During the Battle of Lynchburg, Sandusky served as Union headquarters. Its restoration and interpretation reflect the appearance of the estate between 1850 and 1870. This brings together the site’s historic role and a clearly defined view of what the estate looked like during that period.
Discover history in houses, collections and streets
The Legacy Museum of African American History is dedicated to African American heritage. It collects, preserves and safeguards historic artifacts, documents and memorabilia relating to the significant contributions of the African American community in Lynchburg and the surrounding area. Its focus therefore extends beyond individual objects to the heritage of a community and its contributions to the history of the city and its surroundings.
Fort Early is an earthwork fort dating from the American Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and played an important role in the city’s outer defenses during the Battle of Lynchburg. Monument Terrace presents a different form of public history: a series of terraces and pedestrian steps extends for a city block between Church Street and Court Street.
The Lynchburg Museum & Visitor Center is housed in the historic Old Court House and is the city’s official visitor center. Admission is free for all visitors. Point of Honor also connects a specific place with its history: the house was restored between 1976 and 1978 and opened as a public museum.
Trails by the water and different ways to enjoy the outdoors
The Blackwater Creek Trail runs along Blackwater Creek on a disused railroad bed. The paved trail is 3 miles long and is suitable for jogging, walking and cycling. There are also trails in the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, both paved and unpaved. The area is a linear greenbelt for hikers, cyclists and runners.
Another trail option is the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, a 115-acre loop in a preserve that is for pedestrian use only. Five informational panels and 36 plant identification panels accompany the loop. The trails can be distinguished by their specific features: the Blackwater Creek Trail is described by its length, paved surface and range of activities, while the Ruskin Freer Loop is defined by its pedestrian-only use and informational panels.
Visitors can also cycle, hike, paddle, run, fish and birdwatch along the James River and its tributaries. This selection includes activities on the water and on land, without requiring a particular trail or set order.
Plan your visit, combining culture and activity
The four-acre grounds at Point of Honor are open to visitors 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. Guided tours of the house, cook’s kitchen and grounds are offered on select Saturdays from March through December, and at other times by appointment. If you would like to plan a tour, check the dates in advance.
Tours of the Anne Spencer House Museum and Anne Spencer Garden are arranged by appointment. The Anne Spencer Garden and the ground floor of the Anne Spencer House and Cottage are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. This information applies to the areas named and can help with planning a visit.
The Academy Center of the Arts includes a restored historic theater with 800 seats. It also offers a year-round program in a flexible black-box theater. For those interested in physical activity, Rise Up Climbing offers another specific option: the climbing gym has 40-foot-high walls with auto belays.
The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre offers mountain activities to the public year-round. Tubing and skiing are available in every season, and lessons are also offered on year-round, snow-free slopes. This adds a winter sports element to the activities on the river and trails, one that is not limited to a particular season.
The Lynchburg Community Market also offers a glimpse of regional agriculture. Farmers come from within a 100-mile radius and sell produce and other agricultural products, plants, pasture-raised meat, eggs and artisan cheese. The selection may change over time.
Discover more destinations: Lynchburg, Patrick County, Goochland, Stafford, Falls Church, Staunton, Northumberland County, Northampton County.
View the main travel overview: Virginia.
