Mill Mountain Star — Attraction in Roanoke

Located on the summit of Mill Mountain, the Roanoke Star is an iconic welcome to those visiting the area and a soothing illumination of home for those that wake up glancing at its place in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Constructed in 1949, the star was designed to serve as a seasonal Christmas decoration for those shopping in the area. It’s design emerged from a sponsorship agreement between the Roanoke Merchants Association and the Kinsey Sign Company, who together saw the star built from three stars of gradually increasing sizes tucked within one another to form a structure standing at just under one hundred feet, using two-thousand feet of neon tubes. The star was first illuminated on November 23rd, 1949.

Despite the pockets of limited parking throughout Mill Mountain Park, visitors will be pleased to discover a medium-sized parking lot close to the star that provides ample space for visitors throughout the day. Equally, visitors with limited mobility that might otherwise avoid the park and it’s various trails will discover that the pathway from the parking lot to the star is mostly flat and unchallenging. However, visitors that intend to make the most of their time at Mill Mountain Park and visit the nearby zoo or discovery center will find the need to hop from parking lot to parking lot if the prospect of a walk through the wooded area unwelcoming.

Situated at the base of the star is one of two overlooks that offer an unbridled vista of the town of Roanoke, the woodlands that sprawl across the park, and the mountain range on the horizon. It will soon become apparent to visitors that these are the only require ingredients for an...

The Mill Mountain Star is a beautiful sight-seeing place that is free to visit. There is also free parking here during opening hours. The star is the most iconic landmark of Roanoke, and can be seen from miles away, after dark, from the highway going into the city. From the highest point, where the star is, comes with a beautiful over-view of the city landscape and buildings. I especially recommend visiting this place after-dark, to see the city lights. It is breathtaking. The light-up Star looks more beautiful at nightfall and shines brightly in the dark. I arrived here about an hour before the losing time at 11PM, and it was not crowded. Along with the star and over-view, there are various information boards about the site and its history scattered about at the top of the hill. The place only loses a star because the washrooms were not very sanitary. One of the stalls had no toilet paper and ran out of hand-soap. But besides that, all other areas here were kept clean and well-maintained. This includes the botanical plants, grass-cutting and other seasonal plants growing here. This Mill Mountain Star is a must-visit if you are visiting or driving by Roanoke,...

Our visit to Mill Mountain Star was truly memorable. The star itself, towering above Roanoke, is an iconic symbol of the city, and seeing it up close was an experience worth the trip. The drive up the mountain was scenic, offering glimpses of the lush surroundings, and once we reached the top, the views were simply breathtaking. The panoramic view of Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, especially at sunset, was nothing short of spectacular.

The star lit up as dusk fell, casting a warm glow over the entire area. It was fascinating to learn about its history as the world's largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. The observation area was well-maintained, with plenty of space to take in the views and snap some great photos. There’s also a nearby park, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

While the main attraction is undoubtedly the star and the view, the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty made the visit even more special. If you're ever in Roanoke, I highly recommend a trip to Mill Mountain Star, especially during the evening hours when you can catch the sunset and see the star in all its...