20+ Things To Do in and around Lynchburg

Lynchburg has fun things to do all year round, whether you're looking for an afternoon of dining, a trip to the past, or a literal climb through downtown. Check out the list below of some activities to do in and around Lynchburg.

1. LOVE the Urban Trails

Lynchburg has more than 40 miles of urban trails that wind through the city. Walk, bike, or run on the Blackwater Creek Trail at Percival’s Island, which crosses the historic James River. Snap a photo with the LOVEwork then explore the downtown area, where delicious local restaurants are at every corner. Tempted to bike? Rentals are available at Bikes Unlimited and Blackwater Bike Shop.

2. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Archaeology and restoration are always in progress at Thomas Jefferson's private retreat, Poplar Forest. The grounds of the National Historic Landmark present guests with an opportunity to explore Jefferson's life outside the public eye while learning about the free and enslaved people who built and maintained the site.

3. Lynchburg Community Market

Saturday morning is the best time to visit the bustling Lynchburg Community Market, the third oldest continually operating farmers market in the country. Engage with local artisans and farmers then head down 12th Street to the Bluffwalk for al fresco dining with a view.

4. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre

Ski, snowboard, or tube year-round at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center, the first of its kind in the country. Make sure to stop by the lodge to take in the best view in Lynchburg.

5. The Maier Museum of Art

The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College was the secret storage location for the National Gallery during the Cold War. Today, it's home to one of the best American Art collections in the country. After you tour the museum, grab a craft brew and a slice of pizza at locally-owned Rivermont Pizza.

6. Riverviews Artspace

Take in some contemporary creativity at Riverviews Artspace, which also hosts artist talks and performances. The gallery spotlights emerging artists and admission is free. 

7. Amazement Square

Downtown Lynchburg is home to award-winning children’s museum Amazement Square, where kids of all ages can learn, play, and explore. Afterward, take the family down the block to MayLynn’s Creamery for an ice cream treat.

8. Walk the gardens at Old City Cemetery

Despite being a place of burial, the 27-acre Old City Cemetery is a popular attraction and historic site. Explore the grounds, visit each of the five small museums, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. The cemetery even has the largest public collection of antique roses in Virginia.

9. Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial

The Presbyterian Cemetery on Grace Street is the final resting place of many Lynchburg notables, including the infamous Confederate General Jubal Early and Edwin “Ned” Emerson, actor and confidant of John Wilkes Booth. But one of the lesser-known monuments at the cemetery is a memorial for the Twin Towers created by local artist Adrian Gagesteyn.

9. Point of Honor

Lynchburg’s most famous historic home, Point of Honor was once the residence of Dr. George Cabell, the personal physician to Patrick Henry and friend of Thomas Jefferson. Learn the history of the former plantation, take in the views of Downtown Lynchburg and the Diamond Hill Historic District, then unwind with a nature break walk on the Point of Honor Trail.

10. Old Sandusky and South River Meeting House

One of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in Central Virginia, the Sandusky mansion served as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg. Visit the museum to hear the tale of its owners during the home’s occupation. Nearby is the South River Quaker Meeting House, which was founded in 1757 after Sarah Lynch, the mother of Lynchburg’s founder, donated two acres of land for the project.

11. Cocktails with a View at Skyline Grill

Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the best view in town at Skyline Grill atop The Virginian Hotel in Downtown Lynchburg. With fabulous signature cocktails and delicious cuisine, Skyline Grill is the place to relax and catch up with friends.

13. Rise Up Climbing

You might not expect to find a rock climbing place downtown—but you can in Lynchburg. Rise Up Climbing was established in 2008 by Dan Hague. The gym has more than 6,000 square feet of climbable surfaces and accommodates all experience levels.

14. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and the American Civil War Museum

A short 25-minute drive on 460 East gets you to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where Generals Grant and Lee met to bring an end to America’s Civil War. For the full experience, stop in the American Civil War Museum just down the road from the park.

15. Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum

Visit the home of the internationally acclaimed Harlem Renaissance poet and Civil Rights leader, Anne Spencer. House tours are by appointment, but her beautiful and eclectic garden is always open to the public. Afterwards, stop by the Farm Basket for garden shopping and a lunch counter meal. 

16. The National D-Day Memorial

Many consider the battle on the beaches of Normandy to be the beginning of the end of the Second World War. The National D-Day Memorial is dedicated to those who served and lost their lives during the battle and is worth a visit for the story it tells, its beautiful surroundings, and its historic significance.

17. AquaZoo

Located inside the River Ridge Mall, AquaZoo provides a hands-on experience where you can feed, touch, and interact with animals from five continents. 

18. Get Air

Get your heart rate up at this trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slam ball, and ninja obstacles. 

19. Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter Lodge

A beautiful 30-minute drive to Milepost 63.7 will get you to the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Most Popular Scenic Drive.” Turn left onto the Parkway and you'll reach the Peaks of Otter Lodge, perfect for awe-inspiring scenery and a great meal.

20. Batteau Ride

Blend the historic with the modern with a river ride on a replica 19th-century batteau—the long-haul truck of its day—at James River Adventures.

21. One Way Out Escape Rooms

Test your problem-solving skills and bond with your friends and family during an experience at One Way Out Escape Rooms. Keep your group entertained while challenging your group to find their way out of the cleverly “locked” rooms.

22. Lynchburg Museum and Monument Terrace

Immerse yourself in the stories and people that built Lynchburg and the country as a whole with a visit to the Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. The museum sits atop Monument Terrace, which is made up of 132 steps commemorating Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in war.

23. Canoe or Kayak the James River

Explore the James River in Lynchburg! Rent canoes or kayaks from James River Adventures and put-in at RiverEdge Park for a 9-mile paddle to Joshua Falls Point. Don’t forget to grab a sandwich from Magnolia Foods to picnic at one of the islands along the river.

24. Sprayground at Riverside Park

Take the kids to Riverside Park to cool down at the Sprayground. Beat the heat with water buckets, misters, and spitting frogs. The Sprayground is open seasonally; check out the fully-accessible playground during the off season.

25. Snap a photo with a LOVEwork

With more than 160 public “LOVE” artworks across the state, LOVEworks represent local communities and provide fun photo ops. Lynchburg has several, including at Madison House of the Arts, the Craddock Terry Hotel, and Lynchburg College.

Extend your Lynchburg adventure with this three-day vacation guide, or hit up a nearby destination like Roanoke, Lexington & Rockbridge County. Nelson, or Charlottesville.

This article was co-written by Krista Boothby, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator with the Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism.