What to Do in Fredericksburg | 10 Amazing Things to Do in Fredericksburg

I never imagined I’d say this, but there are plenty of reasons to visit Fredericksburg, Virginia. Vacation homes and hotels with waterfalls and picturesque views will keep you busy throughout your visit to this lovely city.

The sightseeing options alone make Fredericksburg VA a popular tourist destination. Is that all there is to it? Obviously not. Museums, history aficionados for those interested in the Civil War and the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Mary Washington House, and the Museum of American Frontier Culture are among the many enjoyable things to do in Fredericksburg.

Whether you’re interested in the American Civil War or simply want to have some family fun, Fredericksburg, Virginia has something for everyone. Continue reading to see why this burgeoning city is an intriguing trip for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and fun-loving families.

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Fantastic Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Virginia

In the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, you may learn about history.

The phone number is +154069332001013 Lafayette Blvd.

When visiting Fredericksburg, VA attractions, this is the best place to start. The visitor center at the Battlefield. You may find information about forthcoming events, military relics, and exhibitions here.

You should expect to spend some time visiting the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. There’s a strong chance you’ll learn something new, and if you go at a slower time of year, you’ll have plenty of one-on-one time with a park ranger who can teach you more about the history of the conflicts that took place there.

The Visitor Center has two levels that you may explore. The first and second floors provide excellent historical context for the events leading up to the Battle of Fredericksburg. Also, there is a lot to learn from the exhibits on show in the various halls.

It is regarded to be the country’s best-preserved battlefield site. It contains information about major engagements that occurred during the American Civil War. There are also thrilling tales and anecdotes of persons who fought in the battle.

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is open till 8:00 p.m. on Fridays throughout the summer.

The employees there wowed me with their knowledge of local history, giving intriguing facts and tales during the trip. You will know a lot more about the area’s prominent monuments after leaving the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.

Visit the James Monroe Memorial Museum and Library.

Charles St. +15406541043908 Charles St.

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library were founded by direct descendants of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. The family desired a location to store their own collection, so they created the museum.

They elected to install the monument in the neighborhood where Monroe was born, Ash Lawn-Highland.

The James Monroe Museum has a large collection of antiques and heirlooms, ranging from letters and papers to dinner plates and ceramics.

It’s not simply a museum about who James Monroe was that has made it one of Virginia’s most popular attractions. Instead, it is a site where you can get a sense of what life was like during Monroe’s time and all of the transformations he went through from struggling lawyer to president from 1817 to 1825.

Monroe’s military uniform, furnishings from the Governors Mansion he resided during his administration, and a strand of his hair are among the precious treasures on show. If you want to see them for yourself, the museum is free to all visitors.

Pay a visit to the Washington Historic Museums.

+1 154037356301300 Charles St.

There’s always something going on in the Washington Historic Museums neighborhood, whether you’re out with the kids, learning about history, or just roaming about.

Washington Heritage Museums manages four historic homes in Fredericksburg that depict major parts of American history as they pertain to the life of George Washington, the country’s first president.

You may tour the Mary Washington House, which George Washington purchased for his ailing mother. Original woodwork may be seen at the Rising Sun Tavern, which was constructed by his younger brother Charles and originally served travelers in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Have a good time at the Central Park Funland.

The phone number is +154078567001351 Central Park Blvd.

Central Park Funland is a big, family-friendly indoor entertainment facility that provides a fun way to escape the heat while in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Central Park Funland is a contemporary, multi-level facility with bright walls, windows, and billboards for its many activities. It has three entrances that are easily identified since it is the only structure in the neighborhood with many windows.

The indoor amusement park’s remarkable architectural architecture is shown once inside. Visitors may reach the top floor through two escalators on each level, which features bumper cars, carnival attractions, and video games.

Apart from the exciting rides, there are inflatables, bumper boats, batting cages, and other outside activities to keep children entertained.

You may also buy a wristband that lets you to have limitless fun throughout the adventure park, and there is a café with meals, snacks, and beverages.

Explore Kenmore Plantation and Gardens.

The phone number is +154037333811201 Washington Ave.

Kenmore Plantation & Gardens is the crowning beauty of Fredericksburg, a gorgeous jewel of the American South. Kenmore is a national historic monument with over 300 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, plazas, ponds, streams, farmed landscape, pastures, and meadows. Be sure to bring your camera!

Kenmore Plantation and Gardens is an 1852 plantation home and grounds that was transformed into a museum. Just one structure from the old plantation, which dates back to the 1770s, survives.

Kenmore Plantation and Gardens is a fantastic site to visit since you can do so much there. You will learn about the area’s history as well as the local flora and animals. The buildings are vast and well-kept, making it easy to envision living on a plantation in colonial times.

Thus, if you find yourself in Virginia’s competitive 4th congressional district, pay a visit to Kenmore. The home is available for visits, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Rising Sun Tavern.

+154037114941304 Caroline Ave.

The structure was originally built as a dwelling for George Washington’s brother, but it was converted into a bar in 1792. On the front porch, you could see live performances in the manner of an 18th-century pub.

Within the bar, you’ll find period furniture and a trunk belonging to George Washington, who represented Virginia in the Continental Congress.

It was previously the private house of Virginia’s King of Ceramics, Charles Washington, and the Rising Sun Tavern functioned as a hospital during the Civil War one hundred and seventy-five years after George Washington’s brother constructed it.

The structure is now a historic site, complete with the original bar and kitchen of the pub.

Pay a visit to the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

Princess Anne St. +15403713037907 Princess Anne St.

The Civil War is represented by the museum’s most significant objects. Although there are pieces from Union and Confederate armies and regular daily life in the 1800s, there are also items from public civilian life during that time period. Although the majority of these antiques were given, a handful were purchased.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum appeals to both children and adults. Nonetheless, others would argue that the museum is underappreciated since it receives little attention. Thankfully, they have a decent website where you may learn about them and their upcoming shows. So go ahead and have a look.

The museum’s permanent collections are housed in galleries located throughout the facility. Archaeology, military history, decorative arts, folk art, Fredericksburg history, and science are among them.

Likewise, keep in mind that the Fredericksburg Area Museum is self-funded, so contributions are much appreciated. Consider making a little donation during your visit to their museum.

Admire Gari Melcher’s House and Studio for Art.

The phone number is +15406541015224 and the address is 224 Washington St.

The Gari Melchers House and Studio is situated on the campus of the University of Mary Washington. Gari Melchers, a pioneering artist, owned the 27.3-acre ancient estate.

He was born in Virginia and studied painting at the National Academy of Design before moving to France to further his education. When he came to America in the early 1930s, he erected this U-shaped brick house in Falmouth.

You will also be able to see the art studio where many of Garis’s renowned works were made. You may purchase one-of-a-kind products that symbolize the site’s history in the gift store.

The gift store has original Melchers artwork, lovely gift items, and memorabilia that are ideal souvenirs for your Fredericksburg visit.

There is a wide range of excellent art on display, including paintings and sculptures. It was fantastic to go on a self-guided tour of the displays at this site. My recommendation is to not miss a visit here.

Brunch is served at Eileen’s Bakery and Café.

Caroline St. +154037240301115 Caroline St.

Eileens Bakery and Café, situated in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, delivers freshly baked pastries and sandwiches created with only the best ingredients.

On any given day, guests may choose from a variety of hot breakfast delicacies such as Belgian waffles with whipped cream or handmade cinnamon buns. There are also plenty of nutritious lunch options, such as fresh salads, sandwiches served with freshly baked bread, and seasonal soups.

picture of eileen’s dish image

Of course, Eileens Bakery and Café is famous for its delectable handcrafted treats, such as creamy milkshakes served in old-fashioned soda fountain glasses.

You come inside, and all the beautiful scents of handmade cuisine meet you as a clue that this will be one terrific, satisfying, hearty lunch. All you have to do is sit into their inviting dining area and dig into their fresh cinnamon buns.

Visit the Shannon Air Museum.

Shannon Airport Cir. +154064243873380 Shannon Airport Cir.

The Shannon Aviation Museum is one of the most unusual museums in America. It is located at the Fredericksburg Regional Airport and houses historic warplanes as well as civilian aircraft. The museum gathers, protects, and repairs these historic planes, making them accessible for public inspection and usage.

The Shannon Aviation Museum is now showcasing 37 antique aircraft, which are only a few of the numerous aircraft on display. There is also a gift store and a café inside the museum.

All aviation lovers should pay a visit to the Shannon Air Museum. While it is situated in Albemarle County, I am certain that if you visit or live in the Fredericksburg area, the journey will be well worth your time.

Summary Of The 10 Great Things To Do In Fredericksburg VA

History aficionados can find lots to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Yet it does not restrict the city to them; everyone who has been will tell you that it was time well spent.

Fredericksburg, in my perspective, has a lot of Civil War history and is a great site to visit. Thus, if you’re searching for things to do in Fredericksburg, keep these 10 ideas in mind for you and your family.

There is also a lot of beautiful architecture and historic buildings to view. I’ve been fascinated by history since I was a child, and I adore visiting historic structures and learning about the tales that go with them. I like this city because there is something for everyone, regardless of age or hobbies.