Unusual Things To Do In Richmond Virginia

An Overview of Richmond

Richmond is a unique American city which has served as an important center of civilization, American heritage, colonial settlement and war influences since its founding. The modern metropolitan area is now known for it’s numerous historical monuments, excellent views, numerous restaurants and white water rafting near the James River. There are also many museums and hiking paths in and around the city and other unusual things to do in Richmond.

Unusual Things To Do In Richmond VA

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

As a youth, the adopted Edgar Allan Poe lived in the Ellis home of Richmond, found at the corner of Second and Franklin Streets. Though he lived in several other buildings and his childhood lodgings were demolished, Poe does have a museum dedicated to him. The museum commemorates Poe’s career and his connections to the city.

The Grand Kugel

A Kugel bar is a perfectly spherical stone which is placed into a perfectly level concave cup. The Kugel ball is then “floated” upon an incredibly thin layer of even water, which allows people to push, spin and manipulate the enormous structure as it “glides” over the water. The Grand Kugel of Richmond is one largest in the world.

James River Park Pipeline Walkway

This is an easy and scenic walking route which loops for 2.5 miles following a pipeline which hovers over the James River and an old railroad track. The area is known for using a special, narrow foot bridge which exists under a larger structure. There are also several designated street artwork sites nearby.

Ruins of Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a small island found in the currents of the James River. Originally, the island was a traditional Native American settlement, eventually being used as a nail factory during the early 1800s. The ruins of the nail factory still exist on the island, along with the heavily graffitied ruins of the Belle Isle Hydroelectric Plant. Visitors can also wander the several hiking trails, visit the Belle Isle Quarry Pond swimming area or see the rock formations found throughout the shallow portions of the river. The park is full of unusual things to do in Richmond.

The Markel Building

The Markel Building is a uniquely designed, circular office building with walls appearing like crinkled aluminum foil. The quirky building has been dubbed one of the most interesting buildings in the city by some, and an utter eyesore by others. The building’s design was created by architect Haig Jamgochian after he was inspired by a foil-wrapped potatoe.

James River Heritage Trail Network

The James River Heritage Trail is an interconnected trail network roughly following the James River from the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains until reaching the Chesapeake Bay. The trails are extensive, following park routes, forest paths, the old Kanawha Canal path, riverside roadways and urban riverfront routes. There are several segments to the trail, including the Buttermilk Trail, the North Bank Trail, the Belle Isle Trails, the Pony Pasture Rapids Trails, the James River Canal Walk and the Floodwall and Slave Trail.

Egyptian Building

The Egyptian Building is a large, tan two-pillared geometric building found as part of the Virginia Commonwealth University. The building’s “Egyptian” style was born from the architectural “Egyptian Revival” movement in the early 19th century. The structure has interesting columns of reeds, impressions of palm fronds and cast iron fencing with shapes inspired by a mummy sarcophagus. Visiting the odd building is one of the more unusual things to do in Richmond.

Richmond Airport Civil War Fortifications

The Airport of Richmond once served as a Civil War Battleground. Though much of the area has been modernized, the earthwork defenses have been preserved, which includes earthen berms, infantry ditches and artillery mounds, all built to allow Confederate troops to stand against numerically superior Union advances.

Richmond National Battlefield Park – Gaines’ Mill Battlefield

Richmond was a pivotal region during the American Civil War, often the site of political strife and decisive battles, Gaines’ Mill was an especially intense battle and one of the only clear-cut Confederate victories during their Peninsula Campaign. The battlefield contains mock artillery pieces, hiking trails and preserved structures.

Fort Harrison

Fort Harrison, renamed Fort Burnham by Union troops, was an important site in the Confederate defense system around Richmond during the American Civil War. The area is now home to easy walking trails, mock cannons and numerous informational plaques.

Maymont

Maymont is a gorgeous 100-acre Victorian estate which now serves as a extraordinary public park. The site contains a historic house-museum, an intact arboretum, serval walking trails, a formal garden space, a historic carriage collection, several native wildlife exhibitions, a small nature center and a children’s farm.

Canal Walk Murals

Much of Richmond is filled with compelling, beautiful murals. There are several routes which view them, but the Canal Walk is especially accessible. This urban hike, which is filled with murals as well as several sculptures, starts at Robert E. Lee Bridge, passes the American Civil War Museum, crosses the Haxall Canal on a pedestrian bridge to Brown’s Island, enters the former hydroelectric plant with numerous murals, curves to the Pipeline Overlook, crosses over to the Kanawha Canal and culminates at the Richmond flood wall. The floodwall also serves as the end of the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail, a paved multi-use trail which begins in Williamsburg. The route passes some of the most unusual things to do in Richmond.

Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU

This is a major arts center known for student-centric exhibitions, film screenings, public gatherings and professional, rotating exhibits. The site is also home to several programs and a small shop.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Considered among the top public gardens in the United States, this 50-acre botanical garden contains over a dozen themed gardens, a beautiful conservatory, a sizeable library and a quaint café. There is a moderate fee required to enter.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Also known as VMFA, this is an art museum with free general admission. The museum is housed in a unique, modernist structure with large viewing rooms exhibiting a variety of artworks, sculptures and styles.

Perly’s

This is a fantastic and creative Jewish deli sandwich shop serving food in a retro dinner with numerous old photos decorating the walls.

Richmond Slave Trail

This relatively easy, three mile hiking trail extends from the Manchester Docks to Lumpkin’s Slave Jail. There are seventeen historical and informational markers following the path which discuss the history of slavery in Richmond.

Pocahontas State Park

Located roughly a half-hour outside of Richmond, this is a large state park found in Chesterfield, Virginia. The large state park contains numerous trails, camping areas, rental cabins, boating lakes, an Aquatic Center, fishing zones and nature preservation sites. The State Park requires a small fee to enter.

Petersburg

Petersburg is a popular day-trip from Richmond, roughly a half-hour south from the capital. The city was a key site during multiple battles throughout the Civil and Revolutionary Wars of the United States. The area was also known for historic black churches and strong civil rights movements. The city also contains the Petersburg National Battlefield, which is known for the Siege of Petersburg, the longest military action taken during the American Civil War. The nine-and-a-half month grinding fight had 70,000 casualties, including numerous Union Colored Troops fighting for freedom.

Jamestown Settlement

Roughly an hour outside of Richmond, the is a living-history museum and one of the first sites where European colonials arrived in the United States. The region contains Historic Jamestown, which has the ruins of the first permanent English Settlement in North America. Other features include the Ambler Mansion, artifacts from settlers, a recreation of a 1610s fort and a model of the Powhatan Indian Village.

Great Dismal Swamp

Roughly two hours south of Richmond, the Great Dismal Swamp is a massive wildlife refuge containing important habitats, several hiking trails and Lake Drummond. The area is popular for biking, hiking, kayaking, bird watching and photography. Native wildlife includes alligators, squirrels, bats, bobcats, red foxes, river otters black bears and white-tailed deer.

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