Attractions and Places To See around Martinsville - Top 9

The Martinsville area offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Morgan Monroe State Forest, a vast 24,000-acre deciduous forest with numerous trails. Bryant Creek Lake is another spot known for wildlife spotting, a boat launch, and picnic areas. Beyond these, Philpott Lake offers 3,000 acres for boating and features a Birding & Wildlife Trail, while the Smith River provides a prominent natural feature with a 44.5-mile section flowing through the area.

Yes, Martinsville has a rich history. The Martinsville Historic Downtown is a significant area, and the broader Martinsville Historic District encompasses 96 historically significant buildings, including the 1824 Henry County Courthouse. You can also explore the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum, housed in the historic courthouse, which features exhibits on local history. For a deeper dive into local heritage, visit the FAHI African American Museum & Cultural Center or the Bassett Historical Center for genealogy.

Many attractions in Martinsville are suitable for families. Morgan Monroe State Forest and Bryant Creek Lake are great for outdoor adventures and wildlife spotting. The Virginia Museum of Natural History features impressive exhibits like a 20-foot-wingspan Pteranodon and interactive displays. Fisher Farm Park offers a playground, picnic shelters, and primitive trails for exploring nature. Infinity Acres is also described as a 'Magical Animal Wonderland' for a unique family experience.

Martinsville offers several options for hiking and biking. The Morgan Monroe Hike-Bike Trail is a 5-mile paved path through the scenic Morgan Monroe State Forest. The Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail provides an 11.5-mile paved path, part of the larger Smith River Trail System. For more extensive hiking, Fairy Stone State Park features 9 miles of multi-use trails. You can find various hiking routes, including easy options like the Mason Ridge Trail, by exploring easy hikes around Martinsville or more challenging trails like the Tecumseh Trail in the hiking guide for Martinsville.

Martinsville boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Virginia Museum of Natural History is a state museum dedicated to Virginia's natural history. Piedmont Arts is an award-winning art museum showcasing diverse artists and supporting performing arts. You can also visit the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center and Museum, the FAHI African American Museum & Cultural Center, and the Bassett Historical Center.

Beyond natural and historical sites, Martinsville offers unique points of interest. The Martinsville Speedway is famous for hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. For those interested in local beverages, you can visit Hamlet Winery, Mountain Valley Brewing, or Stanburn Winery for tasting experiences. Scuffle Hill Brewing is also a veteran-owned local brewery.

For scenic walks or runs, consider the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, an 11.5-mile paved path along the Smith River. The Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve offers 2.5 miles of wooded trails, including the Rhododendron Trail with scenic river views. Within Morgan Monroe State Forest, the Low Gap Trail creates a loop through the forest's backcountry, offering solitude.

Yes, Philpott Lake is an excellent spot for water activities, offering 3,000 acres of pristine water for boating and other recreational pursuits. Bryant Creek Lake also features a boat launch and is a good place for enjoying the water and spotting wildlife.

The Martinsville Historic District is a 45-acre area featuring 96 historically significant buildings, showcasing architectural styles from Federal to Art Deco. You can take a self-guided walking tour to see structures like the 1824 Henry County Courthouse, the 1939 U.S. Post Office, and the 1921 Henry Hotel. It's a great way to explore the city's rich past and architectural heritage. More information can be found on Visit Martinsville.

The Richard P. Gravely Jr. Nature Preserve is a 75-acre park along the Smith River that includes an outdoor classroom for nature study. It features 2.5 miles of wooded trails, such as the Jones Cliff Trail, which highlights the area's tobacco farming history, and the Rhododendron Trail, offering scenic river views. Fisher Farm Park also provides a wooded environment for exploring diverse woodland species.

The natural areas around Martinsville are home to diverse wildlife. At Bryant Creek Lake, you might spot diverse birdlife, turtles, and other wildlife. Philpott Lake features a dedicated Birding & Wildlife Trail. Fisher Farm Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, and the extensive Morgan Monroe State Forest provides a habitat for various woodland species.

Yes, the area offers several cycling routes. The Morgan Monroe Hike-Bike Trail is a popular 5-mile paved path. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the Stinesville Mercantile loop or the Rob Hill Road loop. More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Martinsville guide.