Location: Roanoke
Top Things to do in Roanoke
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10 Nature & Parks in Roanoke That You Shouldn't Miss
A 100-foot high star atop a mountain and visible from miles around welcomes you to the "Star City of the South," a great beginning for your weekend getaway to this city rich in culture, history, fun and entertainment. Close to the star is the Mill Mountain Zoological Park, where you'll see the endangered Snow Leopard, Amur Tiger and Red Wolf, along with 40-plus other animal species. The Center in the Square is the city's cultural hub, where you can catch a Broadway-quality show at the Mill Mountain Theatre or hear the celebrated Roanoke Symphony. Museums are everywhere, and whether your interest lies in art, history, science or transportation, you'll find a museum to match it. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture honors achievements of African Americans and includes an impressive African exhibit. For underground delights, head over to the Dixie Caverns for a 45-minute tour of breathtaking cave formations, after which you can browse through pottery, rock and mineral and other shops. There's something to keep you occupied and entertained every minute in this environmentally-conscious, friendly and very welcoming Virginia city.
Restaurants in Roanoke
1. Mill Mountain Star & Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,263 reviews
A "must see" on most visitors list, an 88-foot manmade star (the largest in the world) sits on majestic Mill Mountain along with a beautifully landscaped city park, that boasts hiking and biking trails, and a zoo.
Reviewed By schultzrebecca - New Bern, United States
This is such a beautiful place -- has been in existence since I was a little girl, The star is a Roanoke landmark and the overlook gives a breathtaking view of the beautiful Roanoke Valley. I strongly recommend the visit -- free and you can take as little or as long as you'd like!
2. Chestnut Ridge Trail
3. Roanoke Valley Greenways
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By jbrown14t
Beautiful circle of paved bike and walking paths circle the entire city. The city was extremely kind to build this safe, easy, and beautiful multi-mile circle around the entire city. While the majority of bicyclists prefer to still clog traffic in spite of a paved multi lane without automobiles the city invested millions into, rest assured for a family outing, walk, ride or date this is the place to do it. Beautiful scenery through every part of Roanoke.
4. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By wchan3272019 - Bryan, United States
Great quite place of relaxation. Great lake view, clean, nice hiking trails, there are options to rent kayak or boat, first come first serve. There are people fishing, kayaking, and the staff is friendly. Small fee per car per day, but worth it.
5. Bottom Creek Gorge
6. Elmwood Park
7. Read Mountain Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By janiac61
Some people here said it was easy, but I ran into several people on the trail today who found it to be pretty challenging - doable, but not a simple stroll. Make sure you go over the mountain. There were several points where I thought o had reached the end, but to get to Blizzards Rock, you have to top the mountain.
8. Mill Mountain Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 286 reviews
Mill Mountain Zoo was founded in 1952 as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo that featured farm animals, birds, and native Virginia wildlife. For the first twenty-five years, we were operated by Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1978, the Roanoke Jaycees renewed the zoo and replaced old exhibits to create a place appealing to all ages. Governance was turned over to the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc. in 1988 (more commonly known as Mill Mountain Zoo). In the early 1990's, a citizens' committee created a master plan for exhibitions, visitor amenities, and expansion of the site to our current eight acres. Other improvements included new exhibits and an upgrade of infrastructure. Mill Mountain Zoo (MMZoo) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of animal and habitat preservation through the use of quality exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships with other conservation programs. Mill Mountain Zoo is currently home to more than 183 animals, representing 70 species from around the world. Through our admissions and donations, we support local and global conservation efforts. The Zoo is also restoring habitat on-grounds to benefit declining pollinator species and participates in a national monitoring program for amphibians -- Frogwatch. Keeper Chats The zoo keepers love sharing information about their animals. Kids (of all ages) love watching them interact with their charges and learning more about the special relationships they share and how the animals are cared for. Plan to spend some time watching the animals during their feeding times.The schedule changes daily, so check with Guest Services when arriving or call in the morning to find out what will be happening during your visit. Zoo Choo Rides The Zoo Choo is a miniature model G-16 train that operates seasonally at the Mill Mountain Zoo.The train leaves from the station every 30 minutes and follows a 16-inch wide track around the Zoo. The train makes two laps around a track that is more than 1000 feet long. You'll see different views of Mill Mountain Zoo and its animals!
Reviewed By danalW2912CO
This is a small zoo and is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and views as well as the animals. We recently attended a night tour and it was very special ( with 10 and 15 yr old kids). We enjoyed our friendly, well-informed guide very much. She made the animals seems like old friends. It is lots of fun to visit in the fall and winter when it's cooler. Just bundle up and head up the mountain for a lovely time. We have lived in the area for 15 years. This is a favorite place of ours for family outings...my children have grown up loving Mill Mountain Zoo. It has entertained us on days when there was nothing else to do and when you have a 2 year old, this is priceless :) They also have enjoyable summer camps.
9. Explore Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 25 reviews
Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 115, Explore Park features hundreds of acres of rolling hills, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, river frontage, outdoor adventure and a visitor information center. Soar through the trees on the Treetop Quest aerial adventure course, featuring zip-lines and challenge obstacles for ages four and up.Stay overnight in a cabin, yurt or primitive campsite. Enjoy a craft beer or Virginia wine and cider at Twin Creeks Brewpub. Stop inside our visitor center to browse our gift shop featuring artisan crafts and parkway memorabilia. Explore Park is where adventure begins!
Reviewed By WALTERS1953
500,000 Christmas Lights! What a wonderful time for any age. Food, hot chocolate, apple cider with crafts.Great time 5stars!
10. Thrasher Dog Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
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