14 Can’t-Miss Historical Sites Near Smith Mountain Lake

Most people who find their way to Smith Mountain Lake—whether to live or visit—are drawn by the lake’s scenic views, serenity and watersports fun.

As a bonus, many discover that our beautiful region is also rich in history, with a variety of nearby sites, including several of national significance.

Here’s an insider’s guide to some of our favorite historical sites around Smith Mountain Lake.

Booker T. Washington National Monument

Visit Booker T. Washington National Monument, located on the farm where the famous educator, author and orator was born and grew up as a slave. Follow nearly level gravel pathways that lead to the footprint of the main home, a reconstructed cabin and several outbuildings. The visitor center features an informative video, exhibits and a gift shop. Children will enjoy seeing the resident livestock. Admission is free with guided tours available. Hours vary.

Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitors Center

Learn how the Smith Mountain Project’s pumped-storage hydroelectric system generates renewable energy at the Vipperman Visitors Center near Sandy Level. View fascinating construction photos from the 1960s and a detailed model of the Smith Mountain and Leesville dam operations. The site, which also includes a scenic picnic area, is located about 40 minutes from Westlake. Open Tuesday through Saturday in season. Admission is free.

National D-Day Memorial

The town of nearby Bedford suffered the highest per-capita D-Day losses of any American community, a sacrifice honored at the moving National D-Day Memorial. The bright, welcoming visitor center features compelling exhibits and antique firefighting equipment from Bedford’s past. Knowledgeable volunteer docents offer tours that highlight the Bedford Boys’ sacrifice and heroism. Plan to spend 2-3 hours and leave with a new appreciation of World War II history. The memorial is open daily except in winter. Admission fees apply.

Bedford Boys Tribute Center

Opened in 2019, this quaint museum honors the 19 soldiers from Bedford who died storming Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Located in the historic Green’s Drug Store downtown, where many of the soldiers hung out in their youth and also where loved ones learned of their D-Day fate via telegram, the Bedford Boys Tribute Center offers a 45-minute guided tour led by an educational docent. Personal artifacts bring their stories to life, giving visitors a sense of knowing these local heroes. Open daily. Admission fees apply.

Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library

Known as the “Gateway to Bedford’s Past,” this museum just off the main downtown collects, preserves and interprets articles of historical significance to the town and county of Bedford. Permanent exhibits cover Native American history, Black history, World War I, World War II and the Civil War. The gift shop offers books, maps and distinctive gifts. Open Monday-Saturday. Admission is free. bedfordvamuseum.org

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Located in the western outskirts of Lynchburg, about 50 minutes from Bridgewater Plaza, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is the plantation retreat where the third U.S. president sought solace from the pressures of Washington, D.C. The site offers a unique glimpse into his personal life and architectural vision. Start with an excellent documentary at the visitor center, then join a guided tour through the gardens, outbuildings and Jefferson’s restored octagonal home. Admission fees include the tour.

The Crooked Road

Leading west from nearby Rocky Mount, The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail winds 330 miles and spans 19 counties through the scenic mountains of Southwest Virginia. It connects nine major venues and more than 60 affiliated sites, including festivals, luthier workshops and music stores. This is the birthplace of bluegrass and old-time mountain music, still performed at casual streetcorner and front porch jams. A day or overnight trip offers a great taste of the culture.

Blue Ridge Institute and Museum

About 45 minutes from Westlake, this Crooked Road stop on the campus of Ferrum College celebrates the colorful past of Southwest Virginia, including its moonshine and fast-car heritage. Galleries are open for self-guided visits Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. Group tours for eight or more can be arranged in advance. The adjacent farm museum, which has a small admission fee, is open Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays. ferrum.edu/brim/home

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Step back to Roanoke’s steam locomotive heyday at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Explore restored locomotives and railcars—including the massive N&W J-class 611—in the outdoor railyard. Inside, enjoy an antique auto gallery and a expansive O-gauge model railroad display. The museum is open most days and admission fees apply.

O. Winston Link Museum

Housed in Roanoke’s beautifully restored 1905 N&W Railway passenger station, this museum features the striking black-and-white photography of O. Winston Link, who documented the final days of steam locomotives along the Norfolk & Western Railway. His dramatic night shots, captured with elaborate flash setups, are presented alongside interactive displays and original equipment. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Admission fees apply.

History Museum of Western Virginia

Also located in the former N&W station, the History Museum of Western Virginia holds the region’s largest collection of artifacts, documents and photos tracing local history. Exhibits cover Native American life, early settlement, notable families, military service and industry. Highlights include a Thomas Jefferson land deed, Revolutionary War medical tools and rare “Rawrenoke” beads from which the city later took its name. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Admission fees apply.

Old City Cemetery

One of the oldest active municipal cemeteries in the U.S., Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery dates back to 1806 and is the final resting place of an estimated 20,000 people. Those buried here reflect the city’s diverse history—Confederate soldiers, African American laborers, immigrants, paupers and more. The 27-acre site, about one hour from Bridgewater Plaza, also features four small museums, including the Pest House and Mourning Museum. The cemetery is open dawn to dusk daily and museum hours vary.

American Civil War Museum

Located just over an hour from Bridgewater Plaza, this museum offers an in-depth look at General Robert E. Lee’s surrender, which ended the Civil War. Highlights include Lee’s uniform coat and sword among more than 400 other artifacts. Open daily with admission fees. acwm.org

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

This national park preserves the site of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant. Visitors can explore the restored village, including the McLean House where the surrender occurred, and enjoy exhibits, guided tours and scenic walking trails. Admission is free. nps.gov/appo