Location: Appomattox
Top Things to do in Appomattox
What to do and see in Appomattox, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Appomattox is a town in Appomattox County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,733 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Appomattox County.
Restaurants in Appomattox
1. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 779 reviews
Reviewed By TEBlaise - Ilion, New York
I have always wanted to stand where Grant accepted the surrender from Lee of the Army of Northern Virginia. It was very humbling. The grounds are well kept and the park ranger who did the tour was very knowledgeable - A must if interested in American military history
2. McLean House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Historical site where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
The Mclean House is probably the most visited site at the Appomattox Court House National Park, with the court house/visitor center a close second. The House was reconstructed in the late 1940's.
After the surrender signing much of the house's belongings & furniture were looted by union officers. Only a few original items are from the signing date. What a visitor will view are 1860's time period objects.
The surrender parlor will be the first room to view, which has a four foot high glass barrier blocking the entrance into the parlor/ The surrender I know is not the actual table, that table is located in Washington D.C.'s American Museum of History. The chairs for each general are probably time period. Also on this floor-behind a glass barrier- is a bedroom. A staircase leads to two upstairs bedrooms.
Met a polite & helpful staff member. She informed that photography is permitted, but NO flash. The parlor has one large painting with all the attending union officers, with names to inform visitors who was present for the signing.
A complete visit won't last 25 minutes, however worth the time & is recommended. Out back are two buildings, not knowing their purpose. Any visitor interested in the mid-1860's should enjoy a visit.
3. The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Drawing from a rich collection of artifacts and documents, The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox interweaves stories of the Confederate government, the military, civilians and enslaved & free African Americans. The main exhibit details events leading up to, during and following the Civil War, with a focus on the "Appomattox Moment" where two legendary armies met for the last time. Gen. Robert E. Lee's coat and sword are featured items on display.
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
The museum's exhibits are displayed in three galleries. The first-main-gallery starts with the war years. Most exhibits are behind large glass cases. Exhibits are uniforms-officers/soldiers- number of weapons-muskets/rifles-swords, pistols/revolvers- & photos of officers/soldiers with a short biography of each. Also a number of battle flags. All of this display I viewed at the Museum of the Confederacy & The Civil War at Historic Tredegar, both located in Richmond, VA. All three museums are connected. Only viewed about 3/4 before losing interest. One staff member then told about the other two galleries.
The second gallery is called 'When Johnny Came Marching Home: Confederates in Postwar South'. This gallery is all about the southern war veterans. From the late 1880's to 1951. On walls are countless photos & newspaper articles-some with yellowed paper.
The room starts with Andrew P. Scott, who designed & built prosthesis arms, of which one is displayed. The gallery has veteran reunions. One photo being Memorial Day 1940 between confederate Juius-first name only given- of Bristol, Va. meeting union veteran Frederick McWade of the 150 Ohio in color. This gallery I found more enjoyable than the first. Where the first gallery had too many visitors at one exhibit at one time, this gallery had close to none.
Because of limited time the third gallery wasn't viewed so no information. Since the museum closes at 5:00, I recommend arriving 2:30 or before for a complete visit and not worry about time. There is gift shop to explore. Plenty of parking.
I still recommend a visit. Good lighting for photography, not one dark photo.
4. Holliday Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By John G - Danville, Virginia
If you are interested in hiking, don't bother with this park.
The lakeshore trail (6.3 miles) was in terrible shape. It was poorly marked and at places there was no indication where the trail was.
One of the bridges was out and one of the bridges was in such bad shape with boards rotted away that it should have been closed. Their didn't seem to be any detours because there was no signage regarding alternative trails. At one point we had to ford a stream because there was no clear indication of where the trail was. we are in our late 60s and we were with our 7 year old granddaughter. You can imagine I'm sure that it's not something any of of wanted to do.
The interesting thing is that we asked several of the park rangers about this and they didn't say a word about what a mess this trail was.
It was only afterward when we got back and confronted the ranger about this that he admitted the trail had not been repaired since a tornado and some flooding a couple of years ago destroyed wide sections of the trail.
We were also disappointed with the bath house. There was no hot water. We mentioned it to the Park Ranger and he said that sometimes there was hot water and sometimes there wasn't depending on how many people were camping.
All in all we will never come back to this park and advice people to go elsewhere.
5. Appomattox Station Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Ron D - Grand Haven, Michigan
This newly established, undeveloped battleground is where Union general Custer's calvary attack on Confederate general Walker's artillery led to General Lee's surrender of the Virginia army at Appomattox, and essentially the end of the Civil War. The site is basically an open field, and includes several historical markers. A must see for serious history buffs, and a moving visit for everybody.
6. Wolfbane Productions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Wolfbane Productions is a professional, outdoor theatre company located in historical Appomattox, bringing the Broadway experience to central Virginia.
Reviewed By AnneVa50 - Appomattox, Virginia
If you enjoy outdoor theatre you will love Wolfbane Productions. They just performed Romeo and Juliet at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and the play was sold out almost every night. They now are performing "Evil Dead" the Musical at the Wolfbane Performing Arts Center located at 618 Country Club Road in Appomattox. They will be having producitons all summer long so don't miss this opportunity to see a play in their outdoor venue.
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