Radford offers different ways to explore history and the landscape: a Victorian house on the New River, exhibits and a planetarium at Radford University, and trails and activities on the water. Options range from a museum visit to a half-day river trip.
History on the New River
The Glencoe Museum is housed in a 19th-century Victorian home built on the banks of the New River by Civil War General Gabriel Colvin Wharton. The museum covers the contributions of Indigenous peoples and early settlers, as well as those of industries, educational institutions, and businesses. Local artisans and crafts are also among its topics. Exhibits include elegant furnishings, photographs from Radford’s past, and a historic woodworking shop.
At Ingles Farm, there is a faithfully reconstructed cabin where Mary lived and worked for the rest of her life. Visitor access is limited: visits are offered on select weekends from spring through fall, as well as occasional private tours. Confirm the seasonal dates before you arrive.
Art, the Sky, and Earth History
The Radford University Art Museum features year-round exhibitions by students, faculty, and regional artists. Radford University’s planetarium offers free public shows, including tours of the night sky using a full-dome projection system. Art and astronomy provide different themes for a cultural stay in Radford.
The Museum of the Earth Sciences at Radford University serves the public as an educational resource on earth science topics. Exhibits include a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a glowing display of fluorescent minerals. These two unusual features add a distinct note alongside the art and planetarium offerings.
River and Outdoor Trails
At Bisset Park, canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes can be launched from several locations. The park’s trails also offer opportunities to spot birds, dragonflies, damselflies, and other animals that live in and around the water. This makes it possible to experience the river environment both from the trails and on the water.
The Riverway Trail is a 3.5-mile paved path for biking and walking. Accessible from Bisset Park, it runs east along the New River and continues south through Wildwood Park. These details about the route and its uses provide a clear guide for anyone looking to include biking or walking in their stay.
The New River Paddle Route – Radford starts at Riverview Park and is suitable for a half-day river trip. Along the route, you may spot great blue herons, green herons, scissor-tailed flycatchers, Carolina wigeons, and osprey. Unlike the trails at Bisset Park, this route combines a specific starting point with a set time frame on the water.
Planning Your Stay
Radford’s offerings vary by activity and time commitment: museum visits and exhibitions sit alongside biking and walking trails and a half-day trip on the river. If you plan to visit Ingles Farm, take its limited visiting opportunities into account and confirm the seasonal dates before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Blacksburg, Christiansburg.
For the broader travel overview: Montgomery.
