Explore the Best Free Attractions in Roanoke, VA
Roanoke City Market
🗓️ Open Saturdays from 8:00 am-5:00 pm
♿ Paved, Accessible restrooms, elevator, and designated parking spaces.
🐶✅ Dog Friendly
🌟4.5 Star Rating on Google
This historic market was established in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest continuously operating public markets within the United States. The market is dedicated to selling locally grown products and creates a sense of community for the vibrant area. If you have time after the market, don’t forget to check out the surrounding area, which features historic buildings/architecture, shops, and a variety of restaurants to satisfy just about any craving.
*Lower ratings were related to the market shutting down before the listed closing time. The reviews are skewed toward the exact dates and times when the market is closed; however, it’s helpful to keep in mind that individual vendors get to choose their own hours. The best reviews had to do with the easy-to-access parking, friendly service, and the great products from local vendors.
Taubman Museum of Art
🗓️ Open Thursday-Saturday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm, & Closed Monday-Wednesday
♿ Fully wheelchair accessible with complimentary wheelchairs available and designated parking spaces.
🐶❌ Service Animals Only
🌟4.7 Star Rating on Google
The Taubman Museum of Art was built in 2008 and named after the Taubman family, who made generous contributions to create this community gem. This incredible way to spend the day in Roanoke is completely free for visitors of all ages. The museum does provide guided tours ranging from $5-$15 depending on your age and membership status with the organization. There are also some really awesome events hosted throughout the year with activities geared towards children and adults to enjoy some time steeped in culture. Don’t forget to check out the website before visiting for helpful tips on parking, programs, and current exhibits!
Happy Hollows Park
🗓️ Monday - Sunday from 8:00 am- 8:00 pm
♿ Limited physical accessibility due to dirt trails and parking; however, there is a short wooden boardwalk near the entrance
🐶✅ Dog friendly
🌟 4.7 Star Rating on Google
This local attraction is a part of Roanoke County Parks with two miles of dirt trails through the woods. The real attraction, though, is the beautiful flowers that surround the boardwalk, which pop up around early-mid April. The park also features a picnic shelter, tables, and a grilling area, as well as an amphitheater. While the park is gorgeous, the bathrooms are not permanent, so you can find the facilities (porta-potty) near the parking lot. This park is dog-friendly and about 20 minutes away from downtown Roanoke, so be sure to pack a snack!
Basilica of Saint Andrew
🗓️ Open Monday - Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, Sunday is open for scheduled services only. Mass schedule, confession, and eucharistic adoration times are all listed on the website.
♿Paved, Accessible restrooms, chair lift, and designated parking spaces. The church is located on a hill, so please be mindful of this.
🐶❌Service Animals Only. Leashed dogs allowed outside
🌟 4.8 Star Rating on Google
The Basilica of Saint Andrew is an incredible house of worship and is open to the public for visits, prayer, and scheduled services. While the church was originally built between 1900 and 1902, it was granted the title/honor of a minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2023. Father John W. Lynch originally organized the community and built the effort, with William P. Ginther designing the High Victorian Gothic structure. After more than 100 years, the basilica’s glory still shines. The Basilica of Saint Andrew’s has free parking, wheelchair friendly features (though it does sit on a hill/slope), and a helpful website. The website is particularly helpful in providing information about Mass times, church groups, activities, confession times, registration, and adorations, with helpful and accessible information to prepare you for your visit.
Mill Mountain Star
🗓️Monday-Sunday 6:00 am- 11:00 pm
♿Fully handicap accessible with ramps to access the lookout point and free parking next to the star
🐶✅ Dog friendly
🌟 4.8 Star Rating on Google
The Mill Mountain Star, or Roanoke Star, was originally built in 1949 and intended to be a temporary holiday decoration to help promote Christmas shopping. That Christmas, the star became so loved that it remained a permanent fixture over 70 years later! The star is accessible by car and just 15 minutes from Downtown Roanoke, with a large free parking lot available to visitors. The Star is also handicapped accessible, with the main overlook featuring a ramp so all can enjoy the view. For those interested in a hike, the Star Trail offers a 3.4-mile round-trip hike up the mountain to the lookout point as an alternative. The star is quite a sight during the day but absolutely stunning at night, with such a bright glow you can see it for miles!