Bedford Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Virginia region, the town of Bedford offers a charming and picturesque escape for travelers seeking a slice of small-town Americana. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Bedford is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and explore.

One of the main attractions in Bedford is the National D-Day Memorial, a moving tribute to the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy during World War II. The memorial, located on a sprawling 88-acre site, features larger-than-life statues, plaques, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of this pivotal moment in history. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the Allied forces.

For nature enthusiasts, Bedford is a gateway to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. The Peaks of Otter, a trio of majestic peaks standing tall against the sky, provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Jefferson National Forest offers miles of hiking trails, camping grounds, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Bedford's natural wonders will not disappoint.

History buffs will also find plenty to explore in Bedford. The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library showcases the town's heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Step back in time as you wander through exhibits that highlight the town's role in the Civil War and its historic architecture.

To immerse yourself in the local culture, take a stroll down Bedford's Main Street. Lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming eateries, this vibrant thoroughfare invites visitors to indulge in some retail therapy and savor the flavors of the region. From farm-to-table restaurants serving up mouthwatering Southern cuisine to cozy cafes brewing the perfect cup of coffee, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Alternative names: Population: 6.6 thous. (2019)Area: 8.74 mi²Elevation: 988 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°20'5"N, 79°31'22"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Bedford Top Attractions

Bedford Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bedford offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: National D-Day Memorial, Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, Bedford Historic Meetinghouse, Bedford Public Library System. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monuments and statues • Historical place • Memorial
National D-Day Memorial
The National D-Day Memorial is a war memorial located in Bedford, Virginia. It serves as the national memorial for American D-Day veterans.
Specialty museum • Museum
Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library
The Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library is the county museum and genealogical library for Bedford County, Virginia It was started in 1932 by the General William R. Terry chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Peaks of Otter chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Bedford Historic Meetinghouse
Bedford Historic Meetinghouse, also known as Methodist Meetinghouse and St. Philip's Episcopal Church, is a historic meeting house located at 153 W. Main Street in Bedford, Virginia. It was built in 1838, and is a brick building measuring 38 feet by 58 feet and in the Greek Revival style.

Library
Bedford Public Library System
Bedford Public Library System serves Bedford county in Virginia. The library system is within Region 2 of Virginia Library Association.
37°20'36"N • 79°32'7"W
Elks National Home
Noble Senior Living Community - Elks Home is a retirement home and national historic district located at Bedford, Virginia. It was built in 1916 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, who first started the home in 1903.
37°19'31"N • 79°31'53"W
Bedford Welcome Center
Visitor center
37°20'21"N • 79°31'24"W
Burks-Guy-Hagen House
Burks–Guy–Hagen House is a historic home located at Bedford, Virginia. It was built about 1884, and is a two-story, brick dwelling in a Victorian Villa style. It features a three-level square tower with a mansard roof and complex bracketed wooden gable with a hood or "apron".
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
John D. Ballard House
John D. Ballard House, also known as the Ballard-Worsham House, is a historic home located at Bedford, Virginia. It was designed by noted Lynchburg architect Stanhope S. Johnson and built in 1915. It is a two-story, brick dwelling in the Colonial Revival style.

Day trips

Bedford – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bedford, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Berglund Center (Roanoke), Crabtree Falls (Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area), Taubman Museum of Art (Roanoke).

23 milesW
Sport venue, Civic center, Sport
Berglund Center, Roanoke
The Berglund Center, formerly known as the Roanoke Civic Center, is a beacon of entertainment and community events in Roanoke, Virginia. This versatile arena, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a plethora of events ranging from concerts...
43 milesNE
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Crabtree Falls, Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia, off of Virginia State Route 56.
23 milesW
Museum, Art museum, Postmodern architecture
Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke
The Taubman Museum of Art, formerly the Art Museum of Western Virginia, is an art museum in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, United States. It was designed by architect Randall Stout.
50 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Lane Stadium, Blacksburg
Lane Stadium is a college football stadium in the eastern United States, located on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. The playing surface of the stadium is named Worsham Field.
23 milesW
Nature, Mountain
Roanoke Star, Roanoke
The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, is the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star, constructed in 1949 at the top of Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. It is visible for 60 miles from the air and it sits 1,045 feet above the city of Roanoke.