Top 10 Free Things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia (VA)

The Old City Cemetery, established in 1806, is one of the oldest public cemeteries in the United States still in use today. Mayors and other prominent civic leaders, along with the city's indigent and "strangers," are among the estimated 18,000 people buried here. Two thirds of those interred here are of African descent, both enslaved and free. The cemetery's Confederate section contains the graves of more than 2,200 soldiers from 14 states. Museums on the property interpret the diverse history of this rehabilitated graveyard and its inhabitants. Today, Old City Cemetery is the most visited historic site in the City of Lynchburg and is Central Virginia's most unique public garden. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Randolph College’s Maier Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of American art from the 19th-21st centuries, chiefly paintings, works on paper, and photographs. The Maier serves the College community and public, offering changing exhibits, rotating displays of the collection, and programs. Artists include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Cole, Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and Andrew Wyeth. In 1951, facing nuclear threat by the Soviet Union, the National Gallery of Art chose Randolph-Macon Woman’s College as the site of a secret storage facility to safeguard the nation’s art treasures. Given the code name “Project Y,” construction was supervised by NGA staff, and it was dedicated December 11, 1952. Though never used by the NGA, the College maintained and insured the facility for 50 years. It remained listed as an emergency location until 1979 and a 1983 endowment established by the Pauline and Sarah Maier Scholarship Fund created today’s Maier Museum.

Riverviews has art galleries, artist studios, film screenings, literary readings and other events. First Fridays are the biggest events of the month with live music, wine, beer and crowds of over 300 on all three floors.

The Lynchburg Community Market is the nation's third oldest public market! We have been local and proud since 1783 (before the City was even established). Here at the Lynchburg Community Market, we think local food is important. That’s why we launched the Lynchburg is for Locavores campaign in 2015, celebrating the fantastic local food grown right here in our region and the growing community of local food enthusiasts. By shopping locally, you can meet the 22 local growers at the Lynchburg Community Market and ensure that they are putting as much care into their products as you would put into your meals. The interior of the Lynchburg Community Market hosts an array of shops, restaurants, art and artisan vendors. Learn more about what is in store for your next visit by checking out our vendor page! Community Market: Tues-Sat, 7am - 2pm Heritage Crafters Gallery: Tues-Fri, 9am - 2pm Sat, 7am - 2pm Farmers Market: Wednesday, 10am - 2pm Saturday, 7am - 2pm

The Lynchburg Visitor Center is located at 216 Twelfth Street in downtown Lynchburg and open daily from 9am -5pm. Our courteous and knowledgeable Travel Counselors are ready to help you get up-to-date information on regional events, attractions, lodging, and restaurants in the area. While at the Visitor Center, you can pick up souvenirs of your trip in the gift shop!