Belle Isle — Attraction in Richmond

We loved this little nature gem in the city of Richmond! Had a little bit of time between doctor appointments and decided to go out to Belle Isle. I will say it is a lot of walking from where we parked and idk if that's generally where visitors usually park but it was definitely worth it! I loved all the history, the historic buildings (some of which from the 1800s), we learned about the civil war era and how this island served as a prison camp for union soldiers, we saw an old granite mine site, another building from the early 1900s (if not mistaken), and an old hydroelectric power plant. I also loved the bridge over the James in which we got to see a blue herein bird and several different species of ducks. We live in a rural area of Virginia that is surrounded by mountains and nature so it was nice to get to see both nature and all that history right in the middle of Richmond, somewhat made Richmond feel more like home! This is probably going to be one of our go to spots when traveling to Richmond, as we there at least every 3 months. I HIGHLY recommend adding this island as a must see when...

My husband and I had a beautiful mini-adventure visiting Belle Isle. Really scenic and unique place. For a second, I forgot I was still in VA. The rocks made me feel care - free again, just like back in the childhood, and the sound of running Water and surrounding Nature is divinely healing.

Please be careful, as we share our Home with other creatures, and the day we were visiting we saw a copper snake in the water. She was minding her own business, but please be aware of the fact we’re not alone.

You need a mountain bike to ride a bike there on trails. I believe it is mentioned in the description, but we thought we’d try our Luck. And it didn’t work (we had a road bike and a beach cruiser )

I was really upset to see how dirty the whole area was. Really sad. I won’t forgive myself if I dont bring this up:

Please! Take everything you brought with you. This is our Home and everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean and safe. Littering is not cool!!!

We are better than that!

Other than litter, really fun area to...

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Richmond have done a fair job of preserving this site of much suffering by soldiers of the most unfortunate War Between the States. Whether you call it that, or the Civil War, or the War of Rebellion, or War of Northern Aggression; there was considerable suffering on both sides. It must be hoped that never again should Americans take up arms against Americans. My great great grandfather was held here after being wounded and taken prisoner at what the North calls "The Battle of Cedar Mountain," and the South called "The Battle of Slaughter's Mountain." He wrote home a few times, and kept a diary in his head, which he later put down on paper at the Lincoln Hospital in Washington. He made a few lifelong friends here, who he knew and corresponded with until the end of his life. I was glad to see some preservation of...