If you’re looking for something fun to do with your family, look no further than Roanoke, Virginia. This charming city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is home to many popular attractions, including the Mill Mountain Star, a neon landmark atop Mill Mountain. There are also picnic areas, hiking trails, and a zoo. You can also visit the Taubman Museum of Art, which features works by American artists.
Mill Mountain Park
Visitors to Mill Mountain Park will enjoy hiking along its trails, scenic overlooks, and a zoo and discovery center. There are also a number of events and activities offered throughout the year. The park is free to enter. To learn more about the park and the activities on site, click here.
If you love art, you can visit the Taubman Museum of Art, which was recently opened. It features a variety of American artists and regularly hosts exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy shows and workshops from local artists. The museum also offers art programs for children and adults.
Roanoke has many outdoor activities and attractions that are ideal for families. The city’s zoo is a popular attraction for children. The zoo, which is housed in the city’s old freight station, also hosts a free breakfast buffet.
Mill Mountain Park is an excellent place to hike, bike, and take in the city’s scenery. The park’s trails are nearly 10 miles long and boast a variety of educational programs. It’s also a good place to enjoy a picnic. The Discovery Center is nearby and provides easy access to the attractions. It’s also possible to rent a bike at Roanoke Mountain Adventures.
The park is also home to the Mill Mountain Discovery Center, which hosts a wildflower garden. It’s ideal for families with small children, curious adults, and wildflower enthusiasts. The facility is also available for private events. Visitors can view live streaming feeds of animals.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is a great place for the entire family to learn about the history of transportation. It contains a number of historic trains, ships, and aircraft, as well as a historic hot air balloon. The exhibits at the museum are interactive, and educational materials are available to help children learn more about the region’s history.
Explore Park
The original idea for Explore Park was to expand Mill Mountain Zoo and to create a living history museum that would educate visitors about the expeditions of Lewis and Clark. It also included a brewpub and seasonal events. The park is popular with families because of the variety of outdoor activities and recreational facilities it offers. The park also hosts a special holiday event known as Illuminights, which lights up the park trail. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and helps fund the park’s operations.
Explore Park is a 1,100-acre preserve that stretches along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park includes IMBA-certified mountain biking trails and access to hundreds of miles of Blue Ridge Parkway. The Park also offers camping and other recreational activities, but some activities require advanced registration. The Explore Park Visitor Center also offers information on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding area. The park is operated by the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, and is designated as a Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail site.
Another popular activity is visiting the Roanoke River Walk, which is just 20 minutes from downtown Roanoke. The trail starts at a picnic area, and it also provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the river’s small rapids and beautiful trees.
To reach Explore Park from Downtown Roanoke, use the Blue Ridge Parkway (I-81), then turn right onto 220S. This road will take you to milepost 115. Follow this road for 7 miles to the park. You can also turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 115 and take Rutrough Road to the park.
Taubman Museum of Art
Formerly the Art Museum of Western Virginia, the Taubman Museum of Art is located downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Its modern architecture, designed by Randall Stout, combines art and science, creating a unique and fascinating experience for visitors of all ages.
The Taubman Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the southwestern region of Virginia. The museum, which is housed in a historic landmark, presents an impressive collection of American and world art. With a focus on American art, the museum features works by famous artists like Romare Bearden, Thomas Hart Benton, Audrey Flack, Norman Rockwell, and Robert Henri. The museum also offers educational classes and special events.
The Taubman Museum of Art is located on a prominent intersection in downtown Roanoke. The architecture of the building honors the naturalistic elements of the region. Its 77-foot glass peak recalls the point of the Roanoke Star, and its undulating roofline reflects the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoe will be receiving a large grant to enhance its outreach to people with special needs. The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the museum $243,104 to expand its Happy HeARTS program. Guests can also enjoy free admission on the weekends.
The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoe was formerly known as the Art Museum of Western Virginia. Its construction is nearing completion and is slated to receive its certificate of occupancy in early August. The museum’s travertine marble floor and Hokie Stone are about 90% complete, while the museum’s theater lobby and museum store are at 20% complete. In addition, the visitor and freight elevators are functioning, as are interior lights. In August, the museum will install glass treads and maple risers for the elevators.
Roanoke City Market
The Roanoke City Market is a great place to visit if you are in the area. The indoor market features permanent tables covered in awnings where you can purchase local produce, baked goods, meats and cheeses. You can even find locally made crafts. It is open seven days a week.
This market is part of the historic district of Roanoke, Virginia, and is the oldest continually operating market in the state. It began in 1882 when the first hucksters were licensed. In 1884, Roanoke passed its first charter authorizing a municipally owned market, and in 1886, the market was moved to a permanent building. It remains a bustling market in the heart of Downtown Roanoke.
The market serves as the focal point for several local events. Besides the farmers’ market, it is also home to Dickens of Christmas, City Market Saturdays, Sidewalk Sales, Movies in the Market, and the Sierra Club’s monthly Climate Change Watch. The market is open seven days a week, so it’s not just a tourist destination.
The Historic Roanoke City Market Building was constructed in the late 19th century and remains the city’s main marketplace. The building was a meat and fish market and a wholesale produce center, and later underwent a $7 million renovation. Adaptive reuse was another key aspect of the project.
Roanoke Pinball Museum
If you love pinball, the Roanoke Pinball Museum is the place for you. This museum features interactive displays and pinball machines that date back to the 1930s. Visitors will get to play on these vintage machines and see how they have changed over the years. The museum is open to the public and is free.
In addition to playing the games, the museum also has information on the history and technology of pinball. With over sixty playable pinball machines ranging from 1932 to 2016, the Roanoke Pinball Museum is a great place to spend a day learning about pinball. In addition to learning about the history of pinball, the museum also allows players to appreciate the backglasses of their favorite games.
The Roanoke Pinball Museum is dedicated to pinball machines and opened its doors in 2015. The museum has more than 50 different types of pinball machines and dates from 1948 to the early 1990s. You can play these pinball machines, including the famous “Screwball,” which is one of the oldest and earliest pinball machines with flippers. The addition of flippers helped to transform pinball machines from gambling devices to games of skill.
The pinball museum is a fun place for kids and families to visit. The museum has an Atrium level where you can play games for free. There is also a theater where you can watch films, or take a break to relax. Visitors can even purchase souvenirs at the museum store.
Roanoke has a rich history of culture and technology, which means there’s something to entertain everyone in the family. For example, the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Harrison Museum of African American Culture are located downtown.
