Nestled in beautiful Southwestern Virginia is Wytheville, a small town with a big history.
There’s something for everyone here, from Civil War stories to the town’s famous hot air balloon-themed water tower!
In some places, there’s real small-town American charm, and in others, there’s a more cosmopolitan vibe, but wherever you visit on this list you know you’re in for a good time.
Here are our top things to do in Wytheville!
Looking for more locally approved Virginia guides? Check these out!
- 23 Fun Things to Do in Harrisonburg, Virginia
- 15 Gorgeous Virginia Waterfalls (must-visit)
- 27 Fantastic Things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia
1. Historic Walking Tour
Grab your sneakers and get ready to explore Wytheville!
If you’re interested in finding out the history of this quaint Virginian town, the walking tour provided by the tourism board is the best way to get in your Wytheville sightseeing.
Head to visitwytheville.com to download the map, which will take you through all of the major local sights. Plus check out the sections on local history.
Hint: there’s a lot that’s gone down in Wytheville!
2. The Big Pencil
It’s impossible to go any further in a guide of the best Wytheville attractions without mentioning The Big Pencil!
If you’re someone who loves the unusual then you have to check this out on your visit.
In fact, many people state The Big Pencil as their reason for coming to Wytheville!
Outside Wytheville Office Supply is the 30-foot metal pencil, left over from when the store owner tried to get businesses to advertise by having oversize objects outside that reflected what they sold.
It didn’t catch on.
Head down the street and see if you can spot the big paint can.
Now, what type of store do you think that’s on?
3. Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
Wytheville is the hometown of Edith Bolling Wilson, the wife of wartime president Woodrow Wilson.
Did you know that Edith took care of the Presidency for 17 months after her husband had a stroke?
She’s the only First Lady in US history to do so, and is described by the White House as “the secret president”!
This small museum is packed full of artifacts, letters, and photographs from the life of the First Lady, and the owners are happy to give tours of not only the museum but the second floor, the Bolling family home.
Head to this small-town museum and find out for yourself why it’s one of the most popular things to do in Wytheville!
4. Big Walker Lookout
Who doesn’t love a stunning 360-degree panoramic view!
Head out of Wytheville on Highway 52 towards Walker Mountain; at the top, you’ll find Big Walker Lookout, a 100-foot lookout tower that springs up out of a Country Store.
You’ll find lots of typical gifts and local goods at the store – plus some delicious ice cream and fudge!
Visit on a weekend through May and October and you’ll catch live music and live demos from local artisans.
But of course, the big draw here is the tower itself!
Shooting high into the sky, after the climb (so. many. steps!) you’re rewarded with an awesome view of the Appalachian Mountains, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, and five US states!
5. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
For more outdoor fun, head to this 160-acre property where you can walk through the tranquil lavender gardens and regain some zen.
Open from May each year (other than for appointments and classes) Beagle Ridge has lots to explore for your whole family.
Visit the herbal tea gardens and see what goes into your cup!
Or try the Japanese meditation garden and children’s garden!
Flying Flowers Butterfly House is on the same farm – a spectacular walk-through butterfly house where you see multiple species and can learn about the life cycle of a butterfly.
6. Wytheville’s Smallest Church
You might think that something so tiny must be part of Wytheville’s historic past. The Smallest Church was built in 2010!
It’s a delightful little place to visit – a perfect place for prayer and meditation whatever your faith.
Described as ‘charming’ by many visitors, you’ll love the appeal of the pocket-sized pews, altar, and pulpit.
Plus, if you’re into this, there’s a geocache there’s one here that’s worth finding!
7. Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater
Described as “German-themed dinner theatre nestled in the beautiful Appalachian mountains”, Wohlfahrt Haus is the place to get a real dinner-and-a-show experience in Wytheville!
Enjoy a four-course meal while being serenaded by Broadway-esque musical stylings!
There are six different shows a year, including a special Christmas show if you’re in town for the holidays.
But why German?
Excellent question!
The theater is named for an early German pioneer, Wilhelm Ludwig Wohlfahrt who settled in southern Virginia in the late 1700s.
8. Dinner with a Ghost, 1870 Octagon Mansion History Museum
Now for something a little bit different! The dinner-theater company Dinner with a Ghost comes to the haunted 1870 Octagon Mansion for a spooky evening of paranormal antics.
It’s well worth timing your visit with one of their evenings.
For the price of your ticket, you get champagne and a four-course gourmet meal, plus after dinner, you get to take part in a paranormal investigation!
If you’re a little bit spooky, this is one of the best things to do in Wytheville!
9. Haunted Graham Mansion
If your visit to Wythveville falls in October (aka Spooky month), you have to stop in at the Haunted Graham Mansion!
Just outside Wytheville in Max Meadows, the Graham Mansion was declared officially haunted by the SyFy Channel’s ‘Ghost Hunters’!
The legend goes that during the Civil War, Confederate officers held top-secret meetings in the attic plotting against the Yankee soldiers.
The mansion’s history predates this though, with some pretty grizzly events happening
Many ghostly goings-on have been reported, so if you’re brave enough, you know where to head when you’re in the area!
10. Fall on the Farm, Richdale Farm
The next two listings are also seasonal, but worth planning your trip around – particularly if you’re visiting with little family members.
Richdale Farm is a 5th-generation family farm with a fantastic Fall festival that runs weekends through October.
Fancy a harvest hayride?
Look no further!
Find your way through the giant corn maze, or pick a pumpkin to take home for Halloween!
Bring your appetite – each weekend has a different food truck, from sliders and hot dogs to good old-fashioned BBQ!
Outside of Fall, Richdale Farm is famous for its sweetcorn, which you can pick up at the Wytheville farmers market every Saturday, July through September.
11. Williams Orchard Fall Festival
The Pumpkin Festival at Williams Orchard is full of great Wytheville things to do, each weekend in October.
With pumpkins to pick, carve and launch (yes, really!), tractor rides and a children’s mini-maze, you and your family will be full of the joys of Fall after your visit!
Williams Orchard is also chock full of seasonal treats and fresh produce for you to enjoy – we’re thinking of gifts for everyone back home!
12. West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery
You’ve done things for the kids, now something for you!
On a 4th-generation homestead, sits a delightful family-run vineyard, West Wind.
The friendly owners offer tastings of their award-winning wines from their location in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Award-winning wines, I hear you say!
That’s right!
Since they opened in 2006, many of West Wind’s small-batch wines have been recognized at competitions.
They are also certified Virginia Green for their principles of sustainability and environmental impact.
There are 11 wines to choose from, including fruit wines if you like a sweeter wine.
13. Thomas J. Boyd Museum
When you visit here make sure you purchase the museum pass, which gives you access to numbers 13-15 on our list!
Thomas Jefferson Boyd was known as the Father of Wytheville – he was an attorney, Town mayor, surveyor, hotelier and Virginia Legislator!
The museum contains some of the most interesting things to see in Wytheville.
The exhibits pack a punch, from the Civil War to the Wythe County polio epidemic.
Bring your children to see the interactive stations in the Discovery Centre to learn about local history.
You can then shoot next door to…
14. Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum
As a Registered Historical Landmark, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House is one of the top things to do in Wytheville.
Visit this family home that has been integral to Wytheville’s history and survival since its construction in 1823.
Find out how Dr John Haller – the first Doctor in Wytheville – and his descendants opened their house to the town to use as an infirmary during the Civil War – and see artifacts from that time too!
Once you’ve explored the inside, check out the backyard – there’s a herb garden with plants that were typically used in the 19th century!
Then head down the street to…
15. Great Lakes to Florida Museum
Visit this tiny (one-room!) museum as part of the three-museum tour.
View the kitschy collection of Americana and automotive antiques in the restored gas station from the roaring 1920s!
The name comes from the days when the Great Lakes to Florida Highway (Route 21) was the main way of getting from Ohio to Florida.
Those days have long gone, but enjoying the memorabilia from a bygone time is one of the fun things to do in Wytheville!
16. Wither’s Park
If all that sightseeing has you in a whirl, live life like a local and head to Wither’s Park!
Your little ones can play on the kids’ playground, or bring their scooters and take advantage of the paths in this little park.
There’s even a community pool, so if you visit in hot weather bring your bathing suit!
You can also pay your respects at the war memorials for the town’s fallen soldiers.
17. Wythe County Historical and Genealogical Research Center
Are you local to Wythe County, or do you have family from the region? If so, this is an absolute must for you.
It’s a mine of historical resources going back to the founding of the town in 1790, so even if you don’t have a personal connection to the area, it’s an interesting stop on your list of things to do in Wytheville.
18. African American Heritage Museum
The museum is housed in the historic Wytheville Training School, which ran from 1882 to 1952 for African American children.
Pay a visit to the museum and learn from photos, stories and memorabilia about the county’s history of African American education.
If you’re visiting with younger family members you might enjoy the Children’s Library, which showcases the achievements of African Americans.
The museum has a fascinating history, and it’s worth visiting (and leaving a donation for this charity-run museum) on your trip to Wytheville.
19. Historic Shot Tower
Venture out of Wytheville towards Austinville to see the 200-year-old historic Shot Tower!
The tower was originally used to make ammunition for settlers’ firearms.
The process was long-winded: lead from local mines was melted at the top of the 75-foot tower, then poured through a sieve, down through the tower, before falling another 75-foot drop below the tower into a kettle of cold water.
Phew!
Got all that?
Luckily things are a lot simpler these days, and you can just enjoy your climb up the tower to see the views over New River!
20. Antiquing
You are going to be spoiled for choice if you want to do a spot of antiquing when you’re in town.
There are even a couple of antiquing malls!
One of which is the delightfully named Snoopers Inc!
Check out the wares of over 100 dealers with multiple specialities, including comics, NASCAR memorabilia, vintage clothing and glassware.
For high-quality items at a reasonable price, Antique Station is a good bet.
Popular with visitors for their furniture and glassware, you’ll be sure to find a delightful bargain here!
So this isn’t an antique store, but The Farmer’s Daughter Boutique is full to the brim with unique items such as clothing, accessories, jewelry and home décor.
A must-visit on your list of Wytheville activities to enjoy!
21. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
A half-hour drive out of Wytheville is Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia.
Head here for some outdoor adventuring, including trout fishing, horseback riding 500 miles of trails and cycling!
You’re guaranteed to see some awesome sights on your trip, perhaps even wild ponies – just watch out for the bears!
There’s so much to do here that it’s impossible to describe it all, but highlights for seasoned hikers would be trekking to the top of Mount Rogers.
Not quite up for that level of challenge? No problem – there are trails for all abilities, plus areas where you can sit and just watch the busy world go by. Bliss!
22. Fort Chiswell Animal Park
One of the best things to do in Wytheville if you’re visiting with kids (or if you’re just a big kid at heart!) is to stop in at this cute, family-run safari park.
You’ll be taken on a safari bus around the zoo, stopping off to see all the animals.
Adorably, many of them run up to the bus for treats!
Puff the Camel is always a big hit with the whole family!
If you want to get up close with some exotic animals, then Fort Chiswell Animal Park is a must!
23. Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm
If you prefer your animals native (at least to the American continent!), do pay a visit to the fluffy friends at Cobb Hill.
It isn’t a petting zoo, but you can interact with the alpacas in their pastures and watch them frolic around.
Who doesn’t love a frolicking alpaca?!
There are also bees and chickens at the farm, and the owners of Cobb Hill are mines of knowledge about their animals, insects and birds!
Visit the shop for alpaca everything! Socks, hats, knitwear, fleeces, and even yarn if you want to make your own alpaca item at home.
24. Seven Sisters Brewery
This community craft brewery has a lot more to it than meets the eye.
For one, it’s family-friendly!
As well as beer, grab some gourmet snacks or even a full meal from one of the food trucks on site.
Head to the game hall for some traditional gaming fun – cornhole anyone?
At the time of writing, there are nine Seven Sisters original brews on the menu, and there are always some guest beers on rotation too.
Whenever you visit, you’ll find stuff to do in Wytheville, because there’s always something happening at Seven Sisters!
From live music to a weekly trivia night (Thursday, if you’re interested), head down there for guaranteed entertainment!
25. Wythe Raceway
Well, it would be bad manners to come down to Southern Virginia and not visit a race track!
For a real local experience, Wythe Raceway is perfect – an old-fashioned dirt track raceway.
It’s renowned for its excellent track, plentiful parking, and awesome atmosphere, which combine to make a great – and inexpensive – night out.
You might even spot a familiar face from the NASCAR circuit when you’re there!
