Discover Danville

Discover Danville through its art, science, industrial history, and places along the Dan River. These themes give your stay different points of focus: you can explore changing and permanent museum exhibitions, view architecture from different eras, or spend time in the parks.

Art, Science, and Exhibitions

Exhibitions at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History change throughout the year; the museum also offers community events, art classes, and educational programs. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the life and legacy of Danville-born soprano Camilla Williams. The museum’s changing offerings are complemented by a lasting look at one of the city’s notable musicians.

The Danville Science Center offers interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations. Its offerings also include traveling exhibitions, presentations in The Dome, and special events. The Dome shows films on a giant screen and presentations on a 44-foot screen. Astronomer-led presentations also make space an interactive experience there. The range spans exhibits and hands-on activities to large-format presentations.

Industrial History and Historic Districts

The Danville Historic District contains a concentrated collection of Victorian residential and religious architecture, as well as architecture from the early 20th century. The elegant homes reflect the prosperity generated by Danville’s tobacco and textile companies. Here, architecture and economic history go hand in hand: the buildings offer a glimpse of a time when these companies shaped the city’s development.

The Holbrook-Ross Street Historic District tells a different story. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it developed into a distinct African American neighborhood. Together with the Danville Historic District, it offers a look at different aspects of the city’s history, with each district covering a different theme.

Dan River Mill No. 8 is also an important testament to industrial history. The building was constructed in 1920 and operated from 1921 until the 1990s. Its significance lies in the contribution the textile industry made to Danville’s economic development. The construction date and long period of operation place the former mill within the city’s industrial history.

Parks and Time Along the Dan River

Riverfront Park offers a viewpoint overlooking the Dan River. The park also has a playground, a municipal sprayground, and access to the river. The sprayground is free to the public and open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. If you plan to enjoy this seasonal park amenity, keep these hours in mind.

Dan Daniel Memorial Park has a different focus: it features walking and nature trails, as well as Philip Wyatt Skate Park. The Danville/Pittsylvania County Veterans Memorial is also located in the park. Danville offers a range of outdoor activities: trails for walking and observing nature, a skate park, and a park with a playground, sprayground, and access to the Dan River.

Plan Your Stay

To plan your trip, you can first decide which of these perspectives interests you most: exhibitions and events, architecture and industrial history, or park amenities. This can help you choose the focus of your stay in Danville before you look for a hotel. The cultural and historical themes offer a different way to experience the city than the activities in the parks; you can weigh the various offerings according to your personal interests.

Explore more destinations: Chesapeake, Albemarle, Brunswick County, Carroll County, Appomattox County, Richmond City, Buckingham County, Warren

For the main travel overview: Virginia.