Local Area Attractions Near Natural Bridge / Lexington KOA Holiday

Just 5 minutes from the Natural Bridge, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Lexington, and close to so many other attractions. Use our campground as a basecamp while you discover all the area has to offer.

Twin River Outfitters Canoeing, Kayaking, & Tubing

Twin River Outfitters Canoeing, Kayaking, & Tubing

Looking to spend the day on the river? Twin River Outfitters offers canoeing, kayaking, river tubing, and river camping trips. They are the largest paddlesports rental business in the region. CLICK HERE TO BOOK AND SAVE 5% ON YOUR TRIP!

653 Lowe Street

Buchanan, VA 24066

540-261-7334

Website

Specialty Tours

Specialty Tours

The Lexington Carriage Company offers an intriguing way to tour this unique 19th century college town. Tours are narrated by professional carriage driver/tour guides throughout the entire route. 540-463-5647

Haunting Tales - Lexington Ghost Tours - Take a guided candlelight walk through the back streets and alleyways to the venues of Lexington's long since departed residents who supposedly still occupy them. 540-464-2250

The Natural Bridge & Caverns

The Natural Bridge & Caverns

Less than 5 miles away is one of Virginia's most cherished natural wonders, The Natural Bridge. Rockbridge County derives its name from the formation. George Washington surveyed the area for Lord Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson purchased the "rock bridge" from King George III for twenty shillings, on July 4, 1774, to ensure it was available to the public. The Natural Bridge has enormous proportions. It is described as being 90 feet long, 150 feet wide at one end and 50 feet wide at another.

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The Monacan Indian Living History Village

The Monacan Indian Living History Village

Visitors can learn about and assist Monacan Indians with canoe building, hide tanning, mat and rope weaving, tool making, preparing meals and much more. Call the Natural Bridge for more information.

Website

Canoeing, Kayaking, & Tubing

Canoeing, Kayaking, & Tubing

Rockbridge County has just about every type of self-propelled boating experiences one could want, from placid floats on the James River and middle Maury River, to Virginia's most popular whitewater run on the upper Maury through Goshen Pass. CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH TWIN RIVER OUTFITTERS & SAVE 5%

Twin River Outfitters 653 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066 (Exit 168 I-81) 14 minutes from KOA 540-261-7334 CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH TWIN RIVER OUTFITTERS & SAVE 5%

Wilderness Canoe Company, LLC 631 James River Road Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 540-291-2295 visit: https://wildernesscanoecompany.com/

James River Water Trail Paddlers, anglers and families can get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of 45 miles of the Upper James, including 14 pristine miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River. See the mountains like you've never seen them before on the Upper James River Water Trail. www.upperjamesriverwatertrail.com

The Natural Bridge Zoo

The Natural Bridge Zoo

The zoo contains the largest and most complete collection of birds and animals in the state of Virginia. Enjoy the friendly animal petting area, fun-filled elephant rides and Safari Shop at the Natural Bridge Zoo .

Website

The Virginia Safari Park

The Virginia Safari Park

The Safari Park is a 180 acre drive-through zoo . It features over 500 free roaming animals from all over the world. You'll drive over a 3 mile road and are allowed to feed the animals from the windows of your car. The park features Bison, Giraffe, Camels, Zebra, Emu, Ostrich, Llamas, deer and many different kinds of antelope for you to visit with. Or take a wagon ride through the safari. Don't forget to purchase your tickets online to be sure you don't miss out!

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Hull's Drive-In

Hull's Drive-In

Two movies for one low price. Concessions are available. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Open Friday-Sunday throughout the summer season. For more information visit www.hullsdrivein.com/ .

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Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery

Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery

Located behind the KOA, Great Valley Brewery is a short drive away. You will find a great selection of beer & wine here. Food trucks on site most Saturdays, along with musical entertainment.

60 Great Valley Ln.

NATURAL BRIDGE, VA 24578

540-521-6163

Website

The Virginia Gold Orchard

The Virginia Gold Orchard

A family owned Asian pear orchard. Check out the sweetest, juiciest Asian pears you've ever tasted - - and they're certified organic! In season end of August-December. Just minutes down the road from our KOA!

Website

Lexington

Lexington

Voted one of the best small towns in America, with its rich historical background and an entire downtown that is listed on the State and National register of Historic Places, Lexington offers exceptional shopping, including unique gift shops, book stores, clothing shops, and restaurants galore. Call the Visitor Center at (877) 453-9822 for more information.

The Campbell House and Rockbridge Historical Society

The Campbell House and Rockbridge Historical Society

Built in 1844, this attraction displays exhibits about the county's history .

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Military Institute

Founded in 1839, this is the oldest state supported military college in the nation. During the Civil War, the Corps of Cadets was engaged as a unit in a pitched battle at New Market, Virginia. The Cadet Barracks have been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Visit the museum or the full dress parade, which takes place most Friday afternoons in the fall and spring, when weather permits.

The Military Memorabilia Museum

The Military Memorabilia Museum

This museum offers a unique & extensive personal collection of military uniforms and artifacts primarily from Europe. Guided tours are offered. (540) 464-3041

Tour The Stonewall Jackson Home

Tour The Stonewall Jackson Home

Furnished with many of the confederate generals' own possessions, as well as appropriate period pieces chosen to match items listed in Jackson 's 1863 estate inventory. Guided tours, conducted on the hour and half hour, provide information on Jackson's family and early life, and the community in which he lived. 540-463-2552.

Website

Oak Grove Cemetery

Oak Grove Cemetery

Formerly known as the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. It began as the burial ground for the old Lexington Presbyterian Church in 1789, Buried here are Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson, 296 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors and Margaret Junkin Preston., and other historical heroes are buried here. The cemetery features a life-like sculpture of Stonewall Jackson where Jackson and his family are buried.

Website

George C. Marshall Museum

George C. Marshall Museum

Trace the career of Marshall, with particular emphasis on the eras of the two World Wars and the Marshall Plan. A 25-minute electric map presentation highlights the significant events of World War II. On display is the Nobel Peace Prize that was awarded to General Marshall in 1953. 540-463-7103

The Lee Chapel and Museum, a National Historic Landmark

The Lee Chapel and Museum, a National Historic Landmark

Built in 1867, under Robert E. Lee's supervision. Lee and members of his family are buried beneath Lee Chapel on the Museum level and many items that belonged to them are displayed. 540-463-8768.

Wade's Mill

Wade's Mill

A working water-powered flour mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The shop features Wade's Mill flours, pottery, basketry and the "Cooks Corner", with everything you need to cook and bake with their flours. 540-348-1400.

Website

The Cyrus McCormick's Farm

The Cyrus McCormick's Farm

Visit the farm where Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanized reaper that sparked the industrial revolution and changed the world forever. Visitors are welcome to tour the blacksmith shop, grismill, museum and scenic site at the McCormick farm . 540-377-2255.

Virginia Mountain Vineyards

Virginia Mountain Vineyards

Enjoy picturesque mountain views as you savor a glass of your favorite wine. Family owned and operated. Tours available. Located in historic Fincastle. 540-473-2979. Visit Virginia Mountain Vineyards online for more information.

The Natural Bridge Speedway

The Natural Bridge Speedway

Featuring a drag strip and an oval track with 7 classes and racing every Saturday evening, from April through September. Our classes are Late Model, Sportsman, Street Stock, Pure Stock, and Mini Stock. For information, rules, or schedules visit their website .

Clark's Ole Time Music Center

Clark's Ole Time Music Center

The Music Center offers live bluegrass and old-time music most Friday nights. It also features a large dance floor for flat footing and clogging. A family atmosphere that offers a place for young and old to carry on the tradition of Virginia Appalachian mountain music history. (540) 377-2490

Fishing

Fishing

Stocked Streams: There are several nice lakes, streams and rivers to fish in the area with lovely scenery. Many of the cold, pristine headwater streams in the mountains contain the native Brook Trout, one of nature's most beautiful fish.

Private Fee Fishing Areas Ashland Trout Pond - Open Feb.-Oct., Saturday & Sunday only - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Offers young and old anglers alike a chance to catch and keep some nice Rainbow Trout for the frying pan. Fish are priced by the pound. 540-463-4598.

Buffalo Creek Catch & Release Fly Fishing Open year round. Fly fishing for trout in Buffalo Creek by day or half day. Instruction and guiding are offered. Limited rod usage in fee area insures quality experience. Call 540-463-5903 or 540-463-3235 for rates, reservations and stream reports.

Clear Water Fly Fishing Open all year - this fee area on Hayes Creek offers fly fishermen a chance to catch Brown and Rainbow Trout. Catch and release only. Please call 540-348-1565 for rates, reservations and stream reports.

Hunting

Hunting

Our area offers many opportunities to hunt deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse, and other small game. Public lands include the George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, and the state's Goshen-Little North Mountain Unit. Information for the National Forest Lands is available by calling 540-291-2188 or 540-962-2214. Information on the state's unit is available at 804-367-1000.

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

There are 65 miles of trail developed specifically for horse use. The trails run through the National Forest from Natural Bridge. There are trailheads along the way with plenty of room for parking and tacking up. Bring your own horse. Call the U.S. Forest Service Glenwood Ranger District for more information 540-291-2188.

Morning Star Stables offers trail rides through forests, meadows, along rivers and up to the tops of hills in order to capture the spectacular views this area has to offer. All rides are lead by experienced guides who will ensure you have a fun, memorable and safe adventure. 

Tish Vest Horseback Riding. Offering trail rides and riding lessons. No experience necessary. Open by reservation only.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Hiking and Biking Trails

Between the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and 58000 acres of National Forest, Hiking and Biking trails are in abundance. Your hosts can supply you with some local trails or visit www.blueridgeparkway.org , www.appalachiantrail.org , www.fs.fed.us

Cycling Shops & Outfitters Lexington Bicycle Shop 130 South Main St., Lexington 540-463-7969 TREK, Cannondale and Diamondback bicycles, accessories, repair service

The Appomattox Court House

The Appomattox Court House

Marks the site of the end of the Civil War, where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant and our nation reunited on April 9, 1865. Don't miss their huge, annual Civil War Reenactment & Living History Festival featuring 3,000 to 5,000 reenactors, displays, music, and much entertainment - April 8 - 10. See our Hot Deals! Call (434) 352-5996 or visit www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm .

Luray Caverns

Luray Caverns

Discover eastern America's largest and most popular caverns, filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also, hear the haunting sounds of the world's only Stalacpipe Organ. Completely unique are the beautiful tones created by this one-of-a kind instrument, which makes music of concert quality from the surrounding stalactite formations covering more than three acres. Call (540) 743-6551 or visit www.luraycaverns.com .

Antique shops

Antique shops

Route 11 is for antique lovers! Visit www.sundaydriver.com and navigate to Virginia, I-81 Route 11.

Racing

Racing

  • Bristol Motor Speedway Visit http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com
  • Martinsville Speedway visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com
  • Richmond International Speedway visit www.rir.com

Civil War Trails

Civil War Trails

Experience the Civil War dramatically by tracing the five different Civil War Trails throughout the state -- 260 sites tell stories never before told, through pictures, battle maps, and clear interpretation. Travelers can spend two days or two weeks following the campaigns fought in Virginia through 79 cities and counties. Each site is car-accessible and describes events specific to that location.

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The Frontier Culture Museum

The Frontier Culture Museum

Staunton, VA - brings to life four different historic cultures: Germany in the early 1700s, Northern Ireland in the mid-1700s, England in the 1690s, and mid-1800s America. Call (540) 332-7850 or visit them at www.frontiermuseum.org .

Historic Staunton

Historic Staunton

Visit Staunton , Woodrow Wilsons' Birthplace (540) 885-0897, the Grand Caverns (888) 430-2283 and Sunspot Studios Glass Blowing Studio (540) 885-0678 www.sunspots.com or go to Staunton's Visitor's Center at www.staunton.va.us .

Hall of Valor Civil War Museum

Hall of Valor Civil War Museum

The Museum is located at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. Call (540) 740-3101 or visit www.vmi.edu/museum/nm .

Historic Bedford

Historic Bedford

Has Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, the National D-Day Memorial (800)351-3329 www.dday.org , Booker T. Washington National Monument and more. Visit them at www.visitbedford.com .

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia

The home he built in 1768 atop the "Little Mountain" where he played as a boy. Monticello is the remarkable integration of Jefferson's love of classical architecture and passion for modern innovation. Today, this masterpiece is the only house in the U.S. on the United Nations' prestigious World Heritage List of international treasures. Call (804)984-9822 or visit them at www.monticello.org .

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Located in a historic freight station, the Museum is the official transportation museum celebrating Roanoke's rich rail heritage exhibiting diesel, electric and steam locomotives. The Museum houses antique automobiles, trucks, carriages, model train exhibits, African American transportation heritage exhibit, and interpretive, hands-on exhibits. Call (540) 342-5670 or visit www.vmt.org .

The Virginia Horse Center

The Virginia Horse Center

Offers 600 acres of breathtaking views and pristine grounds, a 4000 seat coliseum, 8 barns to accommodate 1200 horses, and 14 show rings. Events are scheduled every week and most are free to spectators. 540-464-2950. For more information visit their website .