Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

Attractions

Danville Pittsylvania County Area Attractions

*American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum
Journey into the pages of military history at the most extensive international collection of tank and cavalry artifacts in the world. Collection dates from 1509 to present. Exhibits of 100 tanks and artillery pieces, over 1200 uniforms, 1500 pieces of headgear, Sandbox Soldier exhibit, International Hall of Tank & Calvary Generals and much more is awaiting your visit. Learn and explore military history thru the eyes of the soldier. The Tank Museum is open Monday thru Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm year round. For further information, call (434) 836-5323, email aaftank@gamewood.net or visit www.aaftankmuseum.com . Prepare yourself for an adventure for both young and old alike.

Birthplace of Lady Astor
Viscountess Nancy Astor was born in Danville, May 19, 1879. She became the first woman to sit in British Parliament. Her sister, Irene, married artist Charles Dana Gibson and inspired the famous "Gibson Girl". A historical marker is located at the corner of Broad and Main Streets. The birthplace is under renovation at 117 Broad Street and is open by appointment only. To schedule a tour, contact the Danville Welcome Center at (434) 793-4636, specialevents@visitdanville.com, or visit www.visitdanville.com.

Birch Creek Motorsports
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Pittsylvania County, the Birch Creek complex consists of a 1.75 mile outdoor motocross track and an ATV TT National Track. Practice sessions are held every Saturday with the exception of event weekends. For more information, call (434) 836-1967, email info@birchcreekmotorsports.com.

Callands Clerk's Office

Area citizens met here and elected a committee to line up against the British King in 1775. (434) 432-9338.

Civil War Sites
A self-guided driving tour brochure of 14 Civil War sites in the Danville area is available at the Danville Welcome Center  The tour includes the National Cemetery, Civil War prison, and Sutherlin Mansion.  (434) 793.4636.

*Cooper’s Radio Controlled Race Center
Iindoor - dirt oval track radio controlled racing located at 4000 Sago Road, Chatham. Hobby Shop.  (434) 724.7342.

Crossing at the Dan
Bring the entire family to enjoy this renovated railroad yard.  Includes Danville Science Center, Danville Community Market, Carrington Pavilion, and walking trails along the Dan River.  Special events throughout the year. Contact Danville Welcome Center for more information at (434) 793-4636, www.visitdanville.com, or email specialevents@visitdanville.com.

*Danville Braves
The Appalachian League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Danville Braves have been in existence since 1993 and call the American Legion Post 325 Stadium home. The ballfield is located at Dan Daniel Memorial Park, 302 River Park Drive, Danville. Visit the Braves' website for season information or to purchase tickets online at www.dbraves.com. You can also reach them at (434) 797-3792 or by email at info@dbraves.com.

*Danville Community Market
Located at 629 Craghead Street. The market opens at 8:00 am. Visit the Market every Saturday, May through October. Find your favorite and locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants, farm products, and arts & crafts. For additional information contact the Market Manager at (434) 797-8961 or email to thecrossing@visitdanville.com

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
This Italian Villa mansion was home to Major William T. Sutherlin, wartime quartermaster for Danville and one of its most prominent citizens. For one week, April 3 - 10, 1865, Major and Mrs. Sutherlin opened their home to Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government. In this house, Davis wrote and delivered his final proclamation to the Confederacy on April 4, and later that day met with members of his Cabinet for the last time. On April 10 reliable news arrived that Lee had surrendered. At 11 p.m. Davis and other officials left Danville on a twelve-car train headed for Greensboro.

The museum also features exhibits of local artists and those on loan from other museums. The museum includes a small auditorium used by local repertory groups, library, original furnishings and a unique gift shop. The museum offers community tours, art shows, classes and lectures throughout the year and is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10 to 5, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5. Located at 975 Main Street, (434) 793-5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org.

*Danville Science Center
A satellite of the Science Museum of Virginia, the Danville Science Center campus is located on Craghead Street. The Science Center is loaded with hands-on exhibits that encourage you and your family to unlock the secrets of how things work. The Science Center is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9:30 to 5, Sunday from 1 to 5. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors and children 3 and under are free. (434) 791-5160  or visit www.dsc.smv.org.

*Estelle H. Womack Natural History Collection
Located at Danville Science Center Science Station (old train station). The museum is dedicated to increasing public awareness of our natural environment. The museum collection includes mounted animals, native birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects as well as Indian artifacts, fossils and minerals. The museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 9:30 to 5, Sunday from 1 to 5, and for group tours by reservations. (434) 791-5160.

Grist Mills, Pittsylvania County
During the 18th and 19th centuries, about 100 grist mills were built on Pittsylvania's waterways. Today, three remain in operation and can be visited by the public. (434) 432-2172.

Grove Street Cemetery
Danville's oldest cemetery dating back to post-Revolutionary War days. A detailed brochure is available at the Danville Welcome Center. (434) 793-4636, specialevents@visitdanville.com, or visit www.visitdanville.com.

Millionaires Row
Listed in the "National Register of Historic Places," this section of Main Street highlights the heritage of Danville's Victorian Era. Mansions are resplendent with gables, ginger bread scrollwork, columns, porticos, cupolas, and minarets. Victorian Walking Tour books which describe these and many other homes in the Danville Historic District are available at the Danville Welcome Center.  (434) 793-4636, specialevents@visitdanville.com, or visit www.visitdanville.com.

The National Cemetery
Located on Lee Street, the National Cemetery is the burial ground for 1,158 Federal prisoners of the Civil War who died in Danville.

Owen Farm Tours 
Farm tours and petting zoo - Open year round at 1668 Silver Creek Road Danville, VA. Spring season activities: Easter egg hunts - Fall season activities: 5-acre corn maize, hayrides, pumpkin patch. (434) 685-4123.

Pittsylvania Courthouse
Built in 1853, this Greek Revival structure has been elegantly restored. The clerk's office maintains records back to 1747 and provides in-depth genealogical records. Open Monday – Friday 8:30a.m. until 5 p.m. (434) 432-2041.

*Tomahawk Mill Winery
Tours and tastings Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15 to December 15, or by appointment. (434) 432-1063.

Smith Mountain Lake and Visitors Center and Dam, Pittsylvania County
Hands-on exhibits, picnic area available. Open daily, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. except New Year's, President's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. (800) 676-8203

Town of Chatham Walking Tour
Established as a town in 1777 during the American Revolution, Chatham features domestic Victorian and post-Victorian architecture. Walking tour brochures available at the Town of Chatham or on the web at www.chatham-va.gov.

Veterans Memorial, Danville, VA
The Veterans Memorial is a beautiful tribute to all the Veterans who "did what they had to do". It stands as a reminder for generations to come of all the brave men and women who gave of themselves to protect the freedom that we enjoy. Over 5500 Veterans are honored with an individual brick on the Memorial Walkway located in the Dan Daniel Park, River Point Drive, Danville. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. For further information and donations, call (434) 793-0884.

Wreck of the Old 97 & Old 97 Mural
On September 27, 1903, a Southern Express train crashed in Danville killing eleven persons and injuring six. The event inspired the famous ballad of the same name. Marker is located on U.S. 58 between Locust Lane and North Main Street at the train crash site. The Old 97 is depicted in Danville's first historic mural which was completed in December 2005 by mural artist and illustrator Wes Hardin.

Yates Tavern
Said to be the only dwelling in Virginia constructed with  Elizabethan or Tudor overhangs.

 

Nearby Attractions

Lake Sugar Tree
For the best in motocross excitement as well as other wonderful attractions for the entire family, there's something for everyone at Lake Sugar Tree in Axton. Call (276) 650-3378, email trackmanager@lakesugartree.com or visit www.lakesugartree.com.

Emerald Pointe Water Park
Splash in the Carolinas' largest water park with 45 acres of wet fun for the entire family. One admission price for 22 water rides and attractions. Located on Interstate 85, Exit 121 at South Holden Road in Greensboro, North Carolina, (910) 852-9721.

Martinsville Speedway
Located on U.S. 58 West in Martinsville, Virginia, (540) 956-3151, sponsors four NASCAR races each year.   www.martinsvillespeedway.com

North Carolina Zoological Park
The zoo is the world's largest natural habitat zoo. The zoo's African region features eight outdoor exhibits, and the pavilion includes over 200 animals. The new North American region is 200 acres featuring approximately 800 animals. Located on Zoo Parkway in Asheboro, NC off U.S. 220, (800) 488-0444.

Prestwould Plantation
The plantation, situated on Buggs Island Lake, is a stone manor house built 1790-1795 by Sir William Peyton Skipwith. The house is noted for its exquisite French scenic wallpaper. Located 2 miles north of Clarksville, Virginia off U.S. 15., (434) 374-8672.

*South Boston Speedway
Located on U. S. 58/360 East in South Boston, Virginia, (434) 572-4947, sponsors stock and modified races in the spring, summer and fall.
www.southbostonspeedway.com

Thomas Day House/Union Tavern
The house and tavern are under renovation and located on Main Street in Milton, North Carolina. Thomas Day was a free black cabinetmaker whose shop and living quarters occupied the building from 1848 until 1859. Day produced mahogany and native walnut furniture and made furniture for leading citizens of the state. This building served as a regular stagecoach station between Hillsborough, N.C. and Richmond, VA for some 38 years. (910) 234-8646.

*VIRginia International Raceway
VIR is located 12 miles east of Danville in the heart of Virginia's Racing Region off Route 58 near Milton, NC.  The historic VIR road course and support facilities are utilized year round by a variety of amateur and professional organizations including car clubs, race teams, driving schools, motorsport sanctioning bodies, and VIR Club members. VIR is positioned to be the premier motorsports facility of its type in America.  (434) 822-7700. www.virclub.com

*The Virginia Museum of Natural History
Located in Martinsville, the museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.  VMNH is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, Virginia Association of Museums, and an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The museum is open Mon. through Sat., 9am-5:30pm, and Sunday, Noon-5:30pm.  Members are always admitted free.  Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 60+ and college students, $5 for children and youth 3-18, and is free for children under 3. For more information about membership, volunteer opportunities, exhibits, and events, please call 276-634-4141 or visit our Web site at www.vmnh.net.

 

*Denotes Chamber Members

8653 US Highway 29 | Post Office Box 99 | Blairs, Virginia 24527 | (434) 836-6990 | chamber@dpchamber.org Privacy Policy

© 2007 Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, Inc.