City: Richmond, VA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Address: 490 Tredegar St.

Description: Owned by the city and managed by Venture Richmond, it’s not a part of the city parks department, yet Brown’s Island functions as a park downtown between the canal and the James River. No need to get wet to access this island. One bridge is near the American Civil War Center, and the other is at 7th and Tredegar Streets. Be sure to walk out onto the April 1865 overlook that walks visitors through the last days of the Civil War, using the words of those who lived it to make the events come alive as the river whooshes by. Brown’s Island is the site of numerous festivals, concerts, and races, including Dominion RiverRock, Friday Cheers, and the Richmond Folk Festival. Besides forming the western entry point to the Canal Walk, the island has a more rugged path that connects to the Trestle Trail section of the James River Park, also known as the Pipeline Trail. Parking is available along 5th Street and in nearby lots.