23 Best Things to Do in Lynchburg, Virginia

© Amazement Square

Offering four floors of interactive exhibits and educational workshops, Amazement Square is a museum dedicated to providing a place for people of all ages to learn about the world in a hands-on fashion. The exhibits cover everything from the arts and humanities to science and technology; visitors can paint on the walls, create a simulated rainstorm over the city, or learn about life on one of the farms in the area. Another major highlight of the museum is the Amazement Tower, a maze of ladders, slides, and tunnels that stretches through all four floors of the museum.

27 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-845-1888

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Encompassing approximately 300 acres of forest along Blackwater Creek, the Blackwater Creek Natural Area offers 8 miles of hiking and biking trails. The most popular trail is the 3-mile-long Blackwater Creek Trail, a paved trail that runs along an abandoned railway bed beside the creek and can be easily accessed right from downtown. A number of earthen trails extend off the main path, allowing hikers to better explore the forest and visit the historic Point of Honor home. Some sections of the trails are accessible to those with limited mobility, and maps can be obtained from the visitor information center.

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Established in 1995, the Legacy Museum of African American History is dedicated to collecting and preserving items that tell the story of the African American community in Lynchburg throughout the years. The museum offers a rotating series of exhibits covering topics such as life during the Civil War and the history of African American education in Virginia. The Legacy Activity Museum next to the museum provides children's programs, and special programs are offered to people of all ages during the summer months. The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday in the afternoons, but visits during other times can be arranged by appointment.

403 Monroe St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-845-3455

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The third oldest farmer's market in the United States and conveniently located right downtown, the Lynchburg Community Market offers an excellent selection of local produce and arts and crafts made by artisans from the area. There is a variety of permanent stalls selling everything from breakfast and lunch to specialty gifts, and a full farmers market with produce takes place every Saturday. The permanent stalls in the market are open all year round on Tuesday through Saturday between 7am and 2pm, and a green market is held every Wednesday during the summer season between 10am and 2pm (please double check the hours before you go).

1219 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-4485

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The Lynchburg Hillcats Minor League Baseball call the Calvin Falwell Field home, and the field is a great place to head for some family-friendly summer entertainment. Games take place between the months of April and August, and season passes come with free parking and a discount in the souvenir store. Group ticket prices are available for groups of 20 people or more, and groups can purchase an all-you-can-eat picnic buffet package. There are also special skyboxes with outdoor balcony seating available to anyone who would like to watch the game in the lap of luxury.

3180 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501, Phone: 434-528-1144

© Lynchburg Museum

Situated inside the Old Court House, the Lynchburg Museum provides an excellent introduction to the fascinating history of Lynchburg. The exhibits tell stories about the people and events that shaped the region over the past four centuries; highlights include a complete timeline of Lynchburg history between 1607 and 2007, a media program that introduces visitors to some of the city's most famous historical faces, and a display of art, furniture, and silver pieces that were made by local artisans. There is no fee for admission, and the museum is open every day of the week.

901 Court St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-6226

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Originally built to honor those who lost their lives in World War I, Monument Terrace is now a city landmark that stretches along an entire block and commemorates veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the campaigns in Vietnam, and several others. The monument's 139 steps and terraces lead up to the Old Courthouse, providing pedestrian access to the building that now houses the Lynchburg Museum. The city's iconic doughboy statue stands at the base of the stairs, and a number of other sculptures and small monuments line the steps all the way to the top.

313 9th St, Lynchburg, VA 24504

© National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Found on the campus of Liberty University, the National Civil War Chaplains Museum was established to share the story of the role played by chaplains and other religious heads and organizations during the Civil War. Exhibits include religious artifacts and interpretive programs that discuss the importance religion held for soldiers during the war, and special tours and programs are offered all throughout the year. The museum is usually open every day of the week except for Sunday, but visitors coming from out of town are advised to call at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that it will be open.

1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, Phone: 434-582-7090

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Percival's Island Natural Area serves as a refuge for plants and animals in downtown Lynchburg, and it's a great place to take a mid-day stroll or bike ride with excellent views of the James River. The island is approximately 1.5 miles long, and a paved, well-maintained trail runs along the length of the island through an old railway bed. It's not uncommon to spot wildlife along the trail, including herons and migrating birds. The James River can be accessed from several different points along the trail, and many people come here to fish and enjoy the water during the summer.

1600 Concord Turnpike, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-856-2489

© Pest House Medical Museum

Formerly known as the House of Pestilence, the Pest House Medical Museum was the first hospital in Lynchburg. It served as a place of quarantine for people with infectious diseases in the 1840s and 1850s; most patients ended up buried in the graveyard that surrounds the building. Conditions in the hospital were improved by Dr. Terrell in the 1860s, and he went on to treat a good number of soldiers here during the Civil War. The Pest House can now be seen just as it was during this time period, and it still holds the doctor's operating table and many of his tools.

401 Taylor St, Lynchburg, VA 24501, Phone: 434-847-1465

© Point of Honor

Overlooking the city and the Saint James River, Point of Honor is a majestic Federal-style home that dates back to the early 1800s. The building has been carefully restored to its original elegance; it boasts rich furnishings, a wonderful recreated hearth kitchen, and several interesting exhibits that cover topics like the medical practices of the doctor who formerly owned the home. Guided tours of the property are available on a first-come first-served basis every day of the week; tours last approximately 45 minutes, and groups of more than 10 people are kindly asked to make arrangements in advance.

112 Cabell St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-455-6226

© Poplar Forest

Designed and built by Thomas Jefferson, Poplar Forest is a plantation and plantation home that served as Jefferson's private retreat when he was between the ages of 66 and 80. The site was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971, and it's now a historic house museum that has been carefully restored to live up to Jefferson's original vision. The site hosts special events all throughout the year, including beer and wine tastings and musical performances, and tours of the house and property are available all year round. Groups are welcome, but groups of ten or more are required to make an advance reservation.

1542 Bateman Bridge Rd, Forest, VA 24551, Phone: 434-534-8120

© Sandusky House

Constructed in 1808, the Sandusky House was one of the first homes in the area to be built using elements from the characteristic Federal style of architecture. The home formerly sat on a 1,200-acre plantation, and although the plantation has since undergone development, the home has been refurbished and decorated to be just as it was in 1864. Guided tours of the home and property are given on Saturdays and Sundays, and tours on other days are available upon request. In addition to touring the property, visitors can watch an Emmy-winning documentary about the battle of Lynchburg.

757 Sandusky Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-832-0162

© White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co.

Serving up some of the best coffee in the state, the White Hart & Blackwater Coffee Co. is a cozy gathering place for locals and visitors alike. In addition to an excellent selection of specialty coffee drinks, the menu includes everything from decadent waffle boats to traditional pub burgers to buffalo-style wings. The company serves coffee they roast themselves in small, five-pound batches, and all the food is prepared with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The cafe prides itself on serving three meals a day every day of the week, including an all-day breakfast menu popular with locals.

1208 Main St, Lynchburg, VA 24504, Phone: 434-207-5600

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Located in the nearby town of Forest, Apocalypse Ale Works was the first brewery in the area since Thomas Jefferson brewed beer here in the 1800s. The brewery sells kegs of its beer to restaurants all over the state, and visitors can visit the on-site tasting room to sample the latest creations. Cans and bombers are available for sale as well, and food trucks sometimes make an appearance to sell food in the evenings. The brewery is open Wednesday through Sunday, and special events include trivia every Wednesday and the introduction of a new beer every Thursday evening.

1257 Burnbridge Rd, Forest, VA 24551, Phone: 434-258-8761

© The Anne Spencer Memorial Foundation

The Anne Spencer House and Garden is an historic property which was once home to the renowned poet, civil rights activist, teacher and gardener, Anne Spencer. By her own admission, the house (and garden) was a constantly evolving project which continued throughout the 72 years that she lived in the 2-story Queen Anne style property. It is filled with personal memorabilia, art, antiques and other treasures. The lovely garden was restored to its former glory in 1983 and is open to the public free of charge every day of the year. Tours of the house are available by appointment, from March through November.

The Anne Spencer House and Garden, 1313 Pierce St, Lynchburg, VA 24501, 434 845 1313

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Located on the Randolph College campus, the Maier Museum of Art is proudly home to an exceptional American art collection from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The museum hosts regular rotating exhibitions of the many works held in their permanent collection, as well as educational programs which are open to everyone. American Impressionism and 20thcentury Realism form the core of the permanent collection, and visitors can anticipate admiring works of art by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Thomas Cole, to name but a few. The museum is free to visit and is open to anyone who would like to stop by.

The Maier Museum of Art, Randolph College, 1 Quinlan Street, Lynchburg, VA 24503, 434 947 8136

© SeaQuest Lynchburg

SeaQuest Lynchburg invites visitors of all ages to come and spend some time getting up close and personal with a variety of land and sea creatures. The large (20,000 feet) facility is home to a variety of animals from all five continents, which you can admire, feed, touch and interact with as you learn more about the amazing world we live in. SeaQuest offers a variety of animal interactions including a Sloth Encounter, Porcupine Interaction and the Otter Enrichment Session. You can even snorkel with Stingrays or sleep with sharks. The facility is a great option for children’s birthday parties and VIP experiences, including 3 interactions of your choice, can be booked as a special treat.

SeaQuest Lynchburg, 3405 Chandler’s Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 237 5888

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Riverside Park is the second-oldest, and one of the most-visited parks in Lynchburg. The park covers around 49 acres of rolling hills, clumps of trees and walking trails, including the Overlook and Alpine Trails which were the first hiking trails to be established in the area. As you make your way you will be treated to wonderful view of the James River. Other park activities include tennis and basketball and there is a large children’s playground. In summer, children can have lots of fun at the spray park. There is also a small transport exhibit and you can rent a picnic shelter for birthday parties and family picnics.

Riverside Park, 2238 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503, 434 455 5858

© Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center

Long after the last remnants of snow have melted, snow-sport enthusiasts can stay on top of their game by practicing at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center. The center offers Snowflex artificial slopes, which are as close to the real thing as you can find anywhere and terrain parks where skiers and snowboarders can have year-round fun. In addition, they also boast Neveplast Tubing runs which are open all year round. If you are new to skiing and boarding and want to learn the ropes before the next winter season you can sign up for lessons and rental equipment is available on site. Younger visitors can enjoy the dedicated sledding slopes.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center, 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 582 2000

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There is only one way out of these escape rooms. The question is, will you have what it takes to find that one way before the clock strikes and your time is over. One Way Out brings the Escape Room craze to Lynchburg, offering no fewer than 5 exciting and immersive games to try. You and your friends and family will have just 60 minutes to unravel puzzles and break codes if you are going to succeed. Themed escape rooms include Search for the Lost Professor (medium), The Experiment (medium), Paravell’s 3 Keys (difficult), Railway Robbery (medium) and The Glove of Destiny (medium). Book your room on line.

One Way Out, 2264 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501, 434 329 7329

© Putt-Putt Fun Center

The Putt-Putt Fun Center in Lynchburg prides itself on providing families with a clean, safe and affordable environment where the whole family can have fun. The original Putt-Putt fun center opened back in 1954 and the idea was so well received that these days you will find one in many parts of the country. Each of the entertainment centers has been built to exacting standards to ensure that they offer a fun game for all ages. The center is an ideal place to hold children’s birthday parties – a quick phone call is all you need to do to book your child’s dream party.

Putt-Putt Fun Center, 8105 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 237 7888

© Jump Trampoline Park

Jump Trampoline Park guarantees hours of fun and exercise all year round, regardless of the weather. The park boasts more than 10,000 square feet of connected trampolines – there are more than 50 individual trampolines including several angled wall trampolines to test your skills. There is also a jousting pit where you can take on your friends and family, 3 basketball goals and a dodge ball court. Younger visitors who are not quite ready to take on the trampolines can have fun in the foam block pit. Open jumping sessions are available on a first-come-first-served basis – weekend slots tend to fill up quickly.

Jump Trampoline Park, 3700 Chandlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434 338 1376