This unincorporated community in Virginia is known for its rich civil war history. Because of this, Mechanicsville is the ideal vacation destination for history lovers.
The town’s fascinating history can still be seen today, in attractions such as the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park and Garthright House. The park is also ideal for nature lovers and offers visitors a variety of beautiful hiking trails. Another historical site in Mechanicsville is the Cold Harbor National Cemetery, located just a few hundred feet from Garthright House.
However, there are more contemporary attractions in Mechanicsville, as well, such as Richmond Archery Tag and the AMF Hanover Lane Bowling Alley.
Here’s our list of the best and most fun things to do in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
The 17 Most Popular Things To Do In Mechanicsville, Virginia
17. Cold Harbor National Cemetery
4.8 (5 reviews)
This is a cemetery dedicated to men who lost their lives during the Civil War. The cemetery does not accept any new internments. The only parties who are interred here have served active duty in the US Armed Forces. It is important that visitors respect the local laws and regulations in the cemeteries they wish to visit.
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Location: 6038 Cold Harbor Road Mechanicsville VA
Tel: 804 795 2031
Web Address: https://cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/coldharbor.asp
16. Shelton House Trail Park
4.8 (21 reviews)
Shelton House itself is a very scenic place and the hiking trail on the property is certainly no exception. You will find this trail at the end of Barbette Court in Bell Creek. The trail leads up to the house and the Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield in Rural Plains. The entire area is preserved mainly for its significance related to the Civil War, despite being aesthetically pleasing as well. The trail itself covers about 2-miles and loops back. Some of the original earthworks can still be seen here.
Credit: Will Parsons, Google Maps
Location: 7274 7296 Dudley Road Mechanicsville VA
15. Dabbs House Museum
4.0 (27 reviews)
This Virginia museum is located in a two-room house known as High Meadow. The structure was used as General Robert E. Lee’s headquarters in 1862. Josiah Dabbs and his wife originally lived in the house before giving permission to General Lee to use the structure. As it stands today, the house serves as a Visitor Information Center where people can book tours and gather information about the surrounding area. The service is only open by appointment.
Credit: Eamon Leahy, Google Maps
Location: 3812 Nine Mile Road Richmond VA
Tel: 804 652 3406
Web Address: http://henrico.us/rec/places/dabbs-house/
14. Garthright House
4.3 (32 reviews)
While the surrounding grounds are open to the public, the house itself is not. It served a very brief period as a field hospital and temporary cemetery for almost a hundred men. These men were later reinterred in the nearby cemetery.
Credit: Riley Samora, Google Maps
Location: 6019 Cold Harbor Road Mechanicsville VA
Tel: 804 226 1981
13. Chickahominy Bluff
4.4 (48 reviews)
This was the gathering spot in the Mechanicsville Area where men came together before advancing across the Chickahominy River. General Lee began the Seven Days battles at this spot as well. There is an audio exhibit on-site which gives visitors an introduction to what happened there in 1862. Some of the original earthworks still survive and can be viewed on your visit.
Credit: Connor Smith, Google Maps
Location: 2302 Springdale Road Richmond VA
Web Address: https://nps.gov/rich/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm
12. Beaver Dam Creek Battlefield
4.3 (97 reviews)
Yet another iconic battle-site, the Beaver Dam Creek carries great significance for the Civil War in Virginia. This site also played a part in the Seven Days battles which is one of the best things General Lee ever did for his offensive dominance. The area is open to explore with friends and family and can help kids develop a sense of what war-times might have been like in Virginia in the 1800’s.
Credit: Derrick Johnson, Google Maps
Location: 7423 Cold Harbor Road Mechanicsville VA
Web Address: https://nps.gov/rich/learn/historyculture/bdcbulletin.htm
11. Hidden Creek Park & Recreation Center
4.4 (112 reviews)
This is quite an extensive park with a conference room and multipurpose room on-site. There is a short walking-trail, picnic shelters, and playground for the kids. There is also a memorial in the park set up for the people who lost their lives on the Challenger space shuttle. The short walk will lead you past a small creek that runs through the park as well. The whole family with kids and friends can enjoy this scenic park. Eat your lunch in a covered picnic spot, and enjoy the recreation features available.
Credit: Dylan Clarke, Google Maps
Location: 2417 Brockway Ln Richmond VA
Tel: 804 643 8302
10. Hanover Wayside Park
4.7 (174 reviews)
This park features a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a playground for the kids, trails that visitors can walk at leisure, and picnic shelters that can be rented. On one of the walkways (follow the signs) you can see the Hanover Veterans Memorial where many people who lost their lives in battle are commemorated.
Credit: r.w. dawson, Google Maps
Location: 8225 Hanover Wayside Road Mechanicsville Hanover Wayside Road Hanover VA
Tel: 804 365 7150
Our Top picks
9. Rural Plains
5.0 (1 review)
This site is also known as Shelton House and one of the best walking trails in the area where visitors can view a wide range of important historical attractions quite close to each other. The gardens of the house are beautiful and the walk is quite pleasant through the country. There are also various natural exhibits that cannot be displayed in museums in and around this area.
Location: Mechanicsville VA
8. Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield Park
4.7 (53 reviews)
This area is important for the 1864 battle where General Lee had to fall back from North Ann River. It is quite close to Rural Plains House. It is preserved by the Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Credit: Christie Harris, Google Maps
Location: 7273 Streetudley Road Mechanicsville VA
Tel: 804 226 1981
Web Address: https://nps.gov/rich/learn/historyculture/rural-plains.htm
7. Richmond National Battlefield Park
4.4 (97 reviews)
Many of the areas and locations mentioned on this list fall within Richmond National Battlefield Park. Individual features can be visited on their own, or you can make an entire day trip and see several of the attractions together.
Location: 470 Tredegar Street Richmond VA
Tel: 804 226 1981
5. James River Cellars Winery
4.6 (271 reviews)
James River Wine Cellars are open for tastings 7-days a week. There are no reservations necessary for regular visits to the tasting rooms. Large groups and special occasions visits will require a reservation. While special events can be catered, there is no restaurant on the premise.
Credit: Robert Ziegenfus, Google Maps
Location: 11008 Washington Hwy Glen Allen VA
Tel: 804 550 7516
Web Address: http://jamesrivercellars.com/
4. Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center
4.6 (302 reviews)
The Battlefield Visitor Center is closed from December to the end of May, but when open there are ranger programs held daily. There are also additional programs and events held throughout the open season. Guests can also see exhibits here and a book store.
Location: 5515 Anderson Wright Dr Mechanicsville VA
Tel: 804 730 5025
Web Address: http://nps.gov/rich/historyculture/cold-harbor-tour.htm
3. Pole Green Park
4.6 (733 reviews)
The Pole Green Park is quite a large park in Mechanicsville. There are great walking trails, a skate park, sand volleyball court, a community center, playgrounds suitable for various ages, picnic shelter which can be booked (you need to bring your own food), picketball courts, some lighted multi-purpose fields, an equestrian ring with stables, a dog park, and a cross country running trail.
Location: 8996 Pole Green Park Ln Mechanicsville VA
Tel: 804 365 7150
2. Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
4.6 (1,575 reviews)
Another large park where visitors can enjoy three different lakes. The nature center is a great place to bring children where everyone can learn and enjoy the world around them. Exhibitions are interactive and the native fauna and flora are celebrated.
Credit: Melvin Huffman, Google Maps
Location: 400 Sausiluta Dr Richmond VA
Tel: 804 652 1470
1. Richmond Raceway
4.5 (3,592 reviews)
Of all the things to do in Mechanicsville, VA, America’s premier short track raceway gathers crowds from local areas and nearby cities. The features of this raceway includes something for everyone and entertainment is guaranteed. If you love motor sports then this place is perfect for you.
Location: 600 E Laburnum Ave Richmond VA
Tel: 866 455 7223
Web Address: http://richmondraceway.com/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Mechanicsville, Virginia! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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