See & Do

Suffolk Attractions

There are many attractions in Suffolk including parks, marinas, historical sites, wildlife refuges, and more.

Cedar Hill Cemetery

N Main Street & Constance Road
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-514-7632

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Hours

Open dawn to dusk, daily.

Location / Entrances

Entrances are located on Mahan Street, Constance Road and behind the Suffolk Seaboard Station Museum.

Civil War Trails & Confederate Monument

Originally constructed as “Green Hill Cemetery,” this 32 acre expanse of hilly terrain and ancient cedar trees has many stories to reveal. Also home to one of Suffolkโ€™s official Virginia Civil War Trail sites, The Confederate Monument.

Tours

Tours are scheduled throughout the year – please see our Tours page. To inquire about taking the tour or to make reservations, contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757-514-4130.

Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina

110 E Constance Road
757-514-7250

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Located on the Nansemond River, John Constant founded this important trading center and village known as Constant’s Wharf, which would become the Town of Suffolk in 1742.

Boating, Concerts & Festivities

Now this park is full of life, located directly behind The Hilton Garden Inn and Suffolk Conference Center. The 28-slip marina is ideal for boaters and the 6-acre park is the setting for summer outdoor concerts, festivals, movie nights and more.

First Suffolk Church Site

Western Avenue
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-514-4030

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The site of the first church erected in Suffolk is memorialized by a monument surrounded by towering magnolia trees. The Church survived the burning of Suffolk by the British in 1779 but fell to ruin and was razed by 1802.

Glebe Episcopal Church

4400 Nansemond Parkway
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-538-8842

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One of the oldest landmarks in northern Suffolk, the church is on the National Register of Historic Places. An extensive history of Glebe Episcopal Church is available on the churchโ€™s website.

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

3100 Desert Road
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-986-3705

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Hours

Monday – Friday
8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The headquarters is closed on weekends and federal holidays; the hiking and biking trails remain open.

The Great Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal. Despite its foreboding moniker, the Great Dismal Swamp is one of few remaining American wildernesses. It is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. This Nature preserve encompasses over 111,000 acres where visitors enjoy wildlife observation, history, mystery and lore.

Species

Because of its geographic location and climate, the Great Dismal is known for its unique blending of northern and southern species. It is a haven for:

  • Black Bear
  • Bobcats
  • Rare Plants
  • Rattlesnakes
  • River Otters

Less fearsome creatures include 200 species of:

  • Birds
  • Frogs
  • Lizards
  • Salamanders
  • Toads
  • Yellow-Bellied and Spotted Turtles

Lake Drummond

Lake Drummond, a 3,108-acre lake located near the center of the swamp is the largest of only two naturally occurring lakes in Virginia. It stands only 18 feet above sea level, and though it is 3 miles wide, it is only 5 to 6 feet deep, allowing great cypresses to rise from its still, shallow waters. Tannic acid from forest vegetation stains the water.

Activities

Despite its impressive size and age, the Great Dismal Swamp remains a mystery to most people. Its foreboding forests protect its wildlife and ward off intruders. But for those who venture in, the Dismal Swamp shelters a wealth of history and lore, flora and fauna. Visitors may participate in:

  • Biking
  • Fishing and Boating
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature Photography
  • Wildlife Observation

Fishing & Hunting

Fishing and boating is permitted year-round on Lake Drummond with access via the Feeder Ditch, connecting Lake Drummond (a 3,108-acre natural lake in the heart of the swamp) with the Dismal Swamp Canal. A public boat ramp is located north of the Feeder Ditch on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Boats must be small enough to portage around the water control structure near the lake or to be lifted by electric tram to the higher level of the Lake. Lift weight is restricted to a maximum of 1,000 pounds. Vessels are limited to 25 horse power on the Lake. A Virginia fishing license is required. Boating access at the Interior Ditch boat ramp is by special permit on weekends only during the fishing season of April 1 to June 15. Additional information is available from theย Refuge office.

Deer hunting by permit is available during the fall.

Trails are open year round, sunrise to sunset.

Great Dismal Swamp Tours are available through the Suffolk Visitor Center – please see our Tour Page. Call 757-514-4130 for more details or to make reservations.

Mattanock Town (Long-term Development Process)

1001 Pembroke Lane
Suffolk, VA 23432
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Named for one of the Nansemond Indians’ historic villages located along the Nansemond River, Mattanock Town is a 70+ acre development project. The Nansemond Indian Nation developed the concept and will construct the project in phases. Mattanock Town will be a Native-American tourist attraction centered around an authentic Algonquian dispersed village. It will include nature trails, a tribal center, burial grounds, event facilities, a maintenance and storage area, and more.ย 
50 Scouts and volunteers built historical dwellings and lean-to shelter near the ceremonial center of Mattanock Town, along the shores of Lone Star Lakes. They completed the project in about three months, working primarily on weekends. The additions bring to four the number of completed longhouses of at least 10 planned for the 17th century-recreated Indian village. Hunters’ team followed design and material specifications approved by Nansemond tribal leaders.ย 

Nansemond County Courthouse (Suffolk Visitor Center)

524 N Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-514-4130

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Hours

Open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Overlooking the Nansemond River, the provincial Roman Revival style structure with its very tall Tuscan columns was an impressive site for early travelers arriving on the river. Today the building retains its commanding presence and historical significance as the Suffolk Visitor Center. The first floor provides an exhibit gallery highlighting the history of Suffolk and the Great Dismal Swamp, a greeting and information area and a gift shop. The second floor houses municipal offices for the Department of Economic Development and Division of Tourism.

Structures, Fires, Historic Events

The former Nansemond County Courthouse (1840), is the third such structure on this site at the busy intersection of Main Street and Constance Road. Two previous courthouse buildings were destroyed by fires. The first fire occurred in May 1779 during the Revolutionary War when the British burned the town. Then, on June 3, 1837, โ€œThe Great Fireโ€ destroyed both sides of Main Street from the north of Mahan Street to the courthouse.

During the Civil War, the courthouse was reportedly used as barracks for Union soldiers as the neighboring Mills Riddick home on its south served as Union Army headquarters. The periods of 1894 and 1958 brought repairs and varied remodeling, and the structure retained little original interior trim except for window architrave moldings. Street widenings and parking lots claimed its surrounding white-picket fence and once – impressive green vistas.

The building, however, remained in service as a courthouse until the completion of the Mills Godwin Courts Complex in 1998.

TheObiciHouseSunset

The Obici House

Sleepy Hole Golf Course
4700 Sleepy Hole Road
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-538-0336

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History

This 1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion was built along the Nansemond River by Amedeo Obici, an Italian immigrant and founder of Planters Peanuts. The house was home to him and his beloved wife Louise. The Obicis were well known in Suffolk for both their philanthropy and gracious hospitality.

Current Use

This historic home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was recently renovated to much of its original grandeur and now has taken on a new life as a popular special events venue and restaurant.

The Obici House is ideal for hosting:

  • Business and Civic Meetings
  • Club Luncheons
  • Conferences
  • Fundraisers
  • Galas
  • Holiday Parties
  • Rehearsal Dinners
  • Reunions
  • Weddings

Obici House Catering provides for all of your dining and beverage needs.

Phillips-Dawson House

137 Bank Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-539-2781
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Seahorse Run is a horse boarding facility featuring a fun and safe environment for all riding disciplines. Owners Flynn and Laura Gladden live on site to provide your equine partner with the best possible care. The facility is also available for events – please inquire for daily and weekend rates.
plantersPeanutCenter

Planters Peanut Center

308 W Washington Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-539-4411

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Hours

Monday – Friday
10 a.m.-ย  5:30 p.m.

Saturday
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Step back in time and enjoy the aroma of peanuts roasted in the shell daily by a 1936-model roaster. The retail store offers a wide variety of Planters Peanuts, candies and other snack products. Gift packs and shipping. Complimentary peanut recipes upon request.

Harbour View Grande Cinema

Regal Harbour View Grande 16

5860 Harbour View Boulevard
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-638-7827

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This 16-screen movie theater offers stadium seating, incredible sound, snacks, lobby area with arcade games and many nearby eateries and shops.

RiddicksFollyHouseMuseum

Riddick’s Folly House Museum & Gift Shop (1837)

510 N Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-934-0822
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Operating Hours:

Wednesday-Friday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Saturday:ย 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Sunday:ย 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
*Riddick’s Folly is closed on major holidays.ย 

Admission Rates

Adults – $7
Military and Seniors 55 and older – $6
Students 18 and under – $3
Children 5 and under – free
Partial tours – $4

While Mills Riddick’s contemporaries may have mocked his Greek Revival home when it was built in 1837, the house now stands as a beautiful reminder of the past.

The impressive structure is situated on North Main Street and features striking architectural details. The five frieze band windows across the front of the house are rarely seen in eastern Virginia. The front of the mansion is bricked in Flemish bond, and double chimneys rise from both ends of the stately historic landmark. Slender columns of the Greek Revival period frame the main entrance. The interior showcases intricately carved moldings and elaborate ceiling medallions throughout the house.

Riddick’s Folly has four floors, 21 rooms, and 16 fireplaces. All four floors are open to the public. The building features elegantly furnished double parlors, a gentlemen’s library, and adult and children’s bedchambers. Also open are the laundry and dining rooms, and our newest restoration project, the kitchen.

Registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places. During the Civil War, Riddickโ€™s Folly served as headquarters for the Union Army.

Guided tours are available during Riddickโ€™s Follyโ€™s normal operating hours. Group tours are also available; please contact the museum in advance. Visitors should plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half at Riddickโ€™s Folly.

Seaboard Station Railroad Museum (1885)

326 N Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-514-4135

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*Beginning 8/5/23: The Station is temporarily closed for maintenance and restoration.*

This restored Main Street station displays a 2-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907 that was built by the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association. The museum features railroad memorabilia and changing exhibits.ย 

The station was built in 1885 and has remained basically unchanged over the years. The Queen Anne style building is reminiscent of the Victorian age. It has an interesting tower with a beautiful, walnut, spiral staircase.

Many original features were saved and restored such as the:

  • Coffered Ceiling
  • Doors
  • Fireplace and Porch
  • Windows

In 1918, there were 6 railroads coming through Suffolk with 32 passenger trains and 70 freight trains per day.

Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum is open daily, 10am-12pm and 1-5pm; the last entrance is 4:30pm. Admission is free. We encourage groups of 10 or more to contact us in advance.ย 

No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days may enter the museum.

SouthernGunWorks

Southern Gun Works & Museum

167 S Main Street
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-934-1423

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This museum offers a wide selection of the finest limited edition military art. This unique store also carries reproduction weapons for the re-enactor. They carry:

  • Bayonets
  • Headgear on Display
  • Military Firearms
  • Paper Documents
  • Swords
  • Uniforms
  • War Photos
  • War Souvenirs

St Johns Episcopal Church

828 King’s Highway
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-255-4168
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Located in Chuckatuck Village, this church is on the National Register of Historic Places. St. John’s can trace its history to the founding of Jamestown. The parish is over 350 years old, and the church building itself has stood for 2 and a half centuries. St. John’s saw the American Revolution and served as a camp ground for troops during the Civil War.

SCCA newexterior

Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

110 W Finney Avenue
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-923-0003 administrative office
757-923-2900 box office

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Hours

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Ticket window opens 90 minutes prior to events.

Founding

Suffolk High School, built in 1922, has been restored and repurposed as the premier visual and performing arts venue for Suffolk.

In the heart of downtown, the classic Greek-Revival structure houses a 500 seat theatre which is the stage for:

  • Ballets
  • Childrenโ€™s Plays
  • Concerts
  • Dramatic Works
  • Films
  • Musicals
  • Puppet Shows
  • Symphony Performances

The 62,880-square-foot facility offers studios for dance, painting, sculpting, weaving classes and several other arts related classes. Within the massive 3-story Center, there is a ballroom and banquet hall, classroom museum, gift shop and an on-site restaurant (The Plaid Turnip).

Suffolk Art Gallery / Suffolk Art League

118 Bosley Avenue
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-514-7284
757-925-0448

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Hours

Tuesday – Saturday
10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sunday
1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The Museum hosts a variety of exhibits and through a partnership with the Suffolk Art League and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers year-round programming. From painting and pastels to weaving and quilting, you can find a variety of art classes and workshops offered by the Suffolk Art League.

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