Attractions in Franklin Southampton

Blackwater Park

Blackwater Park is a 200 acres nature park located at 1716 N. High Street, Franklin, VA. It includes a boardwalk that leads to Turkey Island where you can walk a loop and view trees as old as 215 years old along with wildlife and more. This total distance is about a half a mile. There is also a walking trail that is known as Ridge Trail and is around 1.5 miles round trip. Along the way of all the trails, you will see signage to learn about native species and the history of the land and area. There is a pavilion with picnic tables and charcoal grills as well as access to restrooms. The park is dog friendly as long as they are well mannered and all must be leashed. Under all circumstances, please leave no trace may removing all trash or other items before exiting the park. The park is currently open from 8AM to 7PM every day. For questions about the park, please contact City of Franklin Parks and Recreation at 757-562-2475.

757-562-2475 1716 North High Street, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Blackwater River Boat Landing

Originating in the coastal plain swamp in Prince George County, the Blackwater River flows by the border of the City of Franklin to give local and visitors multiple options for recreation. The Blackwater boasts some gorgeous float trips through ancient tree lined wetlands. On any one trip, you can see whitetail deer, numerous waterfowl, raccoons, squirrels and many unique reptile and amphibian species, not to mention a healthy fish population swimming under the water’s surface. There is a double-lane boat ramp with paved parking and bathroom facilities. There is no fishing on the courtesy piers at the boat ramp, but there is ample bank fishing from the shoreline at the nearby Barrett’s Landing Park. Come spend some time on the peaceful Blackwater River.

530 South Main Street, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe CATTASHOWROCK TOWN

Tour a 17th Century replica Native American Palisade Village. Walk the interpretative trails guided by signage in Iroquoian and English languages to help identify native flora and fauna indigenous to the area. Participate in the summer or fall annual Cheroenhaka Indian Fall Powwows and enjoy learning more about the history of this great tribe.

Visit The Website 757-562-7760 27345 Aquia Path Rt 742 S - Cheroenhaka Road & Cheroenhaka Trail, Courtland, VA 27345 Visit the Facebook Page

Courtland Produce Auction

Come out to the Courtland Farmers Market and buy or sell the freshest produce around! The farmers market is open seasonally every Thursday at 6:30pm.

757-653-0728 24540 Agri-Park Drive, Courtland, VA 23837

Courtland Rosenwald School

The Courtland School served African-American students during the segregation era as a part of the Rosenwald's program, which helped to pay for the construction of more than 5,000 schools for African-Americans across the rural south between 1917 and 1932, was inspired by the work of Booker T. Washington.

25499 Florence Street, Courtland, VA 23837

Franklin Depot & Visitors Center

The Franklin Depot & Visitors Center is located in Historic Downtown Franklin. Originally the train depot for the City of Franklin, the building has been restored and is the one stop shop for information about Downtown Franklin.

Visit The Website 757-562-6900 120 South Main Street, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Franklin's Market on Main

The Franklin Farmers Market welcomes shoppers to come out and support area farmers and Virginia Grown products. The Franklin Farmers Market location includes paved sites under a pavilion, as well as unpaved sites surrounding the pavilion. The Market is located at 210 S. Main Street in downtown Franklin next to the Franklin Depot Visitor Center.

Visit The Website 757-562-6900 210 South Main Street, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Historic Courtland Walking Tour

Beginning at the Southampton County Courthouse on Main Street, the free, self-guided, Courtland Walking Tour continues onto the Courtland Confederate Monument, Courtland Baptist Church, Southampton Agriculture & Forestry Museum, Mahone's Tavern, St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, Bell House, Seven gables Home, the Rochelle-Prince House, the Walter Cecil Rawls Library and ends at the Rawls Museum Arts. More information about this tour can be found at the Town of Courtland office.

757-653-2222 22350 Main Street, Courtland, VA 23837

LOVE Mural

The LOVE mural is through the Virginia Tourism Corporation and represents the fun adventures that can be enjoyed in Downtown Franklin from kayaking and fishing to shopping and dining along with some of our signature events such as the Franklin Cruise In and We Be Jammin’. Come visit Downtown Franklin to explore and make a stop at the LOVE mural for a picture!

Downtown Franklin LOVE Mural 757-562-1958 108 2nd Avenue, Franklin, VA 23581 Visit the Facebook Page

Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Community House and Interpretive Center

The Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia Community House and Interpretive Center provides visitors with an in depth experience of Nottoway Indian culture and history through a variety of exhibits and activities. Trace documented Nottoway Indian history from the 17th century to the present in a permanent exhibit, "From Barter...To Buffer...To Be". This exhibit is sponsored by Nottoway tribal members, friends, and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Tribal members gather for workshops to pass down cultural traditions such as how to make corn husk dolls, quilts, flutes, beaded earrings, and how to record oral histories. Additional educational programming is provided by tribal members and friends from across the country that include lecturers, storytellers, crafters, artists, and performing artists.

Visit The Website 757-876-7597 23186 Main Street, Capron, VA 23829 Visit the Facebook Page

Nottoway River Boat Landing

The Nottoway is a scenic river, with a minimum of development that provides good fishing for a variety of species. It begins in Nottoway County and makes its way through Southampton County. It has a diverse fishery, ranging from bass (both large and smallmouth) and catfish to shad and herring. Panfishes include bluegill, sunfish, Roanoke bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Quite a few fishermen say fishing the Nottoway is one of their favorite spots because of the variety of species and the ability to fish year-round. The Nottoway River Boat Landing in Courtland was recently relocated and updated with a concrete boat ramp and a pier for fishing and to pull your boat up to when loading and unloading and it has a large paved parking lot. Bring your boat, kayak or canoe and explore the Nottoway River and all its species!

26556 SHADY BROOK TRL, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Rawls Museum Arts

Rawls Museum Arts offers world-class art exhibitions that are constantly changing. Visiting curators, lecturers, jurors, artists, performers and educators facilitate programs and exhibitions that are as diversified as the subjects, media, artworks, and lessons they present. The museum also offers state-of-the-art educational programs for children and adults alike.

Visit The Website 757-653-0754 22376 Linden Street, Courtland, VA 23837 Visit the Facebook Page

Rochelle Prince House

Part of the Historic Courtland Walking Tour, this historic home was built in the early 1800's by the Rochelle family. James Rochelle was clerk of the Southampton County court during the trial of Nat Turner and his followers. Owned and maintained by the Southampton County Historical Society, the Rochelle-Prince House is beautiful historic museum. The Rochelle Prince House is open to the public on the first and third Sundays from May through December.

757-654-6785 22371 Main Street, Courtland, VA 23837

Southampton Heritage Village/Agriculture & Forestry Museum

The Southampton Heritage Village/Agriculture & Forestry Museum is dedicated to preserving antique farm equipment, hand tools and rural wares used "way back when". Located on 10 acres of land, this Virginia attraction is home to indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits of more than 6,000 items, many of which are 200+ years old. The Heritage Village includes a 1950s Country Store, a one-room school house, country dwelling, 4-seater outhouse and more.

757-375-2523 26135 Heritage Lane, Courtland, VA 23837 Visit the Facebook Page

The Salty Southern Route

The southeastern region of Virginia has long been known for its peanuts, salt-cured hams and pork products. The Salty Southern Route takes you on a journey through this picturesque area to experience this tradition first-hand. From the town of Smithfield, namesake to the world's largest pork producer Smithfield Foods, and the city of Suffolk, home to the world-famous Planter's Peanuts, to the farms, peanut processors and charming country stores of Surry, Sussex, Franklin & Southampton County, you'll experience the culture and people behind the delicious foods the area produces. And of course - you'll get to sample some mighty fine food along the way!

The Salty Southern Route 757-562-1958 601 North Mechanic Street, Franklin, VA 23851 Visit the Facebook Page

Village Fire Engine Exhibit: Franklin Fire Department

Located in Historic Downtown Franklin's Fire Department the Village Fire Engine Exhibit shows the history of Franklin's Fire Department with photographs of vintage fire trucks, murals of the original Franklin fire station and more. The exhibit is open to the public during normal business hours.

Visit The Website 757-562-8581 100 South Main Street, Franklin, VA 23851