Things to do in Lynchburg
Academy of Music Theatre
The theatre was built in 1905 and is the centerpiece of a regional performing arts facility. Renovation is ongoing, and scheduled to be completed in 2003. Tours are available with advance notice. Office hours 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday. Find Best Western Lynchburg lodging nearby. Call 434-528-3256 for more information.
600 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA
Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum
The Museum encourages children to be active participants in the learning process through creative hands-on, multidisciplinary exhibits. By exploring arts and humanities, culture, sciences and their interdisciplinary relationships, the museum aims to give children and adults of all backgrounds a better understanding of themselves and the world. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday & Monday 1 - 5pm. Call 434-845-1888 for more information.
27 Ninth Street, Lynchburg, VA
Anne Spencer House and Garden
Home of an internationally acclaimed poet and part of the Harlem Renaissance, is included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and British Poetry. The garden is open without charge Mon.-Sat. 10am-4pm. The house is open by appointment. Call 434-846-0517 for more information.
1313 Pierce Street, Lynchburg, VA
Blackwater Creek Natural Area
More than 300 acres of forested terrain for hiking and a biking retreat. A visitor center is also located here. Call 800-732-5821 for more information.
12th and Church Street, Lynchburg, VA
Cemetery Center
This is the research library for the cemetery records plus a 19th century mourning museum. Open daily. Call 434-847-1465 for more information.
401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA
Daura Gallery
Paintings by Pierre Daura plus changing exhibitions are featured at this gallery. Call 434-544-8343 for more information.
Lynchburg College at 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA
Fort Early
One of the earthworks that anchored the outer defense line during the Civil War. Interpretive maps and displays showing the inner and outer defenses are located on the grounds. Free admission. Open dawn to dusk. Call 434-847-1811 for more information.
Memorial & Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Hearse House & Caretaker’s Museum
View a 1900 horse-drawn hearse, antique grounds keeping tools, gravestones and carvers. Open daily. Call 434-847-1465 for more information.
401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA
Historic Districts
Self-guided tours are available of Lynchburg’s five historic districts. Information can be picked up at the Convention & Visitors Bureau Call 800-732-5821 for more information.
12th and Church Streets, Lynchburg, VA
Jones Memorial Library
This library is the second oldest public library in Virginia. The Library also houses over 300 manuscript collections, including personal family papers and correspondence, and other records. Open Tuesday & Thursday 1 - 9pm; Wednesday & Friday 1 - 5pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm Call 434-846-0501 for more information.
2311 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Legacy Museum of African-American History
The Museum locates, collects, preserves, and houses historical artifacts relating to significant contributions of the African-American community in Lynchburg and the region. Rotating exhibits. Admission is charged. Open Thursday – Saturday 12 - 4pm; Sunday 2 - 4pm or by appointment. Call 434-845-3455 for more information.
403 Monroe Street, Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Community Market
The market is open year-round and has been continuously operating since 1783. The market is located in the heart of downtown Lynchburg and was renovated in 1985. The Community Market boasts an impressive array of special events such as food festivals, craft shows, collector’s showcases, and music competitions. Open Monday – Saturday 7am - 2pm with evening hours during special events. Call 434-847-1499 for more information.
12th & Main Streets, Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Fine Arts Center
Offering productions, events and classes in both the performing and visual arts. Call 434-846-8451 for more information.
1815 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Historic Districts
Guided tours are available by calling Lynchburg Historic Tours. Historic District maps with walking/driving tours also may be found of nearby Bedford, Appomattox and at Sweet Briar College. Call 434-847-1499 for more information.
Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House
This is where you can explore exhibits highlighting local history, from the native tribes who inhabited the banks of the James River, to the tragedy of the Civil War. Open daily from 10am - 4pm; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is charged. Call 434-847-1459 for more information.
901 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA
Maier Museum of Art
Houses an outstanding collection of American art featuring Cole, Hicks, Whistler, Home, Cassatt, O’Keefe, Benton, Hopper and Wyeth. Open year round. Please call for hours and tours. Located at Randolph-Macon Women’s College. Call 434-947-8136 for more information.
1 Quinlan Street, Lynchburg, VA
Miller Park
This spacious park offers a playground, pool, ball fields, and picnic area. Call 800-732-5821 for more information.
Park Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Miller-Claytor House
Built in 1791, the house is located at Riverside Park. It was relocated here in 1936 and is believed to be the fourth house built in Lynchburg. Not open to the public at this time. Call 434-847-1640 for more information.
Rivermont Avenue and Miller-Claytor Lane, Lynchburg, VA
Monument Terrace
Commemorates the Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. At the base, on Church Street, stands a doughboy, and markers lining the 139 steps up to Court Street at the top.
9th and Church Street, Lynchburg, VA
Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum
The Arboretum is 200 year-old Virginia Historic Landmark with a 26-acre garden cemetery and has over 20,000 citizens buried there. Included are four small museums and a Confederate Section. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Call 434-847-1465 for more information.
401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA
Percivals Island
Cross the footbridge to the island for hiking and picnicking. Call 800-732-5821 for more information.
Washington and Jefferson Street, Lynchburg, VA
Pest House Medical Museum
This was once a Civil War quarantine hospital and a county medical office. Open daily. Call 434-0847-1465 for more information.
401 Taylor Street., Lynchburg, VA
Point of Honor
This is one of Virginia’s most remarkable Federal-style mansions. It was built in 1815 by Dr. • George Cabell, Sr., Patrick Henry’s friend and physician. Visitors can experience the lifestyle of one of Virginia’s most remarkable families by touring newly recreated kitchen and stable buildings. The name “Point of Honor” evokes images of fog-shrouded mornings of long ago when sword and pistol were employed to serve a young man’s vanity. Tours of home and gardens are available daily from 10am - 4pm. Call 434-847-1459 for more information.
112 Cabell Street, Lynchburg, VA
Presbyterian Cemetery
The cemetery was founded in 1824 and contains the most elaborate examples of tombstone sculpture in the city. Experience a sense of "Victorian" nostalgia as you enter the iron gates. Entombed Civil War heroes include Generals Garland and Rhodes. Open dawn to dusk. Call 434-845-0551 for more information.
907 Bailey Street, Lynchburg, VA
Riverside Park
Scenic overlook of the James River. Tennis, ball fields, hiking and running may all be enjoyed here. Call 800-732-5821 for more information.
2200 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Riverviews
Art gallery and performance area. Studios and artists’ work can be viewed here. Call 434-847-7277 for more information.
Ninth Street and Jefferson Street, Lynchburg, VA
South River Meeting House
Also known as the Quaker Meeting House, it was the city’s first house of worship. City founder John Lynch is buried in the adjacent cemetery, along with other early city leaders. Open daily 9am-2pm except on major holidays. Free admission. Call 434-239-2548 for more information.
5810 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Spring Hill Cemetery
The Cemetery was founded in 1855 and became the final resting place for many Confederate Lynchburg notables. General Jubal Early, Generals James Dearing and Thomas Munford, and Colonel Kirkwood Otey, commander of the 11th Virginia Infantry, are buried here. Open dawn to dusk. Call 434-846-0801 for more information.
3000 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Station House Railroad Museum
This 1898 C&O station reflects World War I, the cemetery and railroad history. Open daily. Call 434-847-1465 for more information.
401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, VA
Stonewall Vineyards and Winery
Tours, tastings and wine/nonwine gifts are all available here. Open daily from 11am – 5pm. Call 434-993-2185 for more information.
Routes 608 & 721, Lynchburg, VA
Sweet Briar College Art Gallery
Open Monday – Thursday noon – 9:30pm; Friday – Sunday noon – 5pm; closed during college recess. Call 434-381-6262 for more information.
US 29N at Sweet Briar, Lynchburg, VA
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
The home that Thomas Jefferson designed, built, and used as his personal retreat. In 1806, while he was president, Jefferson directed the masons in laying the foundation for the dwelling, which is considered one of his most creative and original architectural designs. Restoration and archeology continue. Open daily from April - November 10am - 4 pm. Hands-on history tent open mid-day during summer months 11am - 2pm. Call 434-525-1806 for more information.
Bateman Bridge Road, Lynchburg, VA