Discover Martinsville: Motorsport, Art and Nature

Martinsville offers travelers several points of interest to consider when planning a trip: motorsport history, historic sites, art and culture, as well as nature and trails. If you’re looking for a hotel in Martinsville, you can start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay. Facts about each place provide concrete guidance for making this decision.

Motorsport History in Martinsville

Martinsville Speedway was founded in 1947. Races in the NASCAR Cup Series have been held there every year since the division was introduced in 1949; the speedway is the only track with this annual continuity. The two years mark different milestones: the track’s founding and the start of annual Cup Series races. For a trip focused on motorsports, the speedway is therefore a clear focal point.

Historic Sites and Cityscape

The 45-acre Martinsville Historic District includes the Henry County Courthouse and historic retail businesses. Many buildings in the district are visible from public streets; visibility may vary by building. Private residences are not necessarily open to visitors. This distinction helps you tell the difference between viewing the historic cityscape and visiting the interiors of individual buildings.

In 1998, the Martinsville Historic District was listed in both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The district’s designation and the named buildings offer two complementary perspectives on the area: its historic recognition and specific buildings, including the Henry County Courthouse and former retail businesses.

Art, Culture and Museums

Group visits to the FAHI Museum are possible by appointment. Arrange your visit with the museum before arriving. At Piedmont Arts, visual and performing arts are among its areas of focus. The institution is located in Martinsville’s Arts & Cultural District and curates exhibitions by international, national and regional artists. The performing arts include concerts, plays and performances for children.

Piedmont Arts’ public art walk includes six murals in Martinsville’s Uptown neighborhood and five sculptures on the museum grounds and in the nearby Gravely-Lester Art Garden. The walk thus connects art in the neighborhood with works at two other named locations. The Virginia Museum of Natural History offers a different focus: it features exhibitions, scientific research and collections, as well as educational programs for all ages.

Rail Trail and River Access

The Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail is a 10.7-mile paved rail trail in Martinsville and Henry County. It starts at Virginia Avenue and ends at the Smith River Sports Complex. Access points listed are Virginia Avenue, Liberty St., Doyle St., Fisher St., Spruce St. and the Smith River Sports Complex. Its length, surface, endpoints and six named access points give you several concrete details to consider when including this trail in your plans.

The Smith River Trail System includes a scenic blueway with 11 public river access points and more than 20 miles of greenway. The two trail options therefore emphasize different details: the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail has a specified length, paved surface and endpoints, while river access points and greenway are part of the described scope of the Smith River Trail System. This can help you decide whether to focus your trip planning on a rail trail or on an option that includes a blueway and greenway.

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