Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Image credit: picture by btwashburn licenced under Attribution License.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is located in central Virginia, near the town of Appomattox. This park preserves the site of the historic Civil War surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865.

The Appomattox Court House, a reconstructed village, serves as the centerpiece of the park. Visitors can explore the McLean House, where the actual surrender took place, and observe the other buildings and artifacts that provide a vivid depiction of the final days of the Civil War. The park also features a visitor center, which offers informative exhibits that shed light on the significant events leading up to the surrender.

Aside from its historical significance, the park offers various activities for visitors to engage in. One can take part in ranger-led walking tours to learn more about the surrender and the surrounding area. Hiking trails invite visitors to explore the scenic landscapes and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.

Nearby attractions include the Museum of the Confederacy-Appomattox, which provides additional insight into the Civil War era through its collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. The High Bridge Trail State Park is also nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding on its converted railway trail.

Overall, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park offers a fascinating glimpse into a significant moment in American history. Whether one is interested in exploring the hallowed grounds where the surrender took place or immersing oneself in the surrounding natural landscapes, this park provides a memorable experience for all.

Location

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is nestled in the central region of the state of Virginia, United States. Located approximately 90 miles east of Lynchburg and 165 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., this historical park is situated in the picturesque Appomattox County. The park covers an area of about 1,700 acres, showcasing a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and serene meadows. It is surrounded by the charming towns of Appomattox and Pamplin, adding to the local charm and historical ambiance of the area. The region is characterized by its mild climate, with hot summers and cooler winters, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the significant events that unfolded during the American Civil War.

Address & Contact

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
239 George Peers Drive
Appomattox, VA 24522
Driving Directions
Phone: 4346948904
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park would be in April or May. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 68°F to 75°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the park receives moderate monthly precipitation of approximately 4 inches, ensuring that the rainfall does not impede exploration. Furthermore, visitor numbers are lower compared to the peak months of March and July, allowing for a more relaxed and less crowded experience.

Things to do and learn in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park: Animals Birds Architecture and Building Archeology Native American Heritage Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Military African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Grasslands Scenic Views Infantry and Militia Artillery Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Cavalry Social Movements Incarceration Ruins Enslavement Music Reconstruction Jails and Prisons Abolition Movement

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Appomattox Court House Visitor Center

The visitor center is located inside the reconstructed Appomattox Courthouse. It offers restroom facilities, visitor information and guidance, a 17-minute film, and exhibits focused on the history of Appomattox Court House. Guided talks and living history programs begin in the visitor center.

Campsites within or near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.

Travelodge by Wyndham Lynchburg

With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Lynchburg in Lynchburg (Diamond Hill), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Lynchburg Museum and Amazement Square. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1500 Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Web: Link

Lynchburg Grand Hotel

A stay at Lynchburg Grand Hotel places you in the heart of Lynchburg, within a 10-minute walk of Lynchburg Museum and Amazement Square. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Lynchburg? This hotel has facilities measuring 12000 square feet (1115 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 601 Main St, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA in Appomattox, you'll be a 5-minute walk from The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox and 14 minutes by foot from Appomattox River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7571 Richmond Highway, Appomattox, Virginia 24522
Web: Link

Knights Inn Madison Heights, VA

Located in Madison Heights, Knights Inn Madison Heights, VA is within a 10-minute drive of Amazement Square and Lynchburg Museum. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Madison Heights? This hotel has facilities measuring 2400 square feet (223 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3642 S Amherst Hwy, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572
Web: Link

Red Roof Inn Madison Heights, VA

Located in Madison Heights, Red Roof Inn Madison Heights, VA is within a 5-minute drive of Amazement Square and Lynchburg Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5016 S Amherst Hwy, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572
Web: Link

East Side Suites

When you stay at this apartment in Lynchburg, you'll be near the airport and 5 minutes by car from LaHaye Ice Center. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 109 Holcomb Path Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
Web: Link

Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center

In the heart of Lynchburg, Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center is within a 5-minute drive of Amazement Square and Lynchburg City Stadium. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1312 Commerce St, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Web: Link

Scottish Inn

When you stay at Scottish Inn in Madison Heights, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Amazement Square and Lynchburg Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4512 South Amherst Highway, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572
Web: Link

The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection

With a stay at The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection, you'll be centrally located in Lynchburg, just a 3-minute walk from Lynchburg Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Amazement Square. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Lynchburg? This hotel has facilities measuring 8000 square feet (743 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 712 Church Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Web: Link

7 BR Manor Near Appomattox and Lynchburg for Events and Family

Located in Lynchburg, this vacation home is within a 15-minute drive of LaHaye Ice Center and Anne Spencer House.
Address: 9750 Village Hwy, Lynchburg, Virginia 24538
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-03-31Appomattox Court House NHP to participate in 30th Annual Park Day
Park Day is an annual event giving volunteers an opportunity to help with clean-up and preservation projects on some of the nation’s most sacred grounds. More
2026-03-11Commemoration of the 161st Anniversary of Surrender and Freedom Day
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate the 161st Anniversary of the Surrender and Freedom Day with five days of special programs. More
2026-01-0927th Annual Appomattox Court House NHP and Longwood University Free Civil War Seminar
 Join the National Park Service and Longwood University on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for a free, day-long seminar in the Jarman Auditorium at Longwood University, Farmville, VA. More
2025-09-26Tourism to Appomattox Court House NHP contributes $5.9 million to local economy
 A new National Park Service report shows that 83,800 visitors to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in 2024 spent $5.9 million in communities near the park. That spending supported the local area. More
2025-06-17Play a Game of Civil War Base Ball at Appomattox Court House NHP
All visitors are welcome to physically join in playing a game of ‘base ball’ following Civil War era rules. Games will be held, weather permitting, at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM respectively and are held for 1-1.5 hours. More
2025-05-092025 Memorial Day Event at Appomattox Court House NHP
On Monday May 26, 2025, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will offer special programming to examine the history and traditions of Memorial Day. All programs are free and open to the public. More