Recreation


[River District Canal Cruises] [Floodwall Walking Tours] [James River Park Tours] [Historic Neighborhood Walking Tours] [Richmond Walks & History Programs Tours] [Richmond Discoveries] [Richmond Tours ] [Slave Trail Tours] [Valentine Richmond History Center Tour] [Various Tours]

River District Canal Cruises
Enjoy 35-minute historically narrated tours or private charters of the James River & Kanawha Canal along the historic Canal Walk in a covered boat that accommodates up to 38 passengers and departs on the hour from the Turning Basin between 14th and Dock Streets in downtown Richmond’s River District. Richmond’s canals began in 1789 after George Washington lobbied the General Assembly to proceed with his vision of a canal and turnpike system that would connect the harbors of the east to the trade and market opportunities in the west. Today, you can enjoy the journey through the River District from April through November. For more information, or to book a private charter, visit www.venturerichmond.com. Call Venture Richmond at 788-6466 or 649-2800.

Floodwall Walking Tours
The Old Dominion Railway Museum offers a brisk walking tour lasting about 1.5 hours. See a half-mile wide view of the James River plus a panoramic view of the city skyline and historic sites including Belle Isle, Tredegar Iron Works, The Hotel Jefferson, State Capitol and two rail bridges. Tours are free and take place the second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m., departing from the museum. Wheelchair accessibility by advance arrangement. Admission and parking are free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, call 804-233-6237.

James River Park Tours
Take a serene guided walk along the James River to observe plants and animals. The James River Park Visitors' Center, a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities offers nature classes throughout the year. School and community groups may schedule educational nature programs such as seasonal hikes along the river, history and ecology tours, hands-on sessions with live reptiles, river explorations, and sensory walks for the physically challenged. Group programs are generally scheduled Tuesday through Friday and have a nominal fee per student. Call 804-646-8911 for an updated schedule.

Historic Neighborhood Walking Tours
Feel at home in Richmond by touring some of the City's oldest neighborhoods, including Jackson Ward, Carver, Barton Heights, Highland Park and Manchester. Half-hour walking tours reveal architecture such as Greek Revival, Colonial and Victorian. Tours are offered on Saturdays after neighborhood workshops on buying and renovating old homes. Donations appreciated. For more information, call 804-422-2148.

Richmond Walks & History Programs Tours
Richmond Walks Tours provide regularly scheduled walking tours of historic sites in downtown Richmond from May through October. Choose from four tours: a riverfront walk ("Jazzin' up the James"), an architecture walk("From Roman Temples to Skyscrapers"), a ghost walk or a tour of Belle Isle. These educational, lighhearted jaunts are full of information. To make a reservation or for more information, call 804-673-WALK.

Richmond Discoveries
Spend a Sunday visiting the historical graves at Hollywood Cemetery. See the resting grounds of famous people such as presidents Monroe and Tyler, Jefferson Davis and J.E.B. Stuart. Tours start at 2 p.m. on the last day of Sunday of the Month, from March through October. Other tour destinations include the Capitol Square area and Shockoe. Admission is $5. For more information, call 804-222-8595.

Slave Trail Tours
Take a walk along the Slave Trail. The trail starts at Ancarrow’s Landing in the James River Park System. Walk the trail many imported slaves took upon their arrival and entry into Virginia at Manchester Docks to Richmond. The same route also took some slaves sold from Lumpkin’s Jail and other establishments in downtown Richmond during the antebellum years to the docks to be exported. The walk is 1.3 miles in length. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Group tours can be arranged by calling 804-646-8911.

Valentine Richmond History Center Tours
Located at 1015 East Clay Street, the Valentine Richmond History Center offers several walking tours of Richmond. Areas visited rotate among Hollywood Cemetery, Shockoe Slip and the Canals (an eclectic neighborhood known for its restored warehouses), Capitol Square and Court End and other neighborhoods. Groups can also select from other available tours, such as: Old Richmond Today, Richmond Highlights, Richmond's African-American Heritage Tour and the Civil War Sampler. Tours run from April through October. For rate information or other details, call 804-649-0711.

Various Tour Companies
A website listing various tour companies in Richmond.

       
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