Tazewell County, Virginia
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Region
Southwest Virginia
Type
County
County seat
Tazewell, Virginia
Known for
Burke’s Garden, coal heritage, and mountain recreation
Tazewell County sits in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, where rural valleys, forested ridges, small towns, and coalfield history shape the visitor experience. It is part of the Heart of Appalachia, and its attractions range from the unusual landscape of Burke’s Garden to museums, outdoor recreation, and heritage sites. [1]
Plan for a road-trip-style visit: sights and communities are spread across the county, and the landscapes between stops are part of the appeal. Start with the county’s visitor information in Bluefield, then choose a focus—scenic drives and wildlife, local history, or recreation around the lakes and trails. Check directly with attractions and the visitor center for current access and operating details before setting out. [2]
Plan a trip to Tazewell County
Why visit Tazewell County?
Tazewell County brings together mountain landscapes and a layered local history. Burke’s Garden is a striking destination for a country drive, with a basin ringed by Garden Mountain and a working agricultural landscape. Elsewhere, visitors can explore the county’s coal and railroad heritage, find trails and wildlife-viewing areas, or use the smaller towns as stops along a wider Southwest Virginia itinerary. [3][4]
The county’s character is especially visible outdoors. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Mountain Heritage loop links Burke’s Garden with other county sites, including Lincolnshire Park and Lake, Cavitt’s Creek, and the Historic Crab Orchard Museum. The route is a useful planning idea for travelers who want to combine scenery, wildlife, and regional history. [5]
What to see and do
Burke’s Garden
Drive through this mountain-ringed rural district for open farm views, historic landscapes, and a sense of the county’s high-country setting. The district covers nearly 40 square miles; many historic properties are private, so enjoy the area from public roads and respect residents’ privacy. [6]
Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park
Explore exhibits focused on the cultural history of the Appalachian region. The museum is included among the sites on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Mountain Heritage loop. Confirm current exhibits and visiting information with the museum before traveling. [7]
Pocahontas coal heritage
The community of Pocahontas preserves the area’s coal-mining story. Virginia Tourism highlights its Exhibition Coal Mine and mining heritage as part of a county itinerary; check with the attraction for current tour availability and visitor details. [8]
County parks, lakes, and wildlife
Lincolnshire Park and Lake and Cavitt’s Creek are among the outdoor sites identified on the Mountain Heritage loop. Burke’s Garden is also noted for its mix of woodland, grassland, and marsh habitat, making it a rewarding area for birding and scenery. Check local sources for current access and facilities. [9][10]
Visit the county seat for a historic small-town setting and a starting point for exploring nearby county attractions. The town was established as Jeffersonville when it became the county seat in 1800; it was renamed Tazewell in 1892. [11]
History and character
The county’s recorded settlement history spans Indigenous occupation, frontier settlement, agriculture, transportation, and coal. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources notes prehistoric archaeological sites in Burke’s Garden and describes its later settlement and farming landscape. The Town of Tazewell’s local history records the creation of Tazewell County from parts of Wythe and Russell counties on December 20, 1799. [12][13]
Tazewell, originally named Jeffersonville, was established as the county seat in 1800. The town’s history also reflects changing transportation and commerce: its account describes the growth of rail-connected North Tazewell and the later merger of the two towns in 1963. Coal heritage remains an important part of the county’s visitor story, alongside farming landscapes and mountain recreation. [14][15]
Planning a visit
Tazewell County is best approached as a regional drive rather than a single compact attraction district. Allow time for winding roads and stops between communities, and check conditions and access before visiting rural sites. Burke’s Garden is a lived-in historic district, not an open-air museum; some properties are private and not open to visitors. [16]
The Tazewell County Visitors Center is located at 163 Walnut Street in Bluefield and offers visitor information, brochures, and maps. Contact the center to confirm current service and opening details, and ask about routes and attractions suited to your plans. [17]
Nearby places and attractions
- Bluefield, Virginia — a nearby community and home to the county visitor center.
- Bland County, Virginia — an adjoining county to the east, with mountain landscapes and outdoor routes.
- Wythe County, Virginia — neighboring county to the southeast.
- Southwest Virginia — explore the broader region’s Appalachian towns, heritage, and scenic destinations.
- Breaks Interstate Park — a major regional outdoor destination farther west.
- Clinch River State Park — a Southwest Virginia destination for river and trail recreation.
- Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine — a county coal-heritage attraction.
- Back of the Dragon — a well-known scenic road highlighted in county travel itineraries.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ About Visiting Tazewell County, Visit Tazewell County, Tazewell County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ About Visiting Tazewell County, Visit Tazewell County, Tazewell County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Burke’s Garden Rural Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Mountain Heritage, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Mountain Heritage, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Burke’s Garden Rural Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Mountain Heritage, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ LOVE in Tazewell County, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Mountain Heritage, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Burke’s Garden, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ History, Town of Tazewell, Town of Tazewell. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Burke’s Garden Rural Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ History, Town of Tazewell, Town of Tazewell. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ History, Town of Tazewell, Town of Tazewell. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ LOVE in Tazewell County, Virginia Is for Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Burke’s Garden Rural Historic District, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ About Visiting Tazewell County, Visit Tazewell County, Tazewell County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-23.