ATTRACTIONS

Historic Sites & Monuments

Birthplace of Lady Astor
117 Broad Street • Danville, VA 24541
434-799-3379
One of Danville's premier historic sites is the birthplace of Nancy Langhorne, Viscountess Astor, the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons. Her sister, Irene, also born here, married the artist Charles Dana Gibson who immortalized his wife as the Gibson Girl, the international fashion ideal. map
Chrismon Tree
314 West Main Street • Danville, VA 24541
Located at the Ascension Lutheran Church
434-792-5795
This huge evergreen is decorated with exquisite handmade symbols depicting the life of Jesus. These symbols, known as Chrismons, are handcrafted with pearls and gold beads. Ascension Lutheran Church is the birthplace of this custom, now practiced by churches around the world. map
Wreck of Old 97
Located on Highway 58
434-793-5422
On September 27, 1903, a Southern Express train crashed in Danville killing nine persons and injuring seven. The event inspired the famous ballad of the same name and a historical marker is located at this site. map

American Armoured Foundation Tank Museum
3401 U.S. Highway 29 • Danville, VA 24540
434-834-5323
Journey through the pages of military history and prepare yourself for an awesome adventure that both young and old will enjoy. The most extensive international collection of Tank and Cavalry artifacts, dating from 1509 to the present, to be found in the world can be found at this museum. more... map
Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History
975 Main Street • Danville, VA 24541
434-793-5644
This 1857 Italian Villa house is best known as the Last Capitol of The Confederacy and is the place where Jefferson Davis resided during the final week of the Civil War. It was here that Davis and his Confederate government received word that Lee had surrendered at nearby Appomattox. This house museum now offers historical displays and revolving art exhibits and a gift shop is on site. more... map
Estelle H. Womack Museum of Natural History
1008 South Main Street • Danville, VA 24541
Located at Danville Community College Campus
434-797-2222
An excellent collection of mounted animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, as well as Indian artifacts, fossils and minerals, are housed at this 5,000 square foot museum which also contains 12 dioramas housing part of the bird collection in their natural habitat. map

Ballou Park
Located on West Main Street
434-799-5200
A scenic retreat in the heart of the city, this wooded 97 acre park includes picnic facilities, a children's playground, tennis courts, nature trails, and softball fields. map
Butterfly Station and Garden
677 Craghead Street • Danville, VA 24540
434-791-5160
Find out which caterpillar host plants attract which butterfly species and explore the best methods of attracting butterflies to your yard while at this beautiful butterfly garden. map
Dan Daniel Memorial Park
Located on River Point Drive
434-799-5200
The American Legion Post 325 Memorial Stadium, which is the home of Danville Braves minor league team, is located at this riverfront park which also includes picnic sites and shelters, walking and biking trails, and soccer fields. map

Danville Science Center
677 Craghead Street • Danville, VA 24540
434-791-5160
Discover the secrets of how things work and explore the impact of science on your life while at this hands-on science center that offers many activities such as building a crystal, making music in the outdoor sound exhibit, enjoying interactive exhibits in light, vision, and earth science, and visiting exhibits on topics including biology, ecology, and natural history. more... map