Discover Radford: Culture, River and History

Radford combines the history of the New River with cultural attractions and offerings from Radford University. The Glencoe Museum, the Riverway Trail and the planetarium show the many different ways to discover the town.

Culture at the Glencoe Museum

One notable cultural site is the Glencoe Museum. It is housed in a Victorian residence from the 19th century that Civil War general Gabriel Colvin Wharton had built on the banks of the New River. The building itself combines architectural history with the history of the river. At the museum, you can see elegant furnishings, photographs from Radford's past and a historic woodworking shop.

From a historical perspective, the Glencoe Museum also addresses the contributions of Indigenous groups and early settlers, as well as the role of industries, educational institutions, businesses, local craftspeople and handicrafts. This means a visit can be understood in different ways: as a glimpse into a 19th-century residence, as a look back at Radford or as an examination of the people and activities that shaped the town's development.

River Landscapes, Trails and Paddling Trips

There are several opportunities for outdoor activities around the New River. The Riverway Trail is a 3.5-mile paved path for bicycles and pedestrians. It is accessible from Bisset Park, runs east along the New River and continues south through Wildwood Park. Its exact length is useful for planning your day if you would like to include a walk or bike ride.

The trails in Bisset Park also offer opportunities to observe birds, dragonflies, damselflies and other animals that live in and around the water. Canoes, kayaks and inner tubes can be launched at various places in the park. Those looking for a longer activity on the river can consider the New River Paddle Route – Radford. It begins at Riverview Park and is suitable for a half-day river trip. Along the route, you may be able to spot great blue herons, green herons, scissor-tailed flycatchers, Carolina teal and ospreys.

Planetarium and Earth Sciences

Radford University's offerings also expand the program beyond traditional local history. The Radford University Planetarium offers free public shows. These include tours of the night sky using a full-dome projection system. The Radford University Art Museum presents year-round exhibitions by students, faculty and regional artists.

Another stop is the Museum of the Earth Sciences at Radford University. There, you can see a life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a glowing exhibition of fluorescent minerals. The museum serves the public as an educational resource on topics in the earth sciences. For a stay involving different interests, such stops can provide a distinct focus alongside river trails and historic sites.

History at Ingles Farm

Ingles Farm also illustrates historical connections. There is an accurately reconstructed cabin where Mary lived and worked for the rest of her life. The Ingles family also built and operated a ferry and a tavern to transport and accommodate numerous settlers crossing the New River on the Wilderness Road. The history of the site is therefore closely connected with travel routes, river crossings and early settlement.

Ingles Farm remains a working property with limited visitor access. Visits are scheduled for selected weekends from spring through fall, along with occasional private tours. You should take these timing and organizational restrictions into account when planning your trip if the farm is one of your desired destinations.

Choose Your Accommodation Based on Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Radford, it helps to first determine your preferred priorities. For those interested in culture, the Glencoe Museum, the Art Museum and the university's offerings are the main attractions. Anyone who wants to spend time by the water can compare the Riverway Trail, Bisset Park and the New River Paddle Route – Radford. For historical interests, the Glencoe Museum and Ingles Farm are additional options. This way, you choose your accommodation not merely by the place name, but by the experiences you want to define your stay.

If you would like to compare more destinations for your trip, you can also look at Christiansburg and Blacksburg.

For the overview of the broader travel region: Montgomery.