HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS / NATURAL HISTORY
The Caverns at Natural Bridge
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
Kids will love the entertaining 45-minute tour through the wonderland of the East Coast’s deepest commercial cavern, a full 34 stories below the surface.
Coal Mining Heritage Park Science Center
Hightop at Merrimac Road
Merrimac 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
Take your time exploring the many facets of this outdoor science laboratory and nature center that also serves as an outdoor historic and archaeological museum.
Dixie Caverns
5753 West Main Street
Salem 540-380-2085
www.dixiecaverns.com
West Main Street marks the entrance to the only caverns in southwestern Virginia. Underground tours showcase the famous wedding bell and other unique formations. Attractions include a campground and pottery shop.
Hopkins Planetarium
Science Museum of Western Virginia
One Market Square
Roanoke 540-342-5710
www.smwv.org
Learn more about astronomy and enjoy planetarium star shows in this Center on the Square venue.
The Huckleberry Trail Heritage Park & Trail System
Clay & Draper Roads
Blacksburg 540-382-6975
www.montva.com/departments/parks
This six-mile trail extends from Blacksburg through Montgomery County to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg.
Luray Caverns
970 US Highway 211 West
Luray 540-743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com
The East’s largest and most popular caverns offer paved walkways through cathedral-sized rooms filled with natural wonders.
Mill Mountain Zoo
Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke 540-343-3241
www.mmzoo.org
Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are featured at this mountain top haven with its kaleidoscope of educational programs, special events, and scenic views.
Natural Bridge of Virginia
15 Appledore Lane
Natural Bridge 800-533-1410
www.naturalbridgeva.com
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the ancient “tree-trunk” bridge towers 215 feet in height.
Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve
Blackwater Creek Natural Area
515 Monticello Avenue
Lynchburg 434-455-5878
www.ci.lynchburg.va.us
This 115-acre preserve is showcased along the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, named for an outstanding biology teacher.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Bateman Bridge Road
Forest 434-525-1806
www.poplarforest.org
The octagonal house of Thomas Jefferson design is only part of the attraction; some trees on this former plantation date back to Jefferson’s day.
Virginia’s Explore Park
Milepost 115, Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke 540-427-1800
Toll free 800-842-9163
www.explorepark.org
This multi-faceted park features historic areas that depict Virginian life from 1670 to 1850 and an environmental section with hiking trails and recreational activities from biking to fishing.
