This region is a great big outdoor playground. The project consists of 200 multi-coloured umbrellas that you can find on Church Alley, right in front of the Bluecoat arts centre and nestled between the Primark and LUSH buildings. Attend a play or ballet in town. Belle Isle is a park on an island smack in the middle of the James. Richmond’s Belle Isle The city’s island retreat It’s for bikers, hikers, rock climbers, hula hoopers and sun worshippers. 3000 Tredegar St. Address: 470 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA. There’s a lot of stuff to unpack about the Civil War, and this is a great place to do it. Right in downtown Richmond, a simple footbridge takes you over the James River to Belle Isle, an outdoor oasis in the center of an urban area. Improve this listing All photos (87) Top ways to experience similar attractions Blue Bee Cider 1-Hour Tour and Tasting 22 Wine Tours from ₹1,281.59 per adult Belle Isle Nature Center - Free! 12. 28. Belle Isle, Richmond, VA, USA Walking shoes needed--a great place to relax and see a view of the James River from a city perspective. This Summer, I have asked several friends to tell us the Top 5 Things to do ... have a scenic view of the James River below and Belle Isle on the horizon (not that I really believe that ; )! Take the city by storm with these eight unique things to do, see, and eat, all just a stone’s throw from Graduate Richmond. Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia: See Tripadvisor's 121,249 traveler reviews and photos of Richmond tourist attractions. Once we got there we were welcomed by a big open lot that looked kind of dumpy … The river was so shallow you could see the bottom! If you live close to the city, you can even walk! Belle Isle is a preserved park island right in the middle of the James downtown. from $175.00 per group (up to 6) Richmond Landmark Segway Tour 41 Segway Tours from $45.00 per adult Arts District Food Tour in Richmond 70 City Tours from $79.00 per adult Richmond Downtown Walking Tour 14 Walking Tours from $37.50 per adult Signature Shockoe, Canal 2-Hour Walking Tour 3 Walking Tours from $37.50 per adult Home; ... and less than a … This is one of the best things to do in Richmond if you’re a Civil War buff. Depending on your interests, consider adding the Belle Isle Aquarium, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, or Milliken State Park and Harbor to your itinerary. Bodies of Water • Parks. Explore Belle Isle Richmond sits on the impressive James River. William Byrd I acquired the island in 1676, and it remained in the Byrd family for a century. Belle Isle. Travel. This is a good place to start. Suggested duration. Belle Isle is one of the best places to go when the weather is nice in Richmond. Source: flickr. Runners and pedestrians along a bridge suspended under the Lee Bridge over the James river from Belle Isle, in Richmond, Va., where you'll find locals exploring the … The park is reached from the Tredegar Street pedestrian footbridge and is pet-friendly. Website Maymont 1700 Hampton St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA 804-358-7166 More walking shoes needed! Metro Richmond Zoo. 30. City: round-trip one-way. Okay, the footbridge to get there scared the crap out of me, but it is kind cool. The island has history as everything from a nail works, to a granite quarry, hydroelectric plant, and even prisoner-of-war camp, but today it's simply an escape from the daily grind. things to do Graduate Richmond - 1.2 mi (1.9 km) away. Yes, you have seen Belle Isle countless times on our pages here on our blog. Learn about the unique history of this Riverfront park. 300 Tredegar St. Richmond, VA 23219. Belle Isle Lets explore the best things to do in Richmond: 1. Along the way, check out the architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and more. Explore Richmond's oldest park! Fun Things To Do In Richmond, Virginia The James River + Belle Isle We drove down to the James River where we parked and headed across a cool foot bridge to Belle Isle . Discover 16 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Richmond, Virginia from Edgar Allan Poe Museum to The Grave of Oderus Urungus. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Belle Isle. 31. BELLE ISLE. You might want to think about one of these choices that are popular with our guests: Omni Richmond Hotel - 1.1 mi (1.8 km) away. Belle Isle in Richmond The park also features a rock-climbing area, fishing, 1.7 miles of walking and bike trails, and a mountain bike route with a 3,263-foot long / six-minute circuit. 32. We saw lots of kayakers and rafters floating down. If sightseeing in Richmond is on your bucket list, then a visit to James River is a must. Once home to a nail works, granite quarry, and hydroelectric plant, during the American Civil War, it was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. Even better: Customers can sample up to four different kinds … Belle Isle. Belle Isle Next up on our Liverpool things to do list is the return of an iconic art installation: the famous Liverpool Umbrella Project! Then take the trail that parallels the rapids. Lee Bridge Richmond, VA 23225 About Part of the James River Park System, the main access to Belle Isle is by pedestrian footbridge from Tredegar St. on the north shore. Belle Isle. 33. Get Directions. We have reviews of the best places to see in Richmond. 34. We've got 213 hotels to pick from within 5 miles of Belle Isle. You may also like: Highest-rated seafood restaurants in Richmond, according to Tripadvisor. Brown’s Island, which connects downtown with Shockoe Slip, is home to countless festivals, concerts, art shows, and more. Belle Isle is also good for people-watching, dog walking and catching some sun while laying out on a large granite rock. A family bicycles on a footbridge to Belle Isle, with the Richmond skyline in the distance. Have a milkshake at The Village Cafe. Access to Belle Isle. From downtown Richmond’s north bank, along Tredegar Street, the main access point is the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge that runs under the Lee Bridge. This footbridge offers both pedestrian and bicycle accessibility from Tredegar Street. The Richmond Folk Festival , which brings in about 200,000 music lovers for three days of 100% free entertainment. Go to Broad Appétit . More Best Things To Do in Richmond 1 of 18 2 of 18 Museums, Free Type Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend #1 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Most visitors are impressed with the Virginia … ... Belle Isle is a small area of land that is known for being surrounded by rocks that have been smoothed by the water so that they are flat in shape, and many locals come here to sunbathe on the rocks in the summer months. 174 #18 of 174 things to do in Richmond. Belle Isle is located on the James River and offers lots of trails for walking and biking. Hollywood Cemetery is ranked #9 out of 19 things to do in Richmond. See all things to do. We found 222 things to do for you near Belle Isle Tredegar Iron Works 491 Reviews 500 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219-4330 8 minutes from Belle Isle American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar 416 Reviews 480 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219-4328 8 minutes from Belle Isle Experiences from $45 See 1 Experience Virginia War Memorial 146 Reviews Today it serves as a city park. Belle Isle is a 54-acre (220,000 m2) island of the James River in the city of Richmond, Virginia. Check-in: BELLE ISLE - 449 Photos & 113 Reviews - Parks - 300 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA - Phone Number Belle Isle Write a Review Add Photo Review Highlights “ They have a biking trail, walking trial, and even offer rentals for canoeing or kayaking on the James river! Stroll Richmond’s Canal Walk. This part of the James River Park System can be reached by pedestrian footbridge from Tredegar St. on the north shore. Go strawberry picking at a local farm. Address: 470 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA. About. Feeling adventurous? The Friends of the James River Park was established in 1999 to work with JRPS staff to promote, conserve, & support this beautiful resource in Richmond, VA. 12. Cross the footbridge to Belle Isle. This is one of the best things to do in Richmond if you’re a Civil War buff. • 4-star hotel • Free WiFi • Restaurant • 24-hour fitness center • Central location. Used as a Union prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War, Belle Isle is now a popular spot for hiking, biking, sunbathing on the rocks and (cautiously) swimming in the river. See all things to do. Ranking of the top 19 things to do in Richmond. I don't even know what made us decide to go there, but we were looking for something to do on a nice day and we ventured over to Belle Isle not knowing anything about it. Even such oddities as a lock of Poe’s hair and a pair of his socks are kept here. In the summer, many locals flock here to sunbathe on the rocks. The Richmond region has events going on pretty much year ‘round. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Omni Richmond Hotel 7. The fountain features 109 water outlets in the shape of lions, turtles, Neptune figures and artistic horns and 16 bas-relief panels depict early Detroit life. A few of the biggies: Dominion Energy Riverrock , AKA the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival. Get frozen yogurt from Sweet Frog . VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP. Belle Isle has a host of great things to do, whether you have children in tow or just want a day alone. Belle Isle Park is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium. John Smith, who helped establish England’s first North … Ruins of Belle Isle. 20 Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia Take a Stroll Around Maymont Grab a Pint at One of 30+ Breweries Explore Hollywood Cemetery Hike to Belle Isle Whitewater Rafting on the James River Visit Libby Hill Park – Where Richmond got its Name Reenact Patrick Henry’s Famous Speech at St. John’s Church Experience Royalty at The Jefferson Hotel Credit Jay Paul for The New York Times. ... Belle Isle Park. 21 / 30. Belle Isle - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (173 reviews) - Type of activity: Bodies of Water, Parks - Read more on Tripadvisor. Its attraction is the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Center, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Dossin Great Lakes, a municipal golf course, a swimming beach, and numerous other monuments. Visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum Established in 1922 in the oldest building in Richmond, the museum holds a range of items relating to the author’s life such as furniture, correspondence, manuscripts, trinkets, clothing, and much more. 5 free things to do in Richmond, Va. ... Belle Isle was first explored in 1607 by Capt. Belle Isle's historic Bel Air area is popular and well-suited for weddings of all sizes. King's Dominion. Top: The gardens at Maymont Center: Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k Road trip! Trackname Accumulated race starts. Its perfect location, relaxing picturesque scenery overlooking the James, and climbing rocks and biking trails for the more adventurous visitors make Belle Isle one of the most popular destinations in Richmond during the summer. From Belle Isle, you can see the old Tredegar Iron Works, the Richmond skyline, and Brown's Island (where we got engaged!). Once on the island, walk by the meadow that once was a notorious Civil War prison camp. James River, Up Close, 3 p.m. See all things to do. 8 Reasons You Should Visit Richmond. Whether you’re strolling alone the canal, crossing the bridge at Belle Isle, or digging into Richmond’s one-of-a-kind culinary scene, you’ll find something to love in one of America’s oldest cities. 1. Belle Isle Craft Spirits has opened a tasting room at its Manchester distillery. . See pictures and our review of Hollywood Cemetery. This island is surrounded by rocks that have been smoothed by the water. Intermediate (approximately 2 miles): Park at the end of Tredegar St. downtown and walk across the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge for a dramatic view of Hollywood Rapids and downtown. 29. Hollywood Cemetery Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. It … Break out your pen (or smartphone), list-maker. On the island, you'll find trails criss-crossing, some leading to … Bottle products of Belle Isle Craft Spirits moonshine are placed at the Manchester distillery in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. ” in 20 reviews Belle Isle has been the site of a number of industrial operations beginning with … A serial sexual assailant who accosted or attacked seven young women in Richmond's Fan District between 2015 and 2018 was sentenced to serve 87 years in prison Thursday. Address: 1 Belle Isle, Richmond, VA 23225 This nature center has lots of activities for kids. There's a mix of things to see here: between gardens, ponds, and a small science center for the kids! Belle Isle has many bike trails around the island, and has a small cliff used for rock climbing … Go to the Greek Festival . It’s time to make your RVA game plan. 113 reviews of Belle Isle "What a freakin cool place! The infrared park counters have confirmed what most of us had suspected: Belle Isle is the park’s most popular site, attracting people of all ages to the wooded paths, mountain biking trails, bicycle skills area, historical sites, wheelchair-accessible fishing at the quarry pond, good sunbathing and the granite wall for rock climbing. Belle Isle is an island in the middle of the James River in downtown Richmond. 9. Must-do Activities in Richmond for Adventure Seekers. Road. ... Highest-rated things to do in … From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. At Belle Isle, you and your tribe can enjoy fun activities in nature, like hiking through the scenic trails, swimming or kayaking in the cool waters of the river, sunbathing on the smooth rocks, rock climbing, exploring the ruins on the island, biking, and picnicking atop boulders. Inside the beautiful James River Park System lies the little treasure Belle Isle. Also, the mansion and guest house have space that may be used for meetings and small get-togethers. Richmond, Virginia is one of the best-kept secrets on the east coast of the U.S. Only 2 hours west of Virginia Beach, 2 hours south of Washington, D.C., and 1 hour east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Richmond is a great base for lots of fun adventures. About Part of the James River Park System, the main access to Belle Isle is by pedestrian footbridge from Tredegar St. on the north shore. Alternate access is by wooden bridge near 22nd St. or by rock-hopping from the south shore. 4.5. Whether you want to take a slow bike ride by the river down the Virginia Capital Trail, or take on the class III and IV rapids of the James (which go right through downtown, by the way) – the Richmond … Belle Isle. But in the grand scheme of things, this list is ok. All time Last 90 days Last 30 days. Must-See in Richmond Looking for something to do? There’s a lot of stuff to unpack about the Civil War, and this is a great place to do it. The park is part of the James River Park System. However, believe in the hype! Are you looking for fun things to do in Richmond, VA? Canal Walk/Brown's Island/Belle Isle Find out why Outside magazine readers voted Richmond the nation's most livable river town in 2012 by taking in the scenic James River. Belle Isle, Richmond: Address, Belle Isle Reviews: 4.5/5. Belle Isle has a well-stocked camp store and gift shop a short distance from the park's campground. Alternate access is by wooden bridge near 22nd St. or by rock-hopping from the south shore. 8. FREE RVA Attractions, Historical Sites, Museums, and Things to Do Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives Belle Isle and Brown’s Island Canal Walk and Cruises Carytown Chimborazo Medical Museum Church Hill: Where Richmond Began Eppington Plantation Fan Historic District Hollywood Cemetery James River Park Jefferson Hotel Library of Virginia Maggie L. Walker … Website James Scott Memorial Fountain - Free! Travelers favorites include #1 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, #2 Virginia State Capitol and more. For starters, get to know Richmond’s outdoors. Visit website. Belle Isle 4.5 174 #18 of 174 things to do in Richmond Bodies of Water • Parks Visit website About Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Once you reach Belle Isle, you’ll see acres of unspoiled beauty in Richmond. You can take a siesta on the comfortable rocks, go for a hike, or even a bike ride. Yes, you do not have to spend a dollar other than gas to get here. Explore The James River. Shopping in Carytown To get a taste of the city's distinctively quirky side, make a beeline for Carytown , Richmond's top neighborhood for shopping. Richmond is a city defined by its river. 1-2 … Located along the James River in downtown Richmond, Belle Isle is a great place for people with a love for the outdoors, granting them the opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. This is one of our favorite spots in Richmond! As the weather continues to delight with … Monroe Park.