Suffolk Tours
Tour Description & Dates
Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour
Suffolk’s rich heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Captain John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. Even now, you can trace Suffolk’s legacy through our historic homes and neighborhoods, churches, and Virginia Civil War Trails. See multiple downtown points of interest, including Riddick’s Folly, Phoenix Bank of Nansemond, peanut factories, a Remarkable Tree of Virginia, and more.
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Tour departs from the Suffolk Visitor Center at 2 p.m.; this bus tour is approximately 75 minutes. Fee: $8 adults; $6 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
July:
Friday, July 11
Saturday, July 19
August:
Friday, August 8
Saturday, August 16
Sunday, August 17
September:
Saturday, September 27
Sunday, September 28
October:
Saturday, October 25
November:
Friday, November 7
Sunday, November 16
Saturday, November 22
December:
Friday, December 5
Saturday, December 20
Legends of Main Street: A Suffolk Ghost Walk
A hair-raising encounter with the “spirited” side of Suffolk. Follow a costumed guide through the shadows of historic Main Street, discovering stories, legends, and “unexplained occurrences” by lantern light. Tales of unsolved mysteries and unresolved affairs abound throughout Suffolk’s historically hip Ghost Walk.
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See specific tour date for departure time. This walking tour is approximately 90 minutes and covers about 1.5 miles; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger; not recommended for children under 9.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
July:
Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
August:
Saturday, August 16 at 8 p.m.
September:
Saturday, September 27 at 8 p.m.
October:
Friday, October 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 at 7 p.m.
November:
Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge “Swamp Safari”
One of Suffolk’s most popular attractions, the Great Dismal Swamp is anything but dismal. Despite its foreboding moniker, the Great Dismal Swamp is one of few remaining American wildernesses and is home to the black bear, bobcats, rare plants, snakes, and river otters. It is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Especially attractive to birders and nature lovers.
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The Great Dismal Swamp boasts 200 species of birds, frogs, lizards, salamanders, yellow-bellied and spotted turtles. Despite its impressive size and age, the Great Dismal Swamp remains a mystery to most people. Its thick forests protect its wildlife and ward off intruders. But for those who venture in, the Dismal Swamp shelters a wealth of history and lore, flora, and fauna. The tour is led by a biologist specializing in the unique habitat of the Great Dismal. Learn about the history, lore, vegetation, and wildlife with this adventure that includes a stop at Lake Drummond.
Departs at 9:30 a.m. from the Suffolk Visitor Center (524 N. Main Street). This bus tour is approximately 3.5 hours. This tour involves walking. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended (flip flops and other exposed footwear is not recommended). Snack and water provided. Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
July
Wednesday, July 9
Saturday, July 19
Wednesday, July 23
August
Wednesday, August 6
Saturday, August 16
Wednesday, August 20
September
Wednesday, September 3
Wednesday, September 17
Saturday, September 27
October
Sunday, October 5
Wednesday, October 15
Sunday, October 19
Wednesday, October 29
November
Sunday, November 2
Wednesday, November 12
Sunday, November 23
December
Sunday, December 7
Wednesday, December 10
Kayak Excursions
Guided kayak excursions are facilitated by a water adventures outfitter with years of experience. All equipment is included with registration fee. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing recommended.
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Excursions are approximately 2 hours. Fee: $40 per person.
Participants must be at least 10 years of age or older. Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack and bottled water.
Great Dismal Swamp’s Lake Drummond Kayak Excursion
Experience the unusual and breathtaking Lake Drummond, a 3,108-acre bowl-shaped lake located near the center of the Great Dismal Swamp. The larger of only two naturally occurring lakes in Virginia, on windless days on the lake, the water appears smooth as glass as the horizon disappears into the sky above. Lake Drummond stands only 18 feet above sea level, and though it is three miles wide, it is only six to seven feet deep, allowing great cypresses to rise from its still, shallow waters. Tannic acid from forest vegetation stains the water.
Bus departs the Suffolk Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
Sunday, August 17
Nansemond River at Constant Wharf Park Kayak Excursion
Located on the Nansemond River, John Constant founded this important trading center and village known as Constant’s Warehouse, which would become the Town of Suffolk in 1742.
Transportation for this tour is not available. Participants must meet at Constant’s Wharf Marina, 110 East Constance Road (behind the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront), at 9:30 a.m.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
Sunday, September 21
Bennett’s Creek Kayak Excursion
Explore the tidal wetlands along Bennett’s Creek while viewing a variety of bird and plant species.
Transportation for this tour is not available. Participants must meet at Bennett’s Creek Park, 3000 Bennetts Creek Park Road, at 9:30 a.m.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
Sunday, October 26
Lone Star Lakes at Butler Tract Kayak Excursion
Located in the Chuckatuck Village of Northern Suffolk, these lakes were excavated for marl and later sold to the City of Suffolk for water supply and a public park. Explore Butler Tract, one of the many freshwater lakes that make up this beautiful park.
Transportation for this tour is not available. Participants meet at Chuckatuck Public Library parking lot, 5881 Godwin Blvd., at 9:30 a.m.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
Sunday, July 20
Sunday, November 9
Great Dismal Swamp’s Washington Ditch Boardwalk Nature Stroll
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to connect with nature, with the Washington Ditch Trail the most often-recommended trail for hiking and biking. Enjoy a guided walk as you learn about the flora, fauna, wildlife, and history that abound in this 111,000-acre wilderness. The elevated boardwalk is located adjacent to the Washington Ditch parking area. This boardwalk tour meanders almost a mile through a representative portion of swamp habitats.
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Tour departs from the Washington Ditch Boardwalk Parking Lot located at 3076 White Marsh Road. No transportation from the Suffolk Visitor Center is available.
Tour begins at 10 a.m. and is approximately 90 minutes. This tour covers about 3/4 mile; comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended (flip flops and other exposed footwear are not recommended). Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tours:
Wednesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 19
Sunday, December 14
Great Dismal Swamp’s Underground Railroad Pavilion Tour
The Great Dismal Swamp became the first national wildlife refuge designated as a site on the National Underground Network to Freedom. The Dismal Swamp maroon history is featured on this 75-minute guided tour of the Underground Railroad Pavilion built to showcase the swamp’s role for those seeking freedom.
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Bus departs the Suffolk Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. This tour is approximately 1.5 hours. Comfortable shoes are recommended (flip-flops and other exposed footwear is not recommended). Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tours:
Sunday, November 16
Cedar Hill Cemetery Guided Stroll
Downtown Suffolk’s historic Cedar Hill Cemetery is a 32-acre expanse, rich in history and natural beauty. Once the 18th century farm of John Constant, Cedar Hill is now the final resting place for historical figures, politicians, and soldiers—many of whom greatly impacted the growth of Suffolk, as well as Virginia. An official Virginia Civil War Trail site, Cedar Hill Cemetery has long been an attraction for history buffs and walking groups.
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Departs at 4 p.m. from the Suffolk Visitor Center and is approximately 75 minutes. This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended. Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children ages 17 and younger; not recommended for children under 12.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tours:
July:
Saturday, July 19
August:
Saturday, August 16
September:
Saturday, September 20
October:
Saturday, October 18
November:
Saturday, November 1
Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery Hometown Heroes Walking Tour
Suffolk’s citizens, like in most other American localities, have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom. This 60-minute walking tour highlights and honors the graves and memorials of soldiers from Suffolk and old Nansemond County who died in combat during the two World Wars, Korean War, and Vietnam War.
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Departs at 11 a.m. from the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, at 326 N. Main Street; the tour is approximately 60 minutes. This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended. Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children; not recommended for children ages 17 and younger; no recommended for children under 12.
**Call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130 to schedule a tour. Additional dates will be listed on event calendar.**
Victorian Suffolk: Dying To Be There, A Guided Discovery of Cedar Hill Cemetery
This 75-minute walking tour explores the hidden meanings buried in Suffolk’s Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. The tour will feature Victorian-era symbolism, burial practices, funerary industries, and mourning rituals.
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This intriguing and educational excursion will highlight how the residents of Suffolk both lived and died in the 19th century. Cedar Hill Cemetery is more than two centuries old, with roots that harken back to the founding of Suffolk.
With keen eyes and curious minds, this tour will bring into focus the fascinating world of Victorian America, their obsession with death, dying, and living beyond the grave.
Participants are asked to park in the lot adjacent to the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, at 326 North Main Street, and meet at the Cedar Hill Cemetery gate adjacent to the parking lot.
This walking tour includes walking on uneven and elevated surfaces. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate dress are recommended.
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+), military, and children 17 and under.
**To make reservations, call the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130.**
Available 2025 Tour Dates:
Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 16 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 20 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 at 4 p.m.
Tours may be customized to include tours of the following attractions:
Riddick’s Folly House Museum
While Mills Riddick’s contemporaries may have mocked his Greek Revival home when it was built in 1837, the house now stands as a beautiful reminder of the past. Riddick’s Folly has four floors, 21 rooms, and 16 fireplaces. All four floors are open to the public. The building features elegantly furnished double parlors, a gentleman’s library, and adult and children’s bedchambers. Also open are the laundry and dining rooms, and the winter kitchen. Registered with the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission and the National Register of Historic Places.
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During the Civil War, Riddick’s Folly served as headquarters for the Union Army. Guided tours are available during Riddick’s Folly’s normal operating hours. Group tours are also available; please contact the museum in advance. Visitors should plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half at Riddick’s Folly.
510 N. Main Street
757-934-0822
RiddicksFolly.org
Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Admission Rates (purchased at Riddick’s Folly House Museum):
$7 – Adults
$6 – Military and Seniors (55+)
$3 – Students 18 and under
Free – Children 5 and under
$4 – Partial tours
Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum
This restored Main Street station displays a two-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907 that was built by the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association. The museum features railroad memorabilia and changing exhibits. The station was built in 1885 and has remained basically unchanged over the years. The Queen Anne style building is reminiscent of the Victorian age. It has an interesting tower with a beautiful, walnut spiral staircase.
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326 N. Main Street
757-514-4135
SuffolkTrainStation.com
*Beginning 8/5/23: Please note that the Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum will be closed indefinitely for emergency repairs and restoration. All events and museum tours are cancelled until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience.*
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Suffolk
Download a free self-guided walking tour brochure of Main Street, featuring over 40 historic sites, including:
- Old Post Office (1785)
- Nansemond County Courthouse (1839)
- Suffolk Christian Church (1891)
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1895)
- Main Street Methodist Church (1916)
- Suffolk High School (1922)
- First Baptist Church (1957)
- Mr. Peanut (Character Corner)
Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society
137 Bank Street
757-539-2781
SuffolkHistory.org
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday: By appointment only
Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
The Phillips-Dawson House Tour is free and open to the public and researchers alike. Advance appointments are preferred; however, drop-ins are welcome. The Society offers changing exhibits throughout the year.
Suffolk Art Gallery
118 Bosley Avenue
757-514-7284
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
Admission is free and self-guided.
As a community partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, this gallery offers changing art exhibits as well as open mic nights, artists’ demonstrations, and an array of art classes.
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
110 West Finney Avenue
757-923-0003
SuffolkCenter.org
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission to gallery exhibits is free and self-guided.
This three-story brick 1922 former high school in downtown Suffolk is now the state-of-the-art Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, boasting musical, theatrical, and dance productions. The 62,880-square-foot facility features a 500-seat theater, a ballroom and banquet hall, art galleries, gift shop, classrooms, and on-site restaurant.
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