Location: Danville
Top Things to do in Danville
Top Restaurants in Danville
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Danville, United States
Danville is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,055. It is bounded by Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. It hosts the Danville Braves baseball club of the Appalachian League.
Restaurants in Danville
1. Danville's Riverwalk Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By John_A_NC - Buffalo Junction, Virginia
I have walked the trail twice and rode my bike on it once. During the week it is very quiet, weekend not so much. The trail actually starts up by the Danville airport and if you so desire you and ride into the mountain bike park, I have not done this. I opted for starting next ti the river and taking it easy. On bike it is an easy six mile ride one way.
VERY nice trail good place to walk ride or take your dog.
2. Tank Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Journey thru Military History at the most extensive collection of International Tank and Cavalry artifacts found anywhere in the world. Prepare yourself for an awesome adventure for both young and old alike. 119 Tanks and Artillery, plus uniforms, headgear and much much more dating from 1509 to present.
Reviewed By draygnol - NC USA
It's hard to keep my grandchildren interested in things for very long, but we spent three hours here and they were engaged the whole time. LOTS of exhibits and a good number of hands-on activities for children. A remarkable collection of weapons, uniforms, rare militaria, and, of course, the tanks. I also like that this is a private museum run by local volunteers.
3. Danville Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
We Make Science FUN. The Danville Science Center delights all ages with its hands-on exhibits and special programs that make science fun for everyone. During butterfly season (April-October), don't miss the beauty of the Butterfly Station and Garden - one of only a few butterfly greenhouses in Virginia.
Reviewed By Bob H - Durham, North Carolina
The wife and I decided to make a day of it in Danville and visit the Science Center before taking in a Braves game later in the afternoon. I must say we were both pleasantly surprised!
This was actually a nice sized museum for a city of only 43,000 and was better than some of the museums I've been to in cities 4 or 5 times the size of Danville. It is housed in two separate buildings with the building nearest the railroad housing obviously a railroad exhibit with a nice model railroad layout which I believe was "N" scale. This particular building also housed loads of taxidermy exhibits of the wildlife native to the Danville area as well as another section with some animals from other parts of the world. Downstairs they had a rock, mineral, and fossil exhibit. The refurbished Norfolk & Western caboose next to the building is a nice touch and a good photo opportunity.
As for the other building closer to the road, it houses traveling exhibits in the basement and has science exhibits on the top floor. We finished our visit by taking in a short movie in the domed theater which is reasonably priced with the combo ticket only costing $10. The old Pepsi Cola building located between both buildings of the Science Center is also a nice nostalgic photo opportunity as well.
So, I would say this definitely is a must do if you plan to spend a day or two in Danville. The reasonable price of admission is absolutely worth the many hours of fun both children and adults can experience here. It is definitely a place that the entire family will enjoy.
4. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Robert P - Chesterfield, Virginia
My wife and another couple were visiting Danville one weekend and we decided to do the walking tour. We needed some directions so we stopped at the Sutherlin House for directions. After talking to the curator, we ended up taking the tour of the house. The tour is self-guided. Visitors receive a headset and audio device. The exhibits and artifacts have numbers. Visitors enter the number and receive an audio narrative.
Frank B. Clopton of Richmond designed this Italian style villa for Maj. William T. Sutherlin in 1857-58. The exterior has stucco brick, and it has arched windows and cornices and a belvedere. The house is very well maintained and contains a wealth of information about William Sutherlin as businessman, politician, and soldier. Most notably, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet arrived in Danville in April, 1865. They made their headquarters at Major Sutherlin’s home and stayed there for three days. It was here that Mr. Davis wrote his last proclamation of the Confederacy. The table on which he wrote his proclamation is still in the house. Largely because of the events documented in this house during the Confederacy's final week, Danville has become known as the "Last Capitol of the Confederacy."
In 1912, a community preservation effort saved the home from demolition. The home first served as the city library and now it is the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. It is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
There is parking at the rear of the house and all floors of the house is accessible by an elevator. We enjoyed the tour and learned much about the south, the Confederacy, and a unique way of life.
5. Dan Daniel Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By ARhoward - Danville, Virginia
Walk the trail, ride the trail, hike the trail, visit the Braves game, watch softball games, view rugby tournament, eat a picnic something for everyone and seems safe and friendly
6. Lou's Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
Many of the booths were very tight but this place offers so much. The main aisles were wide and clear. The trouble began when you tried to move around in some of the booths. Once you left the main aisles it was confusing how to get from one place to another and we had to do a lot of backtracking. A trail of breadcrumbs would have helped us get around. If the layout had been better this would have been a solid 5 star place. They offered a little bit of everything in their 25,000 square feet. We did purchase a few items. The people at the front desk were very nice and the place they recommended for lunch was awesome (you can always trust the locals).
7. Crossing at the Dan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By cheryl h - Durham, North Carolina
Several areas make up the entire park. They have a science center with lots of hands on exhibits for kids of all ages (we passed on this one because 2 school buses of kids had just pulled up). The science center carries over into the Amtrak station and also includes a natural history area. The old Pepsi building that was once a brewery, a recycle center, and a storage center is also on the property. They have a butterfly greenhouse and gardens (supposed to be open from April - October). We were there in May and they were closed but we were still charged the full price. This is a pet peeve of mine. If any part of an attraction is closed they should knock some of the price of admission. We really enjoyed the science center in the Amtrak station.
8. Legion Field
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Docky B - Raleigh, North Carolina
I really enjoyed this one. It is a small park with a great hometown atmosphere. Concession prices are reasonable (remember it's a ballpark). The parking is plentiful and free. It is within or near Danville's Riverwalk Trail. Spend the extra money and sit in Sections A, B, or C. They get shade from the roof of the park.
9. The Historic North Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Diane A - Danville, Virginia
This is a lovely restored Art Deco theatre from the 1940s. I found it to be beautifully appointed, clean, and owner and host Wayne Alan is most genial. Loved his magic show and am looking forward to an upcoming play with much anticipation. Tickets are available on line and are very reasonable. Highly recommend you treat yourself.
10. Wreck of the old 97 historical site
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By vintagetrailer - Helena, MT
A historical marker shows the area the Old 97 left the Stillhouse trestle in 1903
Several people were killed when this fast mail train of the Southern RR wrecked. Much mail was lost but many of a shipment of parakeets escaped
A famous ballad was written and by 1924 was the first million selling country song ever. Litigation about copyright went on until about 1949
The engine was salvaged and used until 1935
"The Wreck of The Old 97" was recorded by many including Johnny Cah, Flatt and Scruggs and many more. It is a popular staple amount Old Timey and Bluegrass fans even though it predates Bluegrass
A few blocks away is a public mural of the wreck scene
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