Easy parking, well-marked wooded trails with benches throughout for resting, and steep but…read moremanageable access to the river. It's a great place to spend some hours communing with nature. YES - Family friendly

Decent hiking area in a Civil War battlefield. The path seems way too short, but most visitors are…read morehere for a history tour, not a nature walk. I finished the hike in just over an hour, and that was at a leisurely pace with lots of stops to take pictures. The beginning of the path has some dips, but overall wasn't especially strenuous. I'm not sure if there's a parking fee; there is a booth at the entrance but in February it was empty. The main attraction are the trenches dug by the Confederate army. They are surprisingly well preserved, and the path follows a small portion of them. It's hard to imagine what it must have been like 'in the day', but the history plaques give you some details to go off of. The Battle of North Anna was a relatively small scale affair compared to other Civil War battles. As part of the 1864 Overland Campaign, Grant's Army of the Potomac was pressing south towards Richmond, and Lee was doing his best to stop him. But Grant (despite stories to the contrary) actually disliked bloody frontal attacks, and was constantly trying to outflank Lee's army rather than attack an entrenched opponent. North Anna was one of those many occasions where he tried - and failed - to maneuver around the master of maneuver. On May 24, Lee's earthworks on the south side of North Anna river stopped Grant cold. He tested Lee's lines for a way around, including an assault lead by a brigade who's commander was as inexperienced as he was drunk (that is, very). Needless to say, it didn't work out too well for them. After a few days Grant decided this place wasn't worth the effort, so he again sidestepped Lee's army and resumed his push towards Richmond. http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/north-anna.html

The ruins are located on the grounds of the Barboursville Vineyard…read more They are all that remain of the grand brick mansion of James Barbour -- a Virginia governor, U.S. senator, Secretary of War under John Quincy Adams, and close friend of Thomas Jefferson. Built in 1822, the original house was designed by Thomas Jefferson in his neoclassical style, complete with a distinctive octagonal drawing room (note connection to the naming Barboursville Winnery award winning red!) On Christmas Day, 1884, the mansion burned in a devastating fire leaving only the brick walls, columns, and chimneys standing. Instead of rebuilding, the Barbour family moved to a nearby residence, and the ruins remain as a picturesque shell. A short walk from either the tasting room or cottages, this is a must stop for history buffs interested in civil war era and Thomas Jeffereson and photographers for the weathered remains with the vineyard and blue ridge foothills in the background Parking nearby if you choose to drive. Steep uneven climb from parking

This site is part of a winery complex which has a restaurant and an inn. The site is free to enter,…read morethough it is confusing as my map tried to bring me in on a dirt road that wasn't open rather than the actual entrance which is east of the site. I eventually wormed my way around to find the one-lane bridge to the site blocked by someone who bizarrely just seemed to want to sit there, so I parked at the winery/restaurant and walked over. It's a nice walk. The ruins are interesting to look at. There's not a lot to the site and you can't go past it as it becomes private space for guests of the site. It also closes at 5:30 and signs angrily warn that being there after 5:31 is trespassing, so you can't plan on catching a sunset there or anything. But if you looked this up and your goal is to see some cool ruins, you can, within limits.

Most of Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson was buried in a Lexington, Virginia, cemetery that now…read morebears his name, but he was so famous at the time of his death that his amputated left arm was spirited away to its own separate grave. It was just after dark on May 2, 1863. Jackson had just launched a devastating attack against Union forces at Chancellorsville. Returning to his own lines with several staff officers, Jackson, ever the aggressive soldier, decided to conduct reconnaissance in the area. As he and his staff rode through the woods near Confederate lines, a North Carolina regiment, unable to see who was riding up on them, opened fire. Jackson was struck by three bullets, two of them shattering his left arm. The general was evacuated from the area and given medical treatment, but the arm couldn't be saved and was amputated. Pneumonia set in, and on May 10, 1863, the South lost its most effective tacticia. Thinking that the limb of so great a solider was too precious to simply throw on the regular body part trash pile, Jackson's unofficial company chaplain, Reverend Tucker Lacy wrapped the arm in a blanket and took it to his family cemetery. The reverend gave the limb a standard Christian burial and placed a marker above the site. Supposedly Stonewall Jackson's arm was dug up and reburied numerous times in the ensuing years and there is no concrete evidence that it still resides in its original burial space, but the simple gravestone remains.

"Jackson has lost his left arm, but I have lost my right"…read more -General Robert E. Lee Jackson's last words were apparently, "Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees." It seems like a lot of words for a dying man. If, however there is truth in this story, then the resting place of this limb seems fitting. The lone tombstone sits quietly among a small group of trees on the Virginia countryside. The picturesque views were once covered by war field hospitals and now is the resting place of the left arm of one of America's most famous Generals. A little history: Stonewall Jackson's arm was destined to be buried along with other amputated limbs until Jackson's Chaplain, Reverend Lacy, retrieved it from a macabre pile of appendages and eventually buried it on his own plantation, Ellwood Manor. The limb was buried several days before Jackson's death as a way for his staff to pay tribute to the man that they had followed through battle. It's probably the least they could do considering that his own men accidentally shot him. I'm just sayin'. The story of a buried arm is surreal, but a little research makes the story a little more humane. Even if Jackson fought on the wrong side of history, every body (or body part) should be so lucky to be buried in a place so serene. Verdict: Great for Civil War buffs, the curious and people spending a little time in nearby Old Town Fredricksberg. Or Cross it off your Weird Virginia (book) list. Weird tidbits: The arm has been dug up a few times in the past, but has always made it's way back into the ground. It seems that the curious return it to it's resting place after learning that there REALLY is an arm buried in the ground. FYI: The last time I attempted a visit, the grounds were closed contrary to the information found on the website. If in doubt, it's best to call.

While looking for the Pyramid, keep going to almost the very end of Lee Drive and you'll see the…read morePyramid past the railroad tracks in the distance to your left. And since you're visiting the Pyramid, take your time going down Lee Drive. Many Confederate fighting positions are still visible, including an artillery site and trench works. I found this to be more interesting than the Pyramid itself. While you can see the Pyramid from the road you can't get close to it, since it's on the other side of an active Amtrak line. About the battle: While the Union's river crossing on Day 1 and heroic attack on the Sunken Road at Marye's Heights on Day 3 get plenty of attention, Day 2 is often overlooked. In fact Meade's attack against the southern Confederate flank on Day 2 almost broke through their lines, but failed mostly because of poor communication between Union commanders. The "pyramid" stands near the point of the Union's greatest penetration. The "Slaughter Pen" (which has its own Yelp entry) is on the opposite side of the wood line. Unfortunately the Confederate and Union positions are separated by the railroad, so you can't walk the entire length of the battlefield. Funny thing about the Pyramid - it was actually built by southerners. The idea for a monument was pitched by the Confederate Memorial Literary Society to Virginia railroad execs who sought to memorialize the battle in a location visible to train travelers. The pyramid shape is based on the monument to the Unknown Confederate dead in Richmond.

A very cool hidden gem in Fredericksburg - there is a path that you can walk down but I don't think…read moreyou're supposed to. There is a train track in between the path and the pyramid. You can pull off of the road and take pictures with a zoomed lens. It was a bit challenging to find - my Apple Maps took me to the wrong place (completely different battlefield!) but android seemed to have it down just fine. Just make sure you're going to the location near Lee Dr!

This is not a grand plantation home with velvet ropes and dramatized plaques. This is the real…read moreplace where history quietly ended for one of the Civil War's most consequential figures. The small, plain building you see is the plantation office of the Chandler family, where General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was brought after being accidentally shot by his own men at Chancellorsville in May 1863. His left arm was amputated nearby, and pneumonia soon followed. He died here days later, reportedly saying, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." If that line doesn't stop you in your tracks, check your pulse. What makes this site powerful is its restraint. There's no spectacle. No romanticized grandeur. Just a quiet structure sitting beside open fields and a railroad line, which adds an eerie reminder of how the war--and the country--was rapidly changing. You're standing at the intersection of brilliance, tragedy, faith, and the brutal reality of 19th-century medicine. The space encourages reflection rather than celebration. Jackson's reputation is complex, and the site doesn't shy away from that. It presents his death as a human moment inside a massive, devastating conflict rather than a mythic ending to a legend. If you're a serious history lover, this is a must-stop. It's sobering, authentic, and deeply moving--proof that sometimes the smallest places carry the heaviest history. Pro tip: Visit quietly. This is one of those places where silence feels appropriate.

This is an important piece of civil war history. We have been meaning to stop for years and finally…read moredid. There are plenty of boards to explain the whole property and the campaign in the area. I honestly didn't know that this was home to a prison camp and was happy to learn it. If you're at the speedway or even just stopping for gas at Sheetz, take a half hour and get some history. It's totally free and well maintained.

Absolutely lovely historic venue. The staff here is friendly, engaging, and extremely…read moreknowledgeable. We were here for the holiday activities and we had a blast. My wife and son loved the wreath making. The fact that it has snowed the day before was just a cherry on top of a perfect afternoon. Cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who is even remotely a history enthusiast.

I thought this place would be more popular as a Founding Father, but we were the only visitors when…read morewe attended, so it was nice to have a private tour. You can buy tickets online, but it isn't likely necessary. A lot of the furnishings are original, even though Henry didn't live at the house very long. The tour guide went over the history of the Henry family, including the death of his first wife and remarriage. The guide reenacted Patrick Henry's famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech which was very engaging. The house tour only covers the first floor, but there are signs around for QR scans/additional audio for the outbuildings. They were a bit repetitive and sometimes speculative about things or people who may have lived there, so that was hit or miss. The gift shop was small but pleasant and there was plenty of parking. It is a bit off road, but it's worth the visit.

Great way to explore some history, Jack is amazing, if you have a chance to chat with him he is a…read morewealth of information.

Great historic find in fredricksburg! The owner was very friendly and happily shared so much…read morehistory about the surrounding battles and the history of the warehouse. He took us on a free tour of the warehouse and showing the damage from cannons. Worth a stop if you're visiting the area.

Great surbubanite park in nature! They offer amazing paved and gravel trails with fun sights…read morefollowing the history of the coal mines here in Midlo! This is an amazing spot to get a walk in, enjoy a picnic or fish! The most unique part of this park is the tunnel that connects you to the walking loop around the lake. It's a lot of fun to just walk through and really helps break up the monotony of a walk. No playground but tons of things to see and animals around. There is also a creek that runs through most of the park so water access is available.

I like this park a lot. I enjoy coming here for walks once a week and sometimes I sit on the…read morebenches and look at the lake. I like how clean the place is and walking here for me is very relaxing and peaceful. I have seen people come here to take their graduation, birthday and engagement photos. I have invited co workers and friends here to take walks with me and they liked it too!

Part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, this isn't your typical "walk…read morearound and read a sign" kind of site. This is where, in May 1864, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee locked into one of the most brutal, drawn-out fights of the Civil War--and neither side backed down. The most unforgettable spot is the Bloody Angle. What looks like quiet woods today was once 20 hours of nonstop, close-range combat--men fighting in the rain, mud, and trenches, sometimes hand-to-hand. Trees were literally cut in half by gunfire. Let that sink in. What I loved: * Extremely well-preserved earthworks--you can still see the trench lines * Peaceful, almost eerie atmosphere (it forces you to imagine what happened) * Not overly commercialized--feels authentic and respectful What to know: * There's a lot of walking, and not everything is clearly marked--do a little research or grab a map first * It's not flashy...this place hits in a quieter, heavier way Standing there, it's hard to believe over 30,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing in less than two weeks. This wasn't just a battle--it was where the war turned into pure endurance. If you go, don't rush it. This is one of those places where history doesn't just get told...you feel it.

If your a military historian, or a person of casual interest in the civil war and your near NVA,…read moreyou need to take advantage of this place. In fact that goes for all the parks in this area. History forgotten is history lost. Actually even if you like a walk and learn come here. The park is big, very big, but you can drive most of it and walk a bit or drive a bit and walk a lot. Well maintained and well cared for by the park. If you want to really get "it" you'll need to walk at least some. Stop 3 on the driving tour is the "must stop" 20-30 min walk. There's no food, no bathroom's no water. Which is perfectly fine. I suggest you take 2-3hrs and experience up close and in person our Nations history. I'd recommend coupling Spotsylvania with the Wilderness 20 min away and make a day of it.

James Madison lived at Montpelier his entire life. This is a really interesting historic home that…read morelater belonged to the DuPont family, who eventually donated funds to turn it back into a historic site as Madison's home. That renovation/restoration took a long time, and it's now a lovely place to visit and learn about our 4th President and his wife Dolley Madison. In addition to the house, which acknowledges its part in running a plantation through the work of enslaved people, it has exhibits about slavery at Montpelier and archeological finds. The property also has lovely grounds with a beautiful garden that's filled with many colorful flowers in the spring. The visitor center offers a movie, and the house docents offer hour-long tours on the half hour. They also have picnic tables under shady trees to enjoy lunch. The views from Montpelier are breathtaking. They charge a fee to visit the house and grounds. If you only want to visit the grounds, the fee is lower.

This is a great place to visit if you are interested in America's founding, American style of…read moredemocracy, or to celebrate the upcoming Sestercentennial of the United States. (Having experienced the bicentennial as a kid on a summer-long vacation, I am looking forward to it.) The guided tour of the house is well done. The out-buildings and grounds are self-guided. There are many and spread out, and the whole property is on a gentle slope. Could be an issue if it is a hot and humid day. Be sure to visit the garden! Think twice about buying the Looking Through the Landscape book for $10.00. I thought it would be something I could put on my bookshelf but no. Hardly a pamphlet, it contains QR code links to YouTube videos they created. It was snuck in during the checkout process and frankly left me feeling duped. I chalked it up as a donation.