The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is a Virginia museum, run as a state park, dedicated to preserving the history of the southwestern part of the commonwealth. It is located in Big Stone Gap, in a house built in the 1880s for former Virginia Attorney General, Rufus A. Ayers.
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We visited on a Thursday morning in early November 2024. This was our 22nd Virginia State Park for the VA State Park Trail Quest.
Parking was a little confusing as the parking sports were out front but we didn't notice until later. We ended up parking in the back near the handicap parking spots.
We entered through the front doors and straight up to the info desk. It was staffed by 2 ladies and they were very nice, welcoming and fun to talk to. We did bump into a ranger as we were about to leave and she was also really nice. There were exhibits throughout the entire mansion but apparently it had just been decorated for the season by all the Christmas trees. There were so many. We did end up watching the short film before exploring the mansion and the many trees. There were some really fun ones.
There is a gift shop that is located near the info desk and a backroom filled with local artesian crafts. We purchased some crochet toys, a gourd and some earrings. Also the typical state park merch we get from every park.
We spent maybe 45 mins total in the mansion. We mainly went around looking at all the Christmas trees. There is a public bathroom in the basement of the mansion.
We would probably visit again if we were local. Just to see the actual exhibits and not all the Christmas trees in front of them. haha. It was worth the visit since we were passing...
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My grandparents lived in Big Stone since 1896. I was born in 1958. Year round visits to Big Stone occurred until their passing in the 1980's. In June of this year I visited the museum for the fist time. It was very touching. Several of the items on display were things I saw at mamaw and papaws home. Papaw was a miner, his oldest son a lifelong railroad man. The historical influence of the mines, railroad and home life were very accurate as to my memories. It is with great sincerity I say thanks to those that preserved the that history. I pray none of it...
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Wonderful Victorian home and museum located in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. There was a small admission cost, which I think was $5 per adult and $3 per child over age five, if I remember correctly. It is a lovely three story home that was built in the 1800’s. When we were there it was beautifully decorated for a festival of Christmas trees. It may not be the most exciting place for small children. I had to keep a keen eye on our three year old to make sure she was not touching the exhibits. It was still a great...
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