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Roanoke Places of Interest

Roanoke is rich in history, boasting numerous buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as three areas on the National Register of Historic Districts - the Historic Market Area, Warehouse Row and Old Southwest. Roanoke's Center Square combines its past with the future through a grouping of three museums, a planetarium, theater and the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge. The following are just a few of the attractions and historic sites around the Roanoke area.

Art Museum of Western Virginia

The museum offers examples of 19th & 20th-Century paintings, sculpture, graphic art and Appalachian folk art. Tours, films, classes and frequent performances are also held here. One Market Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5760

Arts Council of the Blue Ridge

The Council is the major voice for more than 75 cultural groups and individual artists in the Roanoke area. The Council's regular programs include the "City Art Show" and "Center Scholars", as well as regional art newsletters, highlighting local, state and national cultural issues. Volunteers welcome! 30 E.Church Ave., Roanoke: (540) 342-5790

Blue Ridge Institute

The Institute, which is known as the center for Blue Ridge folklore and based at Ferrum College, highlights music, crafts and decorative arts. Visitors can witness folk culture through gallery exhibits and a 17th-Century German-American farmstead. Ferrum College, Ferrum: (540) 365-4416

Dog Mouth Fountain

Local lore says that whomever drank out of this landmark fountain would return to Roanoke. Salem Avenue & Market Street, Roanoke.

Fire Station #1

Built in 1906 during the era of horse-drawn fire wagons, the station houses modern equipment today. Among the memorabilia still inside is a functional pole to slide down. Church Street, Roanoke.

Harrison Museum of African-American Culture

The museum which is based in what was the first public high school for blacks in Western Virginia, preserves and interprets the achievements of African-Americans native to southwestern Virginia. Exhibits include artwork from local artists as well as rotating works from Africa and museums around the country. 523 Harrison Avenue, Roanoke: (540) 345-4818

Historic Farmers Market

This is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the entire state. Campbell & Market Streets, Roanoke: (540) 342-2028

Hollins College

The college's theater was built in 1924 and the art annex, which included the first exhibition gallery in the area, was erected in 1948. The college sponsors hundreds of free events each year that are open to the public, including an international film series, art exhibits, dance productions and the Literary Festival. Hollins: (540) 362-6000

Hotel Roanoke

Built more than a century ago, the hotel offers old-world charm and outstanding service, as well as a 63,000-square-foot conference center. 100 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke: (540) 985-5900

Jefferson National Forest

The 710,000-acre forest lies within the Roanoke area and extends to the western tip of the state. The diverse vegetation and elevations found in the forest create habitats for many species of animals. Hunting, fishing, camping and picnicing are all offered here. Roanoke: (540) 265-6054

Mill Mountain Theatre

One of the most celebrated non-profit theaters on the East Coast, Mill Mountain attracts some of the finest talent in the country. Main Stage Theatre seats 411. One Market Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5740 or (800) 317-6455 /Group rates available.

Mill Mountain Zoo

Situated atop Mill Mountain, the zoo features 45 species of native and exotic animals on a 10-acre site. Some of the animals include a Siberian tiger, red pandas, tree kangaroos and numerous reptiles. A children's petting area is also offered. Mill Mountain, Roanoke: (540) 343-3241 /Group rates available.

Roanoke Star

Perhaps Roanoke's most famous landmark, this 100-foot monument is the world's largest manmade star. The star was built in 1949 as a symbol of Roanoke's progressive spirit. Mill Mountain, Roanoke: (540) 342-6025 or (800) 635-5535

Roanoke Valley History Museum

The museum takes visitors on a trip that spans the 10,000-year history of the Roanoke area. Exhibits show early settlements of Native Americans through the present day. One Market Square, Center in the Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5770

Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium

The museum features a Chesapeake Bay "Touch Tank" with live marine animals native to the Chesapeake Bay area, a bubble room and the Learning Theater, Hopkins Planetarium and Star Shows, as well as traveling exhibits from around the country. One Market Square, Center in the Square, Roanoke: (540) 342-5710 /Group Rates Available.

Smith Mountain Lake

Located about 45 minutes southeast of Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake has earned a reputation as one of the best fishing spots in the eastern U.S. The area also offers miles of hiking trails, as well as boat launch facilities, picnic areas and camping areas; visitor center. Moneta: (540) 721-1203 or (800) 676-8203

Virginia's Explore Park

The park is home to an early Blue Ridge settlement, a working 19th-Century farm and a one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can also learn how to cook over an open fireplace, weave on a loom and make furniture; open April through November. 3900 Rutrough Road, Roanoke: (540) 427-1800 /Group rates available.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Stroll down the museum's Main Street and view early automobiles, fire engines, carriages and aircraft. Also featured is the largest collection in the United States of Class J No.611 steam engines. 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke: (540) 342-5670 /Group rates available.

Information provided by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

History Back to Guide Salem Places of Interest