Things To Do Near Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
Start your visit to this site by touring the Italianate house that Maggie L. Walker called home for the last 30 years of her life. Then, see St. Luke Hall, which was headquarters to the Independent Order of St. Luke, which Maggie grew to include more than 190,000 members by the time of her death in 1934. Finally, visit the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza with its statue of this famous leader and its ten benches describing her life and achievements.
Hiking Trails
-
Belle Island Trail
The Belle Island Trail loops around the island. You can see many old industrial warehouses from this trail. There are interesting rocks along it, and you can access the James River from this flat trail.
Location
1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster, Virginia 22503
Length
1.7 miles
Intensity
Easy
-
James River Canal Walk
The James River Canal is a paved trail running along the canal first proposed by George Washington to connect Virginia's interior with the Atlantic Ocean. The trailhead is at the James River Visitor Center. Go across the footbridge and descend the natural stairs to hike along the James River to Lock #7. See the exhibits explaining how the lock worked. Look upstream to see the James River Water Gap.
Location
Near Pump House Park, 1799 Pump House Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23221
Length
1.25 miles
Intensity
Moderate
-
Forest Hill Trail
The Forest Hill Trail runs around Forest Hill Park's perimeter by waterfalls, still lakes, and forests. The part of this trail left in its natural condition is rocky, and there are tree roots to watch out for while hiking. Another part of this trail runs along a boardwalk.
Location
4021 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23225
Length
2.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
-
Maymont
Since 1935, tourists have been visiting the Maymontmansion, originally constructed as James and Sallie Dooley's home in 1893. The surrounding 100-acre estate is a great place to take nature photos. You will also want to visit the Robins Nature Center and the wildlife habitats. See the old carriages in the Carriage House before leaving.
Location
100 Westover Road, Richmond, Virginia, 23220
-
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
There are more than a dozen themed gardens spread across 50 acres at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. If you have children along, they will love the Children's Garden. The lakeside Cherry Walk is beautiful in the spring. This venue often hosts plant sales and special events.
Location
1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23228
-
White House of the Confederacy
The White House of the Confederacy served as the home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family from 1861 to 1865. Gain a deeper understanding of how events that unfolded within this building impacted the Civil War's outcome and how those events are still impacting society today.
Location
1201 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219
Museums
-
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
View over 50,000 works of art from every region of the world at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Except for special events, entrance to this museum is free, and it is open 365 days a year. This museum is primarily known for its African, American, and British sporting art; Fabergé collection; and Himalayan art.
Location
200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220
-
Science Museum of Virginia
Housed in the former Broad Street Station constructed in 1917, the Science Museum of Virginia offers many hands-on science experiments. Sit back and watch a star show in the domed theater. The museum is home to one of the world's largest sundials, and it also has a very large aquarium.
Location
2500 W Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
-
Virginia Living Store
Operated by the same company that puts out Virginia Living Magazine, you can find many hand-selected items at Virginia Living Store, including homemade candy, fine jewelry, and fashion accessories. They also offer décor for your home, RV, and garden. One section of this store is dedicated to items made in the state.
Location
09 East Cary Street, Richmond Virginia, 23219
-
West End Antique Mall
There are more than 250 vendors spread across 53,000 square feet at West End Antiques Mall. You can find items in many different styles, including mid-century, English, and country. The items available at this store change daily.
Location
2004 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, Virginia 23230
-
Old Original Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse
Started in Philadelphia by Sarah Bookbinder to feed hungry dockworkers, this restaurant moved to Richmond shortly after the Civil War. This restaurant in the old American Cigar Company building has beautiful woodwork inside and out. Dine on fresh seafood and tender steaks on the patio or in the dining room.
Location
2306 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223
-
The Franklin Inn
The Franklin Inn is in the Museum District, and it is a beautiful place to get salads and sandwiches at lunch or steaks, pork chops, and pasta at night. You are sure to love the neighborhood vibe of this café.
Location
800 North Cleveland Street, Richmond, Virginia 23221