Photo: NPS
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U.
Weather now74°F Patchy rain nearby
S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen.
Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces cut off supplies to both Petersburg and the Confederate capital, Richmond.
Today, the park preserves the sites of this pivotal campaign.
3 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
The Eastern Front Tour Road is 4-miles, one-way, and has eight stops encompassing the first couple months of General Grant's assault on Petersburg in 1864.
Learn more about Drive the Eastern Front Tour Road on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Walk around Poplar Grove National Cemetery and reflect on the tragedy that befell the United States during the Civil War. Each simple headstone is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
Learn more about Visit Poplar Grove National Cemetery on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Walk around City Point to explore why this area was, and still is, a popular place for living along the rivers. The Eppes family established the Appomattox plantation and their home here as early as…
Learn more about Walk Around City Point on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 3 of 3
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Center
The Eastern Front Visitor Center is the park's main visitor center, including museum, gift shop, and 18 minute video. The Visitor Center is open every day. Hours: 9:00…
5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, VA (804) 732-3531 Directions
Visitor Center
Contact station includes small exhibit area and 12-minute video.
9840 Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, VA (804) 602-7527 Directions
Visitor Center
Station is located in the former plantation home of the Eppes Family. When open, visitors can view a 15 minute video and tour the first floor of the home including a…
1001 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell, VA (804) 602-7525 Directions
Daily, 9:00AM - Sunset · Eastern Front Tour Road and Trails
The Eastern Front Unit includes our main visitor center and a four mile, 8-stop tour road which includes the Fort Stedman and Crater battlefields. During Spring and Summer, the tour road closes at sunset or 8:00 pm (whichever is earlier). In the Fall and Winter, the tour road closes at 5:00pm. The Visitor Center is open from 9:00 - 5:00 pm daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day when the park is closed.
| Monday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
| Friday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - Sunset |
The grounds, with wayside exhibits are open during daylight hours.
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
The recreational trails and driving tour stops are open daily.
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
No entrance fees listed.
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84° 59°
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Updated 4 hr ago
Winters are usually cool with temperatures averaging in the 40s. Spring and fall are mild. Summer can bring very hot and humid weather.
An explosion shook the earth early in the morning, on July 30, 1864. Soon after the battle of the Crater begins.
Join a Park Ranger for a 30-45-minute program discussing the Pennsylvania soldiers who engineered and constructed the over 500-foot tunnel, the strategies and brutalities of the battle, the role of Black troops in the battle, and Confederate General William Mahone's counterattack.
Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the parking lot for Stop #8.
Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.
The Hare House Hill/ Fort Stedman area is some of the most blood-soaked land in the Petersburg National Battlefield. Join a Park Ranger for a 20-30 minute program discussing the events in this area.
Programs may include:
Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the parking lot for Stop #5.
Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues
The 292-day campaign for Petersburg began with four days of intense fighting between June 15-18, 1864. Join a Park Ranger for a 20-30 minute discussion of the events leading up to and the impacts of the actions of those days.
Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the flagpole outside the Eastern Front Visitor Center.
Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.
Join us for Ranger's Choice!
A park ranger led program highlighting the history or nature of Petersburg National Battlefield. Topics could include military history, soldiers' experiences during the campaign, birding, or highlights of a project/subject the ranger is currently working on. Check in at the front desk of the Eastern Front Visitor Center for the day's program.
An explosion shook the earth early in the morning, on July 30, 1864. Soon after the battle of the Crater begins.
Join a Park Ranger for a 30-45-minute program discussing the Pennsylvania soldiers who engineered and constructed the over 500-foot tunnel, the strategies and brutalities of the battle, the role of Black troops in the battle, and Confederate General William Mahone's counterattack.
Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the parking lot for Stop #8.
Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.
The 292-day campaign for Petersburg began with four days of intense fighting between June 15-18, 1864. Join a Park Ranger for a 20-30 minute discussion of the events leading up to and the impacts of the actions of those days.
Meet the Park Ranger for this free program at the flagpole outside the Eastern Front Visitor Center.
Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.
Join us for Ranger's Choice!
A park ranger led program highlighting the history or nature of Petersburg National Battlefield. Topics could include military history, soldiers' experiences during the campaign, birding, or highlights of a project/subject the ranger is currently working on. Check in at the front desk of the Eastern Front Visitor Center for the day's program.
Petersburg National Battlefield will honor veterans past and present at the Annual Luminary Program at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. From 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, visit Poplar Grove National Cemetery for a meaningful evening of illuminating the gravesites of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.
Beyond the 6,000 luminaries, this powerful event offers an opportunity to learn about a few of the known burials at the cemetery. During the program, Park Rangers will be throughout the cemetery waiting to share the stories of those laid to rest at Poplar Grove National Cemetery.
There is no parking available at Poplar Grove National Cemetery during the program. Petersburg National Battlefield is providing a free shuttle from Richard Bland College, 11301 Johnson Road, Petersburg. This free shuttle will provide transportation to and from the cemetery between 5:00 pm and 8:30 pm.
Shuttle buses will be available to transport volunteers from Richard Bland College to Poplar Grove National Cemetery beginning at 3:30 pm.
Poplar Grove National Cemetery
12:00 PM - Ceremony at Rostrum
Wreath placement immediately following the ceremony.
Parking at Richard Bland College only. (11301 Johnson Road)
Free shuttle buses to and from the cemetery starting at 10:45 am and runs every 15 minutes.
Limited parking for individuals with disabilities is available at the cemetery.
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to place wreaths on the graves of military service members buried in national cemeteries. For more information about the Wreaths Across America program, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.
The Eastern Front (Main) Visitor Center is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Rt. 95 off of Route 36 in Petersburg. If travelling north on Rt. 95, take exit 50D and follow signs to Wythe Street.
Once on Wythe Street, travel 2.5 miles east to entrance of Battlefield. If travelling south on Rt. 95, take Exit 52 (Wythe Street). Again, travel about 2.5 miles to entrance.
Mailing address: Petersburg National Battlefield Administration Office, Petersburg, VA 23803
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
