Belle Isle: My Favorite Place to Visit in My Hometown of Richmond, Virginia by Sheri B Doyle

U.S. Travel
5 years ago

Belle Isle: My Favorite Place to Visit in My Hometown of Richmond, Virginia

America is full of amazing sites and history. Our hometowns are great places to start exploring our country and learn our history. In Richmond, Va., one of my favorite places to go, and take visitors, is Belle Isle.

The 540-acre island was originally a Native American settlement. The first European to step foot on the island was Captain John Smith in 1607. Since then Belle Island has served as a Confederate prison camp, housing over 3,000 prisoners of war. In 1814 it was home to a large nail factory, and in the 1900s it housed a hydroelectric plant. Belle Island is one of the most historic sites in Richmond, a city full of history.

My family has spent so much time on Belle Island riding the bike path, climbing the granite climbing wall, watching the turtles sunning in the marshes, Geocaching, walking or jogging the path around the island. By far our favorite thing to do is sit on the massive flat rocks in the James River taking in the views of the Hollywood cemetery, the beautiful Richmond skyline or the brave people who kayak through the Hollywood rapids.

Photo: Large flat rocks surround Belle Island and make it a good spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Photos: Walking bridge on Belle Island in Richmond, Virginia.

Photo (main): VisitRichmondVa.com

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Tribe
So picturesque
Elisa Schmitz
How wonderful, Sheri B Doyle . I would love to see it!
Sheri B Doyle
Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds If you make it to Richmond to visit some of the tribe here you should definitely spend some time there.
Renee
I had no idea you were from Richmond!!! You know that’s where Anne Marie and I live!? I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been to Belle Isle yet- but it’s on my list!
Sheri B Doyle
I didn't know you lived in Richmond as well. How cool! I lived in the fan for 10 years and loved every minute of it. Belle Isle is so cool, all the kids we take there absolutely love it. Now the Teapott Bridge is open there as well which is a wonderful history lesson, beautiful scenery with a climbing wall at the end!
Katie Sloan
I’ve live in RVA for almost 7 years and have never been there. Thanks for writing this!
Sheri B Doyle
I hope you make the time to go. There is a new bridge area there now as well with tons of history and gorgeous views of the city and the river.

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