Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Petersburg National Battlefield adventure.
The Siege of Petersburg is known as the Longest Event of the Civil War. It lasted for 9 1/2 months. There were 70,000 casualties during the siege. This battlefield is now preserved and full of tours, a nature trail, and General Grant's cabin.
This park is massive— this was a 40-mile battlefield. It's best to make the Eastern Front Visitor Center your first stop. There are lots of displays and an overview movie, along with a timeline of the battle.
The rangers will help you with planning the best route to get a little bit of everything. Start at General Grant's Headquarters and the Eastern Front Unit for a one-day trip. Next, have a bite to eat while filling up on history at the Old Towne Petersburg tour. Then head to the Western Front Unit tour. Close out your trip with the Five Forks Battlefield Driving Tour and Contact Station. This part takes one hour to see five stops.
This park is both ranger- and self-guided. There are also cell phone tours and podcasts available. You can walk, bike, and even ride a horse along certain trails. Leashed dogs are welcome too.