Been here plenty of times for concerts and I love it. Parking sucks but it is what it is in a city. Finally took a walk around the actual trails and it's absolutely beautiful. Def somewhere to go for beautiful sights and plenty of things to see read more

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This is located off of the Richmond Canal. It is home to two of the most awesome sculptures that I have ever seen, Freedom and The Headsman. There is also the The Mill Sculpture there too. There is metered street parking available within a reasonable walking distance and it is open from sunrise to sunset. This park has a ton of green space which makes it more than suitable for special events, concerts and festivals. Some events held here include Earth Day Festival, Friday Cheers concert series, and the Richmond Folk Festival. There was a rock festival going on while I was there that charged admission. The island is named after Elijah Brown, the lands first settler, who acquired the land in 1826. A later owner named Neilson tried to rename the island as Neilson's Island, but it did not last. This park offers 6 acres of pretty much wide open space and is well maintained. It is really not a destination spot though, outside of special events. It is still a nice place to visit if you are in the area and the sculptures are must sees. read more

Happy Earth Month! I love Brown's Island. It feels like it's at the center of everything in RVA. Not only is it a wonderful spot to picnic, but it's home to so many incredible festivals in the summertime. I love coming here to read, journal, or walk. My favorite time to be here is when a train is passing by. It's a magical experience watching a train go by on the elevated tracks. During the spring, there are cherry blossoms that bloom here. The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge (T-Pot Bridge for short), can be found here. It's a beautiful bridge that has you walk under the train tracks and is pretty close to the river. It lights up at night and is a wonderful spot to be during golden hour. You'll get a lovely view of downtown from this bridge. If you're looking for great walks I highly recommend doing a loop through the Canal Walk OR Pipeline (if the James River is low enough) to Manchester Bridge to Floodwall to Belle Isle and back to Brown's Island. Brown's Island is a 5 star park for me all around. Love all the bridges that lead to this park from the main street too. I recommend visiting. read more

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I love this place for walks alone or with friends. It offers great views of the city. Its a nice spot to picnic or just lay out and enjoy a book. read more

When you want to enjoy a festival, take a nature walk, or absorb some history, Brown's Island has it all! We parked in the Federal Reserve Bank building and just walked across the footbridge to the island! We've attended several events here and it's usually very well organized even though traffic can be hairy during festivals. But to avoid crowds, come down during the week or off season and enjoy the river views! You can also access the island from the Canal Walk. The walk across Potterfield Bridge is cool and full of historical value! Check out the statues, plaques and monuments around the island! There are plenty of benches to rest and there's always places to picnic, engage in your fav activity- biking, hiking, or just to chill out and take in the scenery! We did a 4 mile walk all around this area and it was invigorating! read more

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Can't say I am a big fan. Graffitis everywhere, trash of all varieties. Drove me crazy because both dogs insisted on feasting the entire time. On a warm muggy day, the stench of marijuana and James River made everything feel 100% worse. The malodorous air made me want to just throw up. Maybe this isn't such arduous trek if one doesn't walk with two beagles in tow. But still. I can't imagine myself being out there if it wasn't for dogs. Terrible knowing this is what's considered one of the nicest area to walk around in Richmond. What?! I know one thing for sure. I couldn't live here. read more

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What a beautiful place to walk in a nice day. My daughter and I walked along the trail/walkway on bridges overlooking the James river. It was such a a relaxing and beautiful time. I fully intend to be back soon before it gets too cold out. I'm sure it's a great place to watch the sun set as well. read more

A green space set aside for picnics and such, the island also offers kayaking and a footbridge across the river. The bridge offers some impressive views, and leads to a variety of sights as part of the broader Richmond waterfront. It's also adjacent to a Civil War museum (closed as of this writing) and a memorial. Parking is available; the museum has a paid lot but some of the streets leading up the hill have free parking so I would sooner search, even though it is hilly and (understandably) crowded. Once you're there, though, you can see a lot by walking. read more

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Brown's Island is surrounded by the James River and the Haxall Canal. You can't really drive to the pier area but would have to find garage parking around the area. When we were in town, it was the 6th annual Dominion Riverrock, where it was a combination of an outdoor sports and a river life festival. It was noted that over 100,000 people attended. They have vendors, music festivals, and other outdoor sports that you can participate in. It's really interested to take a gander as the water is literally brown, but large and expansive, and kind of cool to see the water rushing around the pier. +Dominion Riverrock festival +James River & Haxall Canal read more

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I love love love walking on the canal walk and ending at Brown's Island. If you go during the day, you might see professionals taking walks on their lunch breaks, having a picnic on the island, people playing soccer games, taking a stroll on the new Potterfield bridge, sunbathing, or renting paddleboards or kayaks to enjoy on the river. Soul Ice and King of Pops also has two carts parked there on warm days. What a big relief from the heat! As far as parking goes, I usually have good luck finding it on the street, but I also noticed that the lot at Tredegar allows you to park there for a fee. Belle Isle next door has a lot or you can park at any of the entrances to the canal walk and walk down. One of my favorite places in Richmond! read more

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How is it I've never reviewed Brown's Island? It is, of course, a hot spot for Richmond music events and festivals, but even when there's nothing going on, it's a beautiful place to go to relax, take photos, or explore. read more

Lovely area with nice seating area. A great place to go for a walk with dogs. The city often offers musical events and festivals on this island, but it's a nice place to come on quieter days to be surrounded by the water. I really love the sculptures on this island. Also, during warmer days, a really lovely area to come with blankets and have a picnic on the grass or camp out to read and chat with friends. read more

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If you walk along the Canal Walk, you'll come to Brown's Island. It's an island in the James River that connects you to other parts of the city via pedestrian bridges and walkways. There's plenty of green space and memorials to stop at along the way. It's a great place to enjoy the sun and/or a bike ride/run. read more

Brown's Island is a must visit for both locals and out-of-town visitors. There are few greater views of the city than here. Take a stroll along the canal walk from the island and enjoy the historic scenery, or check out the James River scenery from the Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. Brown's island also offers a unique venue for many of Richmond's most notable festivals, including Dominion Riverrock, the Richmond Folk Festival, and new this September comes Stone Brewing "Stone's Throw Down in RVA" . You don't need a festival to go and enjoy the island though, it's free to walk around and to enjoy, and dog friendly. read more

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How could you not love Brown's Island? Warm temperatures and amazing views of the river make for the perfect day!

Since I often visit Brown's Island for concerts and festivals, I sometimes forget how beautiful and peaceful the park can be in its native state. I decided to take a little stroll down to the island yesterday evening and man, am I glad I did. I didn't have a care in the world as I entered through the newly finished (ADA compliant) walkbridge that crosses the canal and moseyed along the walkway. The trees were beginning to bloom and looked picturesque against the backdrop of the James on one side and the high-rise buildings of downtown on the other. Tell me what's better than feeling like you're in a little piece of natural paradise smack dab in the middle of a vibrant city? Whether you're looking to relax on a bench, chill on the amphitheater-style stairs, frolic in the grass, or walk/run along the outer edge of the island, Brown's has got you covered. If I worked downtown, I'd become a permanent resident. All I need is my trusty pillow, my orange tabby (he's just as good as a guard dog!), and my iPhone charger and I'd be good to go. Brown's Island: Population 1. read more

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Small island close to the civil war museum Durin summer there is a small office that opens to rent kayacs. There are portatil restrooms and the new recently builded bridge that croos to the other side of the river. There is always ypung people playing frezbee or doing yoga. NIce place for a walk or to take pictures read more

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A good place for strolling, jogging, exercise, picnic with family or friends, date, playing with kids, walking/playing with dogs, flying kites, painting, for meditation, or just a time for yourself. A not so crowded place provided there's an event. The landscape is well-maintained, clean and there are toilet cubicles for big events. The signages/sculpture are useful for guests interested in learning the history of Richmond. There are benches around for seating or you may relax on the big open lawn. Parking space is available by the street or at the parking space near the train trestle. Don't forget to catch the beautiful sunset view at the Potterfield Bridge! read more

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Not much parking. Try belle isle lot first. Otherwise go up the hill and park. Its right near belle isle, tredegar iron works, the canal walk, those blue trail marks, it connects to potters foot bridge and lets you down to the pipeline walk. Its very convenient. They also have port-o-johns! Its also well kept up. Just be sure that you dont try to use it when a festival is going on or you wont get in. read more

I had a great run here. Usually I'm on the track in the heat. I ran a 5k here earlier this year, so I'd figure I'll come back and try it again. Brown/Belle Island is a great place for running/walking. Belle island is almost completely covered in shade. This might be my favorite spot on Sundays to come back to. They certainly have a ton of things to do. Rock climbing, kayaking, Dog walking, or just relaxing. read more

Really cool place near downtown RVA. The scenery is great as are the walking trails. Love how Soul Ice was parked there and people were flying kites. Just a great place to hang out with family and friends. read more

If you want a night of adventure, to go on a walk, or even a romantic night out Browns Island is the go to spot---especially if you are playing Pokemon go. I love the scenery and it's a great place to exercise and visually is a treat at night when the buildings light up. My favorite part of Browns Island is the trail towards pipeline where you can see the different wall murals and art. Overall, come to Browns Island during the day or night and you will have a great experience. read more

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Best venue for concerts and festivals in RVA. Also a beautiful spot to walk around and has great access to belle isle. read more

Brown's Island - Local Flavor Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is an awesome Urban Park. I run through here (almost) every morning. Why people do not hang out here more is one of those Richmond Mysteries to me. In my younger days, this is the kind of place I'd bring a backpack, a blanket and my friends to spend an afternoon. In April all the trees bloom and it is absolutely gorgeous. Brown's Island is a great place to snap some picts of downtown Richmond and the River. I love the ruins of the old southbound train tracks across the river and the homage to when Richmond Fell at the end of he Civil War. You can get a place to jog, a place to chill and a history lesson all in one woefully under utilized, river side city park. read more

This is a must visit location in Richmond. The ambiance and the views are too sure for. Not only that, there is actually a lot of history in this island. Stop by the Tredegar, see the Lincoln memorial, walk the canal, see the skyline, or hear live music. Need I say more? Parking can sometimes be tight especially on the weekends. read more

If you live in Shockoe Slip, this place is the bomb. It's a beautiful place to go for a run, because even though it's not a well-kept secret, it always seems to feel private and open enough no matter how many people are here. The scenery is gorgeous and it's unbelievable that such nice outdoors can be found so close to downtown. This place is worth your while if you're new to Richmond or you've been here for years. read more

Nice open space with a great view of the city all around. Lots of traffic coming from both sides of the river and is located right be Tredegar. read more

Brown's Island is located next to Belle Isle. Located so close, they seem like two different worlds. Brown's Island is a lot more laid back than Belle Isle. There's less foot traffic on Brown's Island. I like Brown's Island because it's a great place to relax or exercise(alot of space to jog). It's nothing better than relaxing enjoying the beautiful scenery of Richmond. There's a bridge on Brown's Island to walk across. You can take some nice pictures from the bridge. Benches are scattered across Brown's Island for visitors. During the week, workers from downtown Richmond are usually walking around. If I worked close by, I would walk around Brown's Island as well during breaks. The parking is hit or miss depending on the weather and time. Brown's Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Richmond scenery. read more

Look out for huge flying bugs that bite- HARD!

We had the gay pride festival there and it was great I was at the bear booth it was a great way to get out into the city and experience gay pride read more

Richmond is a peaceful place with kind people everywhere to help since we were new to town and lots of questions. We saw a Friday Cheers concert with Future Islands, our favorite band and it was the most perfect evening and venue. Great food, fun, drinks and music. Can't wait for 2016's lineup! read more