Glen Maury Park
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Location
Buena Vista
Setting
Maury River and wooded hillside
Park address
100 Glen Maury Park Road
Contact
(540) 261-7321
Glen Maury Park brings together riverside scenery, outdoor recreation and local history on the edge of downtown Buena Vista, Virginia. The city describes the approximately 315-acre park as a place for wooded trails, open space and Maury River access, with facilities for camping, swimming, sports and gatherings.[1]
Come for a walk or a picnic, plan a longer camping stay, or check the city’s event calendar for seasonal festivals and concerts. The historic Paxton House—also known as Glen Maury—is part of the park’s story, but do not assume the house is open for regular visits; check with the city or the Paxton House Historical Society before planning a tour.[2]
Plan a trip to Glen Maury Park
Why visit Glen Maury Park?
The park’s appeal is its combination of town access and outdoor space. A hillside of pine and hardwood forest rises above the Maury River, offering a change of pace from downtown Buena Vista and opportunities to watch for river and woodland wildlife. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources lists the park as a Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail site and notes its river access, boat launch, trails and camping.[3]
It is also a useful base for a variety of visits: an easy picnic stop, a trail outing, a campground stay or a trip timed around a public event. The city lists a seasonal pool, playground, sports fields, tennis courts, disc golf, shelters and river recreation among the park’s amenities.[4]
Start here
Begin with the river and the setting. The Maury is a defining feature of the park, and the surrounding wooded slope gives visitors a mix of waterside and hillside scenery. For a short visit, pair a walk with time at a picnic area; for a longer stay, look into the park’s campground and current recreation options.
If history is your priority, look for the Paxton House. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources identifies the house as a circa-1831 property first owned by Elisha Paxton and notes that the city-owned farm now serves as a community park. The Paxton House Historical Society restored the house as a social, educational and historical center; confirm access and tour arrangements before making a special trip.[5]
What to see and do
Walk or bike the trails
Explore the park’s wooded routes on foot or by bike. The city describes a trail network of more than eight miles; check the current park map for routes and conditions before setting out.
Spend time by the Maury River
The river offers a scenic place to pause, fish or get out on the water. Virginia DWR lists a boat ramp and kayak/canoe launch; confirm river conditions, access and any rental arrangements with the city before your visit.
Camp in the park
The city lists RV and tent campsites with water and electric service. Reservations, site details, rates and availability can change, so check current campground information before traveling.
Cool off at the pool
The seasonal pool includes a main swimming area and a children’s wading pool. Its operating season, hours, admission and other details are subject to change; verify them with the city before visiting.
Look for wildlife
River edges and wooded slopes make the park a promising place to watch for birds and other wildlife. Virginia DWR describes species associated with both habitats; bring binoculars and observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
See the Paxton House
The historic house is a distinctive landmark within the park. It is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places; contact the city or the Paxton House Historical Society to ask about public access and tours.
History and significance
The park takes its name from Glen Maury, the historic house and farm at its center. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources dates the house to about 1831 and identifies Elisha Paxton, a plantation farmer, as its first owner. Architecturally, the house blends local forms—including molded-brick cornices and an I-plan—with classical details such as a pedimented portico and round-arch windows.[6]
Glen Maury was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register on May 16, 1978, and the National Register of Historic Places on May 24, 1979. Today the city owns the property, and the Paxton House Historical Society has worked to restore the house as a social, educational and historical center. The historic site gives the recreation landscape a deeper connection to Buena Vista’s past.[7]
Planning a visit
Glen Maury Park is at 100 Glen Maury Park Road in Buena Vista. The city’s Parks and Recreation department lists (540) 261-7321 as the park contact number.[8]
The park is used for recreation, camping and events, so facilities and access may vary by season or during scheduled activities. Check the official park page for current maps, campground information, pool operations, rentals and event notices. Event dates can change, and pool hours, fees and campground rates are especially worth confirming directly before departure.[9]
For birding or wildlife viewing, Virginia DWR provides information about the park’s habitats and access features, but also advises visitors to check the site’s website before visiting because sites or portions of sites may close periodically.[10]
Nearby attractions
Buena Vista
Explore the city’s downtown, local businesses and river setting just across the Maury from the park.
Lexington
A nearby Shenandoah Valley destination for historic sites, downtown visits and regional outings.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Use Buena Vista as a starting point for exploring the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Glen Maury Park, City of Buena Vista, City of Buena Vista. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury Park, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury Park, City of Buena Vista, City of Buena Vista. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury Park, City of Buena Vista, City of Buena Vista. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ 2026 Calendar of Events, City of Buena Vista, City of Buena Vista. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Glen Maury Park, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-22.