Backpacking in the USA: Top 10 Sights in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is the capital of Virginia in the United States and has been an independent city since 1971. It has a population of just over 200,000. If you are heading to this cool city, here are ten sights to check out.

Backpacking in the USA: Richmond, Virginia

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1. Richmond Zoo
Home to more than 400 animals, this exciting, natural-habitat zoo is packed with birds, giraffes and monkeys. Fun for all the family at Richmond Zoo.

2. Science Museum of Virginia
Displays at the quirky Science Museum educational for tourists of all ages. Topics covered inside range from electricity to crystals, from astronomy to optical illusions and from physical science to computers.

3. Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Located inside Richmond’s oldest building, this museum is a must for admirers of literary master Edgar Allan Poe. As well as the permanent displays there are guided tours available which shows you original Poe manuscripts, first editions and some of his personal belongings. Check the website for museum news.

Poe Museum

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4. Three Lakes Nature Center
The three lakes nature center is situated by a pretty lake and among trees and pleasant landscape. Inside the centre you can learn about air, land and water. Exhibits take place regularly.

5. Paramount King’s Dominion
The Paramount King’s Dominion is an awesome and very popular theme park. Here you can escape the big city buzz and ride on rollercoasters and carousels.

6. Black History Museum
It is important when you travel in Richmond to get a feel for the city’s history. The Black History museum is in the historically black district of the city and details the history of African-American settlers, artists and a step through time in this diverse city.

7. St. John’s Church
Founded in 1739, the impressive St. John’s Church is Richmond’s oldest church and worth a look around. Services are still held a few times a week.

Richmond St Johns Church

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8. Museum of Fine Arts
An excellent assortment of pure fire masterpieces by artists such as Renoir, Degas, Picasso and Warhol are on display in the Museum of Fine Arts. The vast collection of art styles include ancient Egyptian art, Himalayan art and modern-day Art Deco styles.

9. Virginia War Memorial
The poignant Virginia War Memorial is on Belvedere overlooking the river. It is dedicated to all Virginians who died in battle in World War II as well as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and right up to the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

10. Monroe Park
Richmond operates one of the oldest municipal park systems in the country. The park system began when the city council voted in 1851 to acquire 7.5 acres of land which is known as Monroe Park. Today, Monroe Park sits adjacent to Virginia Commonwealth University campus and is one of over forty parks in and around the city.

These ten sights should get you started when you decide to visit the city of Richmond, Virginia.