Martinsville, Virginia
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Region
Southern Virginia
Type
Independent city
Setting
Eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Known for
Martinsville Speedway, museums, arts and outdoor recreation
Martinsville is a small-city destination in southern Virginia where motorsports, regional history and outdoor recreation meet. Its best-known draw is Martinsville Speedway, while the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum and Piedmont Arts offer reasons to explore beyond race weekend. The city sits in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with trails and river access in the surrounding area. [1][2]
The region suits visitors who want a mix of attractions rather than a single long sightseeing route: spend time in Uptown, visit a museum or gallery, then plan a trail walk or a day at nearby Philpott Lake. Race dates, museum schedules, outdoor access and event programming can change, so check the relevant official site before setting out. [3]
Plan a trip to Martinsville
Why visit Martinsville?
Martinsville’s appeal is its range of experiences within a compact city and nearby countryside. NASCAR fans can make the speedway the centerpiece of a visit; families and curious travelers can explore natural-history exhibits; and visitors interested in local stories can look into the region’s courthouse, manufacturing and community history. Arts programming and public art add another layer to a trip, while the Smith River and area trails offer a change of pace outdoors. [4][5]
What to see and do
Make time for the city’s signature motorsports venue, particularly if your visit coincides with a race. The speedway’s official site lists current events and visitor information; check it for the schedule and any event-specific arrangements before traveling. [6]
The state natural-history museum is a strong indoor stop for families and visitors interested in science, specimens and changing exhibitions. Its exhibitions, admission details and opening schedule may vary; confirm current information with the museum. [7]
Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum
Located in the former Henry County courthouse, this museum presents local history through exhibits on the area’s communities, industries and everyday life. Check the Historical Society’s current visitor information before planning a visit. [8]
Piedmont Arts
Visit this arts institution for exhibitions and programs featuring regional, national and international artists. Its public-art offerings also include murals and sculptures around Uptown; verify current gallery hours and event details before you go. [9]
Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail
Walk, run or cycle on this paved local rail-trail, which links neighborhoods with shopping, dining and entertainment. Trail information and route details are available from the local tourism organization. [10]
Uptown Martinsville
Explore the city’s central district for local shops, dining and community events. For a broader picture of attractions and visitor resources, consult the city and local tourism websites. [11]
History and character
Martinsville takes its name from General Joseph Martin. It became Henry County’s seat in 1790, was incorporated as a town in 1873 and became an independent city in 1928. Furniture manufacturing became a significant part of the local economy in the early twentieth century, alongside the textile industry; the city’s historic and cultural attractions reflect those industrial roots as well as the wider story of the surrounding region. [12]
Motorsports added another chapter when Martinsville Speedway opened in 1947. Today, that racing heritage sits alongside museums, arts organizations and historic sites, giving the city a character shaped by both industry and community life. The former county courthouse, now home to the local heritage museum, offers a setting to explore those stories. [13][14]
Planning a visit
Martinsville works well as a short cultural stop, a race-weekend destination or a base for exploring outdoor attractions in the surrounding area. If you are visiting for a NASCAR event, check the speedway’s official schedule and event guidance early. For a quieter itinerary, pair Uptown or a museum visit with a walk on a local trail.
Museum hours, exhibitions, admission, race schedules and event details are subject to change. Confirm current information directly with each attraction before departure. Visitors planning time on the water or at recreation areas should also check access, facilities and conditions with the relevant official provider.
Nearby places and attractions
Danville, Virginia
A nearby Southern Virginia city to consider adding to a regional road trip.
Roanoke, Virginia
Explore another Virginia city in the Blue Ridge region.
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Plan a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge, checking current road and site conditions before setting out.
Fairy Stone State Park
A state-park option for outdoor recreation in the Martinsville area; confirm current access and facilities with the park.
Philpott Lake
A nearby lake destination for boating, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities. Check current recreation information before visiting. [15]
Smith River in Virginia
The river and its local trail system offer opportunities for paddling, fishing, walking and cycling; check route and water conditions before planning an outing. [16]
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Martinsville Tourism, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History of Martinsville, City of Martinsville, Virginia, City of Martinsville. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Martinsville Tourism, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Attractions, City of Martinsville, Virginia, City of Martinsville. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Piedmont Arts, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Speedway. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Virginia Museum of Natural History, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Virginia Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Piedmont Arts, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Smith River Trail System, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Experience Martinsville, City of Martinsville, Virginia, City of Martinsville. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ History of Martinsville, City of Martinsville, Virginia, City of Martinsville. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Our History, City of Martinsville, Virginia, City of Martinsville. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Philpott Lake, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Smith River Trail System, Visit Martinsville, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-22.