Location: Danville
Top Things to do in Danville
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What to do and see in Danville, Virginia (VA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Tank Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 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 raj0302 - Swansboro, United States
If my review is useful, please give me a “helpful” vote. Caveat. The exhibit areas containing vehicles is neither heated nor air-conditioned. The exhibit areas containing uniforms and small arms weapons appears to be climate-controlled. 1. Bottom Line Up Front/frame of reference for my remarks. I am a retired Marine Corps Infantry Officer and have high expectations of military museums (I have visited over 30 in the United States). This museum is well-curated and has beautifully-restored vehicles you can tell that the staff is very passionate about their work. It is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area and is worth a day trip even if you are not in the area. 2. Details of my visit 2.a. Date & Time. Saturday 3 April 2021. 2.b. Other patrons. During my visit, there were approximately six other groups consisting of 2-6 adults and teenagers. 2.c. Length of visit. I was at the museum 3 ½ hours. 3. Location. Check the museum’s website for current information; I plugged the address in to my iPhone and it took me directly to the museum. 4. Access 4.a. Passenger vehicles. The parking lots can be accessed by any type of passenger vehicle. There are approximately 12 parking spaces directly in front of the museum and another 75 or so spaces in the lower parking lot (to the north of the museum). 4.b. RV and tractor-trailers. I consider the lower parking lot to be easily accessible by over-size vehicles. I recommend looking at the museum on Bing or Google Maps to confirm accessibility. 5. Parking. Un-paved / no charge / approximately 75 spaces. 6. Admission. Check the museum’s website for current information. 7. Hours of operation. Check the museum’s website for current information; during my visit, the operating hours were Friday and Saturday only (10:00 am – 4:00 pm). 8. Handicap access. From the main entrance/lobby, visitors must negotiate approximately eight steps to access the display areas; however, the employee in the gift shop indicated that there is a separate entrance that is handicap accessible (on the same level as the exhibits). 9. Child friendliness. I would assess that the museum is child-friendly. There are no small exhibits than can be pilfered; there are approximately six vehicles that can be entered/climbed on. 10. Permissions/prohibitions 10.a. Weapons. Weapons are not permitted; there is a metal detector in the lobby/entrance. 10.b. Photography. Non-flash photography is permitted. 10.c. Pets and service animals. Pets are not permitted; service animals are permitted. 11. Type/nature of visit. Visitors may conduct un-guided tours; I believe guided tours are available. 12. Layout of museum. The museum is located in a former tool and die factory. The former office spaces contain displays of uniforms and small arms. The former factory floors and warehouses contain the displays of tanks, vehicles and large equipment (three warehouses – each larger than a football field). 13. Small arms and crew-served weapons. I would estimate there are at least two hundred very well-maintained U.S. and allied weapons ranging in size from pistols to heavy machineguns and flame throwers. There was a room labelled “threat weapons” but this exhibit was closed during my visit. 14. Uniforms. I would estimate there are over 250 uniforms and another 500 separate pieces of military headgear (hats and helmets). Many of the uniforms have a placard depicting the source of the uniform (eg. Major General John Doe, Commanding General of ___ Division). Other displays contain multiple uniforms of a single individual throughout their career. 15. Tank and vehicle exhibits. There are approximately 250 tanks, artillery pieces and vehicles. Below is a listing of some of the more interesting pieces (certainly not all-inclusive). As best I could, I arranged them in chronological order of their dates of service. 15.a. U.S. M1917 Special Light Tank with 37mm main gun (circa 1918) 15.b. U.S. M3 half-track (circa 1942). 15.c. U.S. M5 Stuart Light Tank with 37mm main gun (circa 1942) 15.d. U.S. LVT-4 (AMTRACK) amphibious cargo and troop transport (1944). This vehicle is of special interest to me as a Marine. This vehicle enabled assault forces to transit from ship to shore and cross coral reefs (unlike traditional landing craft). 15.e. U.S. M20 “Greyhound” Armored Utility Car (1944) 15.f. U.S. M37 “Priest” self-propelled 105mm Howitzer (1945). 15.g. U.S. M42-A1 “Duster” self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with twin 40mm cannons (1950s). 15.h. U.S. M56 “Scorpion” self-propelled 90mm anti-tank gun (1958) 15.i. U.S. M548-A1 Cargo Carrier (circa 1960s) 15.j. U.S. XM706-E1 “Commando” armored car (circa 1962) 15.k. U.S. M48-15 “Patton” tank with 90 mm main gun (1970s). 15.l. U.S. M272 Mechanical Mule with 75mm recoilless rifle. In service 1950s-1980s. This is a very unique vehicle and I have only seen three in museums. There were different variants: some had four cylinder engines, others had a two cylinder; all were four-wheel drive; some had four-wheel steering. 15.m. U.S. M38-A1C Jeep w/ 106mm recoilless rifle (1964) 15.n. U.S. M247 “Sergeant York” self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (1977-1985). with twin 40mm cannons. This weapon system was plagued with problems during development and testing and never entered service but is nonetheless impressive-looking. 16. Amenities. 16.a. Restrooms. Restrooms are available and very clean. 16.b. Water fountains. Water fountains are available. 16.c. Food & beverages. Bottled water is available in the lobby/gift shop. 16.d. Gift shop. The gift shop has a large collection of items primarily oriented toward children. 17. Conclusion. I intend to visit the museum again when I am in the area; there were some tanks/vehicles that were in the restoration process that I would like to see when completed.
2. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By hold_the_meat_please
We spent several pleasant hours at this museum. The audio tour was not available due to Covid, but the signage is good and we were given a personal orientation by C.B., who then checked back with us several times to answer questions. We were impressed with the high quality of the museum - it was immaculate, no cobwebs or dust bunnies that we could see. The crown moulding in the parlor was most impressive. The Civil War history was very interesting. There was a well-curated temporary exhibit on opera diva Camilla Williams who hailed from Danville. C.B. is a font of knowledge on all things Danville, and beyond. We plan to return some day to see more of Danville - the Victorian mansions, Tank Museum, and River Walk. Thank you for a lovely visit!
3. Danville's Riverwalk Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By LizL607 - Greensboro, United States
We have come to this paved trail for a number of years to bike with our children. Took some family/senior pics here as well. It’s a mostly shady and flat trail that follows the river with plenty of turn outs with benches or picnic tables enjoy the river views or watch the fishermen trying their luck. Lots of birds to watch and plenty of turtles too. The eastern end of the trail, located in Anglers Park, climbs up some steep hills and ends at an business area. The western end abruptly stops at private property a short ways after you pass the YMCA. There is some repair going on after the floods, but still worth the time.
4. Dan Daniel Memorial Park
5. Danville Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 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.
6. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company
7. Danville Historical Society's Guided Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
