Need a history-rich getaway with Southern charm and Civil War sites? Head to Petersburg! Located just south of Richmond, this small city is known for its pivotal role in the Civil War, beautiful antebellum architecture, and emerging arts and food scenes. Whether you're exploring battlefields, sipping craft beer, or strolling through historic Old Towne, Petersburg offers a rewarding and authentic Virginia experience.
Petersburg, VA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Walk the trails of Petersburg National Battlefield – Explore key Civil War battle sites and forts on foot or by bike.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Centre Hill Mansion – Visit this grand historic home, once used as Union headquarters during the Civil War.
- For Shoppers: Browse Old Towne Petersburg – Find antiques, vintage stores, and local crafts in a charming, walkable district.
- For Couples: Enjoy a wine tasting at Trapezium Brewing Company – Cozy up with craft beers and wood-fired pizza in a romantic industrial-chic setting.
- For Families: Visit Pamplin Historical Park – Interactive exhibits and living history bring Civil War stories to life for all ages.
Best Time to Visit Petersburg, VA
The best time to visit Petersburg is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–November), when the weather is mild, and the town’s historic parks and walking tours are in full bloom or foliage. Summers are warm but ideal for outdoor events and battlefield tours.
How to Get to Petersburg, VA
- If you are traveling by car: Conveniently located along I-95 and I-85, Petersburg is about 25 minutes south of Richmond and 2 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Train: Amtrak serves Petersburg via the Ettrick station, with routes connecting to D.C., Raleigh, and beyond.
- By Air: Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the nearest major airport, about 30–35 minutes away.
Where to Stay in Petersburg, VA
- Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Express Petersburg – Reliable amenities, free breakfast, and easy highway access.
- For Couples: Ragland Mansion Bed & Breakfast – Elegant historic B&B with romantic rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
- For a Boutique Stay: The Jury House – Stylish restored property in Old Towne with character, modern comfort, and walkability.
Best Things to Do in Petersburg, VA
1. Walk Civil War Battlefields and Historic Homes at Pamplin Historical Park
Location: 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the past.
What I Love: ♥ "A fascinating look at Civil War history with well-preserved fortifications and an immersive experience!"
- Explore the preserved Civil War earthworks, where Union troops seized Petersburg.
- Learn about the historical significance of the park, with fortifications built under the leadership of General Robert E. Lee.
- Wander through the 424-acre campus, where you can explore Civil War-era homes, national landmarks, and museums.
Cost: Admission varies by age and group size; special rates available for families and veterans.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather, ideal for walking tours and outdoor activities.
Local tips: Allow extra time to explore the museums and exhibits for a deeper understanding of the park's significance.
Distance: Located about 25 minutes south of downtown Petersburg and 45 minutes from Richmond, VA.
How to Get to Pamplin Historical Park: Take Boydton Plank Road from Petersburg, and follow signs to the park entrance.
Address: 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-861-2408
2. Explore Stained Glass Masterpieces and Confederate History at Blandford Church
Location: 111 Rochelle Lane, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, and anyone interested in exploring significant historical landmarks.
What I Love: ♥ "The oldest structure in Petersburg, with rich Civil War history and stunning stained glass windows!"
- Tour the oldest building in Petersburg, dating back to 1736.
- Learn about its role as a telegraph station during the Civil War after the congregation abandoned it in 1806.
- Discover the beautiful stained glass windows installed in 1904, funded by different Confederate states.
- Experience Civil War reenactments and explore the city museum housed inside the church.
Cost: Admission is free; donations are appreciated for the preservation of the site.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but special reenactments take place during Civil War commemoration events.
Local tips: Take time to explore the nearby Blandford Cemetery, where 30,000 Confederate soldiers are buried.
Distance: Located just a few minutes from downtown Petersburg.
How to Get to Blandford Church: From Petersburg’s city center, head east on Rochelle Lane to the church.
Address: 111 Rochelle Lane, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-733-2396
3. Hike Trails and Relive Pivotal Moments at Petersburg National Battlefield Park
Location: 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, VA, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, hikers, and anyone interested in exploring a significant historical battlefield.
What I Love: ♥ "Explore the remnants of the Siege of Petersburg at this National Park, where history comes to life!"
- Explore the historical site where remnants of the Siege of Petersburg are still visible.
- Walk or ride across the park’s 18 miles of trails for horses and hikers.
- Visit four distinct areas, including the Eastern Front Visitor’s Center and the Five Forks Battlefield.
- Drive the 33-mile tour and explore 13 historic sites scattered throughout the park.
- Attend special events hosted throughout the year at this renowned National Park.
Cost: Free to visit, though certain events or special activities may have an associated fee.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with special events and educational programs during the warmer months.
Local tips: Bring water and comfortable shoes for walking the trails, and plan to spend several hours exploring.
Distance: Located about 2 hours from Richmond, VA, and 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Petersburg National Battlefield Park: From Interstate 95, take Exit 52 to Siege Road and follow signs to the park entrance.
Address: 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, VA, 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531 ext, 200
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Dive Into Soldier Life and Civil War History at the National Museum of the Civil War
Location: 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in exploring American history.
What I Love: ♥ "A must-visit museum offering a deep dive into the life of a Civil War soldier with interactive exhibits!"
- Explore the 25,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the history of Petersburg and the Civil War.
- See four main exhibits, including The Remembrance Wall and Duty Called Me Here.
- Interact with exhibits to get an in-depth look at what it was like to be a Civil War soldier.
- Learn about the history of the Pamplin father and son, whose legacy is honored by the park.
Cost: Admission varies by age and group size; discounts available for families and veterans.
Best time to visit: Year-round, but expect larger crowds during Civil War commemoration events.
Local tips: Allow extra time to explore the exhibits and the surrounding Pamplin Park for a full experience.
Distance: About 25 minutes south of downtown Petersburg, easily accessible from I-95.
How to Get to the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier: From Boydton Plank Road, follow signs to Pamplin Park.
Address: 6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-861-2408
5. Tour Elegant Rooms and Hear Ghost Stories at Centre Hill Mansion
Location: 1 Centre Hill Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those interested in U.S. presidential history.
What I Love: ♥ "A stately mansion with a rich history, once home to Robert Bolling IV, a key figure in Petersburg!"
- Explore the Centre Hill Mansion, built in 1820 and once the most stately house in Petersburg.
- Learn about Robert Bolling IV, a captain during the Revolutionary War and a wealthy tobacco farmer.
- Admire the Greek Revival renovations and significant restorations from 1901, giving the mansion its classic charm.
- Discover the mansion’s historical significance, having hosted three U.S. presidents.
- Experience the mansion’s role in film, as it served as a filming location for a Steven Spielberg film in 2011.
- Take a guided tour, available every half hour during weekend hours, to learn about its fascinating history.
Cost: Admission fees vary; check for guided tour pricing and special events.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with special events and film screenings taking place on occasion.
Local tips: Be sure to visit during the weekend for the best guided tour times and a deeper look into its history.
Distance: Located about 1 mile from downtown Petersburg, easily accessible by car.
How to Get to Centre Hill Mansion: From downtown Petersburg, head east on Centre Hill Avenue to the mansion.
Address: 1 Centre Hill Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-733-2396
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
6. Step Into Early American Banking History at the Historic Farmers Bank
Location: 19 Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in early U.S. banking history.
What I Love: ♥ "The birthplace of Virginia’s first statewide bank, with a rich history tied to U.S. financial milestones!"
- Discover the significance of the Farmers Bank, Virginia’s first statewide bank, established in 1811.
- Learn how the bank loaned money to the U.S. government in 1812 to help finance the War of 1812.
- Visit the oldest still-standing version of the bank, with a unique three-story Federal-Style building.
- Explore the original foundation used in the 1980s restoration, including a two-story kitchen.
- Tour the Historic Farmers Bank, open for tours since the 1970s, offering a deep dive into its fascinating history.
Cost: Admission fees may apply for tours; check for specific tour times and availability.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with tours available during regular operating hours.
Local tips: Visit during the weekday for a quieter, more immersive tour experience.
Distance: Located about 1 mile from downtown Petersburg.
How to Get to the Historic Farmers Bank: From downtown Petersburg, head west on Bollingbrook Street to the bank’s location.
Address: 19 Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-722-0198
7. Honor Fallen Soldiers at the Quiet Grounds of Poplar Grove National Cemetery
Location: 1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, and those looking to pay respects to fallen soldiers.
What I Love: ♥ "A solemn and historic site dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Union soldiers from the Civil War."
- Visit the Poplar Grove National Cemetery, established in 1866 as a burial site for Union soldiers.
- Explore the land, once used as a campground by engineers constructing the Gothic-style Poplar Grove church during the Civil War.
- Honor the approximately 5,000 Union soldiers buried at the cemetery after being recovered from battlefield graves.
- Learn about the cemetery’s history, now managed by the National Park Service.
- Pay your respects at the cemetery, which is open daily to visitors.
Cost: Free to visit, with no entrance fee.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and autumn offer milder weather for exploration.
Local tips: Take time to walk through the cemetery and reflect on the history and sacrifices made during the Civil War.
Distance: About 10 minutes from downtown Petersburg.
How to Get to Poplar Grove National Cemetery: From Petersburg, head west on Hickory Hill Road to the cemetery entrance.
Address: 1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531
8. If You Love Historic Collections, Then Explore the Artifacts at The Exchange Building
Location: 15-19 West Bank Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Civil War history.
What I Love: ♥ "A beautifully preserved 19th-century building that brings the past to life with its fascinating architecture and role in the Siege of Petersburg!"
- Visit the Exchange Building, a historic market hall constructed in 1841, designed in the Greek Revival style.
- Admire the building’s stunning architecture, including its Doric order portico and large circular domed room.
- Explore the Siege Museum, which now occupies the building and educates visitors about the Siege of Petersburg.
- Learn about the building’s historical significance, including its role in grand public auctions in the 19th century.
Cost: Admission fees may apply for museum access; check for specific pricing and hours.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though special events and exhibits may take place during peak tourist seasons.
Local tips: Take a moment to explore the surrounding area, as Petersburg is rich in Civil War history and offers several other historic landmarks.
Distance: Located just a few minutes from downtown Petersburg.
How to Get to the Exchange Building: From downtown, head west on West Bank Street to the building’s entrance.
Address: 15-19 West Bank Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-835-9630
9. Follow General Lee’s Final Journey Through Virginia’s Countryside
Location: Various sites between Petersburg and Appomattox, Virginia
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, and anyone interested in exploring key moments in American history.
What I Love: ♥ "A self-guided journey through over 70 Civil War sites, tracing the retreat of General Lee through Southern Virginia!"
- Explore over 70 Civil War sites across Virginia, including 26 key locations between Petersburg and Appomattox.
- Visit notable stops like the Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park and Pamplin Historical Park, home to The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.
- Learn about the history of the Civil War and General Robert E. Lee's strategic decisions through interactive exhibits at each stop.
- Navigate the self-guided trail with the help of a map, taking you through some of the most significant Civil War sites.
Cost: Free to explore, but some sites may have an admission fee for special exhibits or access.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and fall offer milder weather for outdoor exploration.
Local tips: Be sure to stop at each site and take time to read the interpretive exhibits to fully appreciate the history and significance of the trail.
Distance: The trail spans across Southern Virginia, from Petersburg to Appomattox, making it a perfect day trip or extended exploration.
How to Get to Lee’s Retreat: Use a map of the Civil War Trails to navigate from one site to the next as you make your way through the historic region.
Address: Lee’s Retreat Trail Brochure
10. Walk the Historic Grounds Where the Tide of the Civil War Turned at White Oak Road Battlefield
Location: 1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, USA
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, Civil War buffs, and those interested in battlefield preservation.
What I Love: ♥ "A preserved Civil War battlefield with significant history and remnants of Confederate earthworks to explore!"
- Visit the White Oak Road Battlefield, also known as The Battle of Hatcher’s Run, a pivotal site from 1865.
- Walk the less than 1-mile trail around the battlefield and Confederate earthworks.
- See original features like two pristine gun emplacements that have survived the years.
- Learn about the battle’s significance and how the Civil War Trust helped preserve 903 acres of the site in 1989.
Cost: Free to visit; donations are welcome to support ongoing preservation efforts.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though spring and fall offer milder weather for outdoor activities.
Local tips: Take a guided tour or bring a map to fully explore the battlefield’s features and learn more about its history.
Distance: About 20 minutes from downtown Petersburg, accessible by car.
How to Get to the White Oak Road Battlefield: From downtown Petersburg, head west on Hickory Hill Road to the battlefield entrance.
Address: 1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531
Where to Eat in Petersburg, VA
- Recommended for Families: Demolition Coffee – Relaxed café with great breakfast, coffee, and sandwiches in a cool industrial space.
- For Southern Dining: Saucy’s Walk-Up BBQ – Tasty BBQ served from a converted shipping container, perfect for casual eats.
- For a Casual Meal: Local Vibe Café – Cozy downtown café offering fresh salads, wraps, smoothies, and vegetarian options.
If you are interested in local events:
- For History Fans: Civil War Reenactments at Pamplin Park (seasonal) – Live history events and demonstrations that recreate 19th-century life.
- For Art & Music Lovers: Friday for the Arts (monthly) – Local art galleries, live music, and food trucks energize Old Towne on first Fridays.
- For Holiday Cheer: Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House (December) – Festive shopping, lights, and music fill the streets of Old Towne.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Petersburg, Virginia:
- For Museum Lovers: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond) (25–30 min) – Free admission to a world-class art museum with diverse exhibits and a sculpture garden.
- For Garden Walks: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (30 min) – Wander through themed gardens and greenhouses in nearby Richmond.
- For Small-Town Charm: Hopewell, VA (20 min) – Visit the Appomattox Riverwalk, eat by the water, or catch a show at The Beacon Theatre.
- For Antique Shopping: Colonial Heights (15–20 min) – Home to Southpark Mall and charming antique shops along the Boulevard.
- For Outdoor Fun: Pocahontas State Park (25–30 min) – Hike, fish, or rent a paddleboat in one of Virginia’s largest state parks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What is the history of Petersburg, Virginia?
- A: The history of Petersburg, Virginia is as long as the history of the United States, settled by English colonialists in the 17th century, with the land patented in 1635 and Fort Henry established by 1646.
- Q: What historical events was Petersburg involved in?
- A: Petersburg played a significant role in key battles during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
- Q: How did Petersburg contribute to the civil rights movement?
- A: The city’s historic black churches were instrumental in the civil rights movement.
- Q: What is Petersburg like today?
- A: Petersburg continues to grow and evolve, with a thriving downtown area featuring local restaurants, galleries, coffee shops, bars, and museums.
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