Suffolk Tours
Tour Description & Dates
Headlines and Footnotes:
A Downtown Suffolk Walking Tour
Downtown Suffolk contains a multitude of antique buildings, new businesses, old stories, and fresh food! “Headlines and Footnotes: A Downtown Suffolk Walking Tour” explores the streets of downtown Suffolk’s historic district, complete with revived century-old mansions, repurposed schools and warehouses, forgotten architectural gems, and a glimpse into future developments.
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Tour departs at Nansemond Brewing Station, 212 E. Washington Street.
Fee: $8 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, children 12 and under
No scheduled tours for 2023.
Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour
Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches, and Virginia Civil War Trails.
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Departs the Suffolk Visitor Center at 2pm; this bus tour is approximately 75 minutes. Bus boards at 1:55pm. Fee: $8 adults; $6 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 8-12; not recommended for children under 7.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
February 25
March 25
April 22
May 20
June 24
July 15
August 19
September 30
October 28
November 18
December 16
Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk
A hair-raising encounter with the “spirited” side of Suffolk. Follow a costumed guide through the shadows of historic Main Street, discovering stories, legends, and “unexplained occurrences” by lantern light. Tales of unsolved mysteries and unresolved affairs abound throughout Suffolk’s historically hip Ghost Walk.
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See specific tour date for departure time. This walking tour is approximately 90 minutes and covers about 1.5 miles; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 9-12; not recommended for children under 9.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Saturday, March 25 at 7pm
Saturday, April 22 at 7pm
Saturday, May 20 at 8pm
Saturday, June 24 at 8pm
Saturday, July 15 at 8pm
Saturday, August 19 at 8pm
Saturday, September 30 at 8pm
Saturday, October 28 at 7pm
Saturday, November 4 at 7pm
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge “Swamp Safari”
The Great Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal. Despite its foreboding moniker, the Great Dismal Swamp is one of few remaining American wildernesses and is home to the black bear, bobcats, rare plants, snakes, and river otters. 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. Especially attractive to birders and nature lovers.
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the Great Dismal Swamp boasts 200 species of birds, frogs, lizards, salamanders, yellow-bellied and spotted turtles. Despite its impressive size and age, the Great Dismal Swamp remains a mystery to most people. Its thick 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. One of Suffolk’s most popular attractions, narrated Swamp Safaris fill up quickly. The tour is led by a biologist specializing in the unique habitat of the Great Dismal. Learn about the history, lore, vegetation, and wildlife with this adventure that includes a stop at Lake Drummond.
Departs at 9:30am. This bus tour is approximately 4 hours. This tour involves walking. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended (flip flops and other exposed footwear is not recommended). Snack and water provided. Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 8-12. Not recommended for children under 8.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
March 4 | March 8 | March 18
April 5 | April 19 | April 22
May 10 | May 20
June 7 | June 21 | June 24
July 1 | July 5 | July 15 | July 19
August 2 | August 16 | August 19
September 6 | September 16 | September 20 | September 30
October 4 | October 18 | October 28
November 4 | November 8 | November 18
December 6 | December 16 | December 20 | December 30
Kayak Excursions
Guided kayak excursions are facilitated by a water adventures outfitter with years of experience. All equipment is included with registration fee. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing recommended.
Bus departs at 9:30am. *Transportation for the Nansemond River at Constant’s Wharf Park and Bennett’s Creek Excursions is not available; participants must meet at these excursion locations.
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Excursions are approximately 2 hours. Fee: $40 per person.
Participants must be at least 10 years of age or older. Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack and bottled water.
Great Dismal Swamp’s Lake Drummond Kayak Excursion
Experience the unusual and breathtaking Lake Drummond, a 3,108-acre bowl-shaped lake located near the center of the Great Dismal Swamp. The larger of only two naturally occurring lakes in Virginia, on windless days on the lake, the water appears smooth as glass as the horizon disappears into the sky above. Lake Drummond stands only 18 feet above sea level, and though it is three miles wide, it is only six to seven feet deep, allowing great cypresses to rise from its still, shallow waters. Tannic acid from forest vegetation stains the water.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Sunday, March 26
Sunday, July 23
Nansemond River at Constant Wharf Park Kayak Excursion
Located on the Nansemond River, John Constant founded this important trading center and village known as Constant’s Warehouse, which would become the Town of Suffolk in 1742.
Transportation for this tour is not available. Participants must meet at Constant’s Wharf Marina, 110 East Constance Road (behind the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront), at 9:30am for this particular tour.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Sunday, April 23
Sunday, August 27
Bennett’s Creek Kayak Excursion
Explore the tidal wetlands along Bennett’s Creek while viewing a variety of bird and plant species.
Transportation for this tour is not available. Participants must meet at Bennett’s Creek Park, 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Road, at 9:30am for this particular tour.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Sunday, May 21
Sunday, September 24
Lone Star Lakes Kayak Excursion
Located in the Chuckatuck section of Northern Suffolk, explore one of the many freshwater lakes that make up this beautiful park.
Bus boards at 9:15am and departs from the Suffolk Visitor Center.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Sunday, June 25
Sunday, October 29
Great Dismal Swamp’s Washington Ditch Boardwalk Nature Stroll
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to connect with nature, with the Washington Ditch Trail the most often-recommended trail for hiking and biking. Enjoy a guided walk as you learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, and history that abound in this 111,000-acre wilderness. The elevated boardwalk is located adjacent to the Washington Ditch parking area. This boardwalk tour meanders almost a mile through a representative portion of swamp habitats.
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Tour departs from the Washington Ditch Boardwalk Parking Lot located at 3076 White Marsh Road. No transportation from the Suffolk Visitor Center is available.
Tour begins at 10am and is approximately 90 minutes. This tour covers about 3/4 mile; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended (flip flops and other exposed footwear is not recommended).
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 3-12.
Available 2023 Tours:
Saturday, March 25
Saturday, October 14
Sunday, November 5
Sunday, December 17
Great Dismal Swamp’s Underground Railroad Pavilion Tour
The Great Dismal Swamp has long been known for its impenetrability, as a place where travelers could easily lose their way. Yet in the early centuries of American history, many of the people who vanished into the swamp were lost by their own choice. The swamp was a sanctuary for thousands of fugitive African American slaves. For more information, visit the Great Dismal Swamp website at: www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Dismal_Swamp/
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Available 2023 Tours:
Saturday, February 18
Saturday, February 25
Sunday, December 3
Cedar Hill Cemetery Guided Stroll
Downtown Suffolk’s historic Cedar Hill Cemetery is a 32-acre expanse, rich in history and natural beauty. Once the 18th century farm of John Constant, Cedar Hill is now the final resting place for historical figures, politicians, and soldiers—many of whom greatly impacted the growth of Suffolk, as well as Virginia. An official Virginia Civil War Trail site, Cedar Hill Cemetery has long been an attraction for history buffs and walking groups.
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Departs at 4pm from the Suffolk Visitor Center and is approximately 75 minutes. This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 8-12; not recommended for children under 12.
Available 2023 Tours:
Saturday, March 25
Saturday, April 22
Saturday, May 20
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, July 15
Saturday, August 19
Saturday, September 30
Saturday, October 28
Saturday, November 4
Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery Hometown Heroes Walking Tour
Suffolk’s citizens, like in most other American localities, have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom. This 60-minute walking tour highlights and honors the graves and memorials of soldiers from Suffolk and old Nansemond County who died in combat during the two World Wars, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
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Departs at 11am from the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, at 326 N. Main Street; the tour is approximately 60 minutes.
This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children; not recommended for children under 12.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
Saturday, March 18
Saturday, April 22
Saturday, May 20
Saturday, June 24
Saturday, July 15
Saturday, August 19
Saturday, September 16
Saturday, October 14
Victorian Suffolk: Dying To Be There, A Guided Discovery of Cedar Hill Cemetery
This 75-minute walking tour explores the hidden meanings buried in Suffolk’s Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. The tour will feature Victorian-era symbolism, burial practices, funerary industries, and mourning rituals.
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This intriguing and educational excursion will highlight how the residents of Suffolk both lived and died in the 19th century. Cedar Hill Cemetery is more than two centuries old, with roots that harken back to the founding of Suffolk.
With keen eyes and curious minds, this tour will bring into focus the fascinating world of Victorian America, their obsession with death, dying, and living beyond the grave.
Participants are asked to park in the lot adjacent to the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 326 North Main Street and meet at the Cedar Hill Cemetery gate adjacent to the parking lot.
This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children 12 and under.
Available 2023 Tour Dates:
April 15 – 2pm
May 20 – 2pm
June 17 – 7pm
July 15 – 7pm
August 19 – 7pm
September 16 – 6pm
October 14 – 5:30pm
October 21 – 5pm
October 28 – 5pm
Tours may be customized to include tours of the following attractions:
Riddick’s Folly House Museum
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. 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 gentleman’s library, and adult and children’s bedchambers. Also open are the laundry and dining rooms, and the winter kitchen. Registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.
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510 N. Main Street
757-934-0822
RiddicksFolly.org
OPERATING HOURS:
Wednesday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 1-5pm
Admission Rates (purchased at Riddick’s Folly House Museum):
$7 – Adults
$6 – Military and Seniors (55+)
$3 – Students 18 and under
Free – Children 5 and under
$4 – Partial tours
Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum
This restored Main Street station displays a two-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. 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.
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326 N. Main Street
757-514-4135
SuffolkTrainStation.com
*Beginning 8/5/23: Please note that the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum will be closed indefinitely for emergency repairs and restoration. All events and museum tours are cancelled until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.*
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Suffolk
Download a free self-guided walking tour brochure of Main Street, featuring over 40 historic sites, including:
- Old Post Office (1785)
- Nansemond County Courthouse (1839)
- Suffolk Christian Church (1891)
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1895)
- Main Street Methodist Church (1916)
- Suffolk High School (1922)
- First Baptist Church (1957)
- Mr. Peanut (Character Corner)
Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society
137 Bank Street
757-539-2781
SuffolkHistory.org
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9am – 3pm
Friday: 9am – 12 pm
Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
The Phillips-Dawson House Tour is free and open to the public and researchers alike. Advance appointments are preferred; however, drop-ins are welcome. The Society offers changing exhibits throughout the year.
Suffolk Art Gallery
118 Bosley Avenue
757-514-7284
Suffolkva.us/Parks
Beginning 8/5/23: The Station is temporarily closed for maintenance and restoration.
Admission is free and self-guided.
As a community partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, this gallery offers changing art exhibits as well as open mic nights, artists’ demonstrations, and an array of art classes.
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
110 West Finney Avenue
757-923-0003
SuffolkCenter.org
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 4pm
Admission to gallery exhibits is free and self-guided.
This three-story brick 1922 former high school in downtown Suffolk is now the state-of-the-art Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, boasting musical, theatrical, and dance productions. The 62,880-square-foot facility features a 500-seat theater, a ballroom and banquet hall, art galleries, gift shop, classrooms, and on-site restaurant.
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