Discover Radford

Radford brings together cultural history along the New River, offerings at Radford University, and activities on the river. When planning your stay, you can choose among exhibitions, a paved trail, and a half-day paddle trip—the locations and starting points for each are different.

Cultural history along the New River

The Glencoe Museum is housed in a Victorian home dating from the 19th century on the banks of the New River. Civil War General Gabriel Colvin Wharton had the house built. The building itself is therefore part of the museum’s historic character.

Its exhibits cover the contributions of Indigenous groups, early settlers, industries, educational institutions and businesses, as well as local artisans and crafts. Elegant furnishings, photographs of Radford’s past, and a historic woodworking shop complement these themes. Social and economic history thus meets images and objects that offer a glimpse of local life and craftwork.

Art and science at Radford University

The Radford University Art Museum presents exhibitions by students, faculty, and regional artists throughout the year. The Radford University Planetarium offers free public shows, including tours of the night sky using a full-dome projection system. The offerings have different focuses: one centers on art exhibitions, while the other presents the starry sky.

The Museum of the Earth Sciences at Radford University offers another perspective, serving the public as an educational resource on topics in the earth sciences. Its exhibits include a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a glowing display of fluorescent minerals. The contrast between a large fossil replica and the glowing minerals brings different aspects of the earth sciences to life.

Trails and water along the New River

At Bisset Park, canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes can be launched at various locations. The park’s trails also offer opportunities to observe birds, dragonflies, damselflies, and other animals that live in and around the water. You can focus your time in the park on either the water or the wildlife along the trails.

The Riverway Trail offers a different way to experience the river landscape: this 3.5-mile paved bike and walking trail is accessible from Bisset Park. It runs east along the New River and continues south through Wildwood Park. Its route and paved surface set it apart from a paddle trip; it’s a useful option for anyone looking to cover the stretch by bike or on foot.

For a half-day river trip, the New River Paddle Route – Radford is a separate option. It begins at Riverview Park, not Bisset Park. Along the route, you may spot great blue herons, green herons, red-faced kingbirds, Carolina teal, and ospreys. When planning, it helps to first choose between the Riverway Trail, accessed from Bisset Park, and the paddle route starting at Riverview Park.

Ingles Farm and its history

Ingles Farm features a faithfully reconstructed cabin where Mary lived and worked for the rest of her life. The historical story also reaches back to the Wilderness Road and the New River: the Ingles family built and operated a ferry and a tavern to transport and house numerous settlers crossing the river. The farm’s history thus connects a personal story with the region’s travel and settlement history.

Ingles Farm is a working property with limited visiting opportunities. Visits are offered on select weekends from spring through fall, as well as occasional private tours. Confirm seasonal dates before you arrive.

Explore more destinations: Christiansburg, Blacksburg.

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