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained in Lynchburg? Look no further. Here are two fun places to visit that your kids will love.

Amazement Square

Amazement Square is a children’s museum that offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. From the giant bubble machine to the three-story climbing tower, there’s something for everyone here.

One of the most popular exhibits is the “WOW. Zone,” where kids can explore the science of sound and light. They can play with lasers, make music with giant chimes, and even create their own stop-motion animation video.

Another favourite is the “Riverside Theatre,” where kids can put on a show with costumes, props, and a real stage. Who knows, you might have the next Broadway star in your family.

Amazement Square, formally The Rightmire Children’s Museum, opened in 2001 in downtown Lynchburg. It runs across four floors, with the Amazement Tower climbing through all of them on slides, ladders, tunnels and a zip-line. The WOW Zone covers sound and light, and the Riverside Theatre gives children a real stage.

What children actually recount afterwards is rarely the headline exhibit. It is the giant chimes, or the costume they would not take off.

Does it work for a child who struggles with noise? It is the only museum in Virginia designated a Certified Autism Center, which is worth knowing before you commit an afternoon.

SeaQuest Lynchburg

SeaQuest Lynchburg closed in October 2024 and the site reopened as Hill City AquaZoo, so search for the new name. The aquarium still lets children get close to sea creatures, from stingrays to sharks.

One of the most popular exhibits is the “Touch Tank,” where kids can touch and feed live animals like starfish and sea urchins. They can also walk through a tunnel surrounded by thousands of gallons of water and watch as fish and sharks swim above and around them.

If your little ones are feeling adventurous, they can even snorkel with the fish in the “Snorkel Experience” exhibit. Don’t worry, they’ll be supervised by a trained guide the whole time.

That is two places for children in Lynchburg, though the aquarium now trades as Hill City AquaZoo rather than SeaQuest.

Closed since October 2024. SeaQuest Lynchburg shut when its licensing agreement expired. The same site on Candlers Mountain Road reopened as Hill City AquaZoo, keeping the animals and expanding the habitats. Everything below describes the aquarium as SeaQuest ran it.

So can you still see the stingrays? Yes, but search for Hill City AquaZoo rather than SeaQuest, because the old name will send you to a business that no longer exists.

Do the downtown block first. It is built on a hill and the museums are stacked up it, so the legs matter more here than the map does. Point of Honor, the Lynchburg Museum in the old courthouse and the Legacy Museum are close enough to walk between. Monument Terrace is the climb that connects the lower town to the upper, and 139 steps in July is a different proposition from 139 steps in October. Leave the Old City Cemetery for later, when the light is longer. The trails along Blackwater Creek and the Riverwalk suit either end of the day. They are flat. The rest of Lynchburg is not.

Lynchburg’s Community Vibe

If you’re looking for a city with a strong sense of community, Lynchburg is the place to be. From the downtown area to the Lynchburg Community Market, there’s always something going on that will make you feel like you’re part of something special.

Downtown Lynchburg

Downtown Lynchburg is the heart of the city’s community vibe. The area is full of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that will keep you busy for hours. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a quiet afternoon exploring the city, downtown Lynchburg has something for everyone.

Downtown Lynchburg holds the shops, restaurants and venues, and it is built on the hill running up from the river.

Most of this page sits inside it. Park once at the bottom and work upward rather than driving between listings.

Lynchburg Community Market

One of the best ways to experience Lynchburg’s community vibe is by visiting the Lynchburg Community Market. This farmers market has been a staple of the city since 1783 and is the perfect place to find fresh produce, homemade treats, and local art. The market also hosts special events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.

The Lynchburg Community Market has traded since 1783, which makes it one of the oldest in the country. It carries produce, homemade food and local art, alongside a programme of events.

It is somewhere to be among people rather than somewhere to shop efficiently. A Saturday morning here is the town at its most itself.

Give it an hour and buy lunch while you are there.

Cheers to the Weekend

If you’re looking for a way to let loose and have some fun, Lynchburg’s Cheers to the Weekend events are the perfect option. These events happen every Friday from May to September and feature live music, food trucks, and local craft beer. It’s a great way to unwind after a long week and connect with the community.

In Lynchburg, community is everything. Whether you’re exploring downtown, checking out the Lynchburg Community Market, or attending a Cheers to the Weekend event, you’ll feel like you’re part of something special. So come on down and experience the city’s unique culture and entertainment for yourself.

Cheers to the Weekend runs on Friday evenings through the warmer months, with live music, food trucks and local beer.

It is a seasonal series rather than a fixed fixture, so it is worth checking what is scheduled before building an evening around it.

A Peek into the Past

Lynchburg, Virginia is a city steeped in history, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the past. Here are a few places you won’t want to miss.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

You may have heard of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous home in Charlottesville, Virginia. But did you know that he also had a retreat in Lynchburg? Poplar Forest was Jefferson’s private retreat, where he could escape the hustle and bustle of public life and spend time with his family.

Today, you can visit Poplar Forest and take a guided tour of the restored home. You’ll learn about Jefferson’s life and work, and see artifacts from his time at Poplar Forest. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the resident peacocks.

Poplar Forest was Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat, the house he came to when Monticello had too many people in it. It stands restored, with guided tours and artifacts from his own time there.

It suits anyone who has done Monticello and wants the version where he was not performing.

It is out of town, so treat it as a half-day rather than a stop. Peacocks live on the grounds.

Old Court House

If you’re interested in local history, the Old Court House is a must-visit. This beautiful building was built in 1855 and served as the city’s courthouse until 1974. Today, it’s a museum that tells the story of Lynchburg’s legal system.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits on everything from the Civil War to Prohibition. You can also see the original courtroom, complete with the judge’s bench and jury box. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even step into the old jail cells.

So if you’re looking to step back in time, be sure to check out Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Old Court House. You’ll get a glimpse into Lynchburg’s rich history and have a lot of fun along the way.

The Old Court House was built in 1855 and served the city until 1974. It now holds exhibits running from the Civil War through Prohibition, with the original courtroom and the old cells still in place.

It stands at the top of Monument Terrace, so the 139 steps and the courthouse are one visit rather than two.

Monuments and Memorials

Lynchburg, Virginia is home to several monuments and memorials that commemorate important events and people in history. Here are a few that you should definitely check out:

Monument Terrace

If you want to get a great view of the city and pay your respects to Lynchburg’s military heroes, head over to Monument Terrace. This unique outdoor staircase features 139 steps and 10 landings, each of which is dedicated to a different war or conflict that America has been involved in. At the top of the terrace, you’ll find a statue of a Confederate soldier and a beautiful view of downtown Lynchburg.

Monument Terrace is an outdoor staircase of 139 steps across 10 landings, each dedicated to a different conflict, climbing from the lower town to the Old Court House at the top.

It is a climb, and there is no way around it except driving to the top and walking down.

It connects the two halves of downtown, which makes it the most useful thing on this page as well as one of the more affecting.

Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial

On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, killing thousands of innocent people. Many communities across the United States have erected memorials to honour the victims and their families, and Lynchburg is no exception. The Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial features two steel beams salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, as well as a plaque that lists the names of the 13 Lynchburg residents who lost their lives on that tragic day.

Lynchburg’s monuments and memorials repay a slow walk rather than a quick look. Monument Terrace and the Presbyterian Cemetery memorial are both public, both free to visit, and both worth the time they ask of you.

The memorial holds two steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center. A plaque lists the 13 Lynchburg residents who died on 11 September 2001. It stands in the Presbyterian Cemetery. People read the names and leave.

Nature’s Playground

Looking for some outdoor fun? Lynchburg is full of natural beauty and adventures. Here are two places to visit for some outdoor fun:

James River

The James River is a great place to cool down on a hot summer day. You can go tubing, kayaking, or fishing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try paddleboarding or even cliff jumping. Just make sure you’re careful and wear a life jacket.

The James River is also a great spot for a picnic. Bring a blanket, some sandwiches, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You might even spot some wildlife, like deer or bald eagles.

The James River runs below the old town and carries the tubing, kayaking, fishing and paddleboarding, with banks flat enough to spread a blanket on.

It is where Lynchburg stops being a city. The water is loud enough that the town goes quiet behind it.

It is a river rather than a pool. Wear a life jacket, and treat the cliff jumping as somebody else’s idea.

Garden Museum

If you’re more of a plant person, check out the Garden Museum. It’s located in the Old City Cemetery and has over 2,000 species of plants. You can take a guided tour or just wander around on your own.

The Garden Museum also has a butterfly garden, where you can see some beautiful butterflies up close. If you’re lucky, one might even land on you.

So whether you prefer the water or the land, Lynchburg has something for everyone. Get out there and enjoy nature’s playground.

The Garden Museum holds over 2,000 species of plant and a butterfly garden, with guided tours or the run of the place on your own.

It sits inside the Old City Cemetery grounds, so it is the same visit as the cemetery rather than a separate drive.

It is a growing-season attraction, and there is markedly less to see in the cold months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique ways to keep your kids entertained in Lynchburg, VA?

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do with your little ones, Lynchburg has plenty of options. Take them to Amazement Square, a museum where they can learn and play at the same time. They’ll love the hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. It is also the Children’s Museum of Lynchburg, formally The Rightmire Children’s Museum, so the two names you may have seen are one place.

Amazement Square is the answer, and it is the same place as the Children’s Museum of Lynchburg rather than a second option: one museum, two names.

How can you enjoy Lynchburg, VA without breaking the bank?

Lynchburg has plenty of free or cheap activities to offer. Take a stroll through the Blackwater Creek Trail, a 3-mile-long paved trail that is perfect for a family walk or bike ride. You can also visit Monument Terrace, a beautiful outdoor space with monuments honoring veterans. If you’re looking for some cheap eats, check out the local food trucks or grab a slice of pizza from Benny Scarpetta’s.

The trails cost nothing to walk. Blackwater Creek runs about 3 miles of paved path, the Riverwalk joins it along the James, and Monument Terrace is a public staircase.

What are some hidden gems worth exploring in Lynchburg, VA?

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, be sure to check out the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum. This historic home was once the residence of a prominent African American poet and civil rights activist. The Point of Honor Museum is another hidden gem, showcasing the history of Lynchburg and the surrounding area.

The Anne Spencer House is the one most visitors miss, and the poet who lived in it received Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois in those rooms.

What are some fun activities to do in Lynchburg, VA after the sun goes down?

If you’re looking for some nighttime entertainment, Lynchburg has plenty to offer. Catch a movie at the historic Academy Center of the Arts, or check out a live performance at the nearby Renaissance Theatre. You can also grab a drink and play some pool at the local hangout, The Cavalier.

The Academy Center of the Arts and the Renaissance Theatre carry the evening programme between them, and downtown holds the bars within walking distance of both.

What are some must-see spots in downtown Lynchburg, VA?

Downtown Lynchburg is full of historic buildings and beautiful architecture. Be sure to check out the Lynchburg Museum, which showcases the history of the city and the surrounding area. The Old City Cemetery is another spot worth the walk, with its gardens and a Victorian-era mourning museum.

The Lynchburg Museum in the old courthouse, Monument Terrace climbing the hill beside it, and the Old City Cemetery with its antique roses a short way out.

What are some indoor activities to do in Lynchburg, VA when the weather isn’t great?

If the weather isn’t cooperating, there are still plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. Visit the Legacy Museum of African American History, which tells the story of African American history in the region. You can also check out the Maier Museum of Art, which has a variety of exhibits and collections to explore.

The Legacy Museum of African American History and the Maier Museum of Art on the Randolph College campus, with Amazement Square if there are children in the party.

Frequently asked questions about Lynchburg, Virginia

Is SeaQuest Lynchburg still open?

No. SeaQuest Lynchburg closed in October 2024, and the same site reopened as Hill City AquaZoo, keeping the animals and expanding the habitats. If you are looking for the aquarium on Candlers Mountain Road, that is the name to search for now.

What is there to do in Lynchburg, Virginia with children?

Amazement Square in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia is the main one, a hands-on children’s museum opened in 2001 and known formally as The Rightmire Children’s Museum. It is the only museum in Virginia designated a Certified Autism Center, which matters if noise and crowding are a factor. The James River takes the afternoon once indoor patience runs out.

What can you see at the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg?

The Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia is a 27-acre burial ground and history park holding nearly 20,000 people, among them Confederate soldiers, freed slaves and prominent citizens of the city. It carries the largest public collection of antique roses in the state. The Garden Museum sits within the grounds.

Why did Thomas Jefferson build Poplar Forest near Lynchburg?

Poplar Forest was Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat, built as somewhere away from public life at Monticello, and it stands restored near Lynchburg, Virginia with guided tours of the house. Artifacts from his time there are on display. Peacocks live on the grounds.

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