Belle Isle is a gem in Downtown Richmond, Virginia

Belle IslePhoto byBelle Isle Screenshot

Belle Isle is a 54-acre island in the middle of the James River in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Belle Isle was acquired by William Byrd I in 1676, and it remained in the Byrd family for a century.

What visitors can do at Belle Isle

The island is open at sunrise and closes at sunset. Visitors to Belle Isle have a variety of options to choose from. The island is a great place for people who love the outdoors. There are wooded areas, more than 22 miles of mountain biking trails around the city, historical sites, a small granite wall for rock climbing, and wheelchair-accessible fishing at the quarry pond.

Large, flat rocks surrounding the island make for good sunbathing, but the water is rough around the rapids and unsuitable for swimming.

What visitors can see from Belle Isle

Visitors can see wildlife in its natural habitat. From Belle Isle, visitors can see historic sites like Hollywood Cemetery, Tredegar Iron Works, and the downtown Richmond city skyline.

Belle IslePhoto byBelle Isle Screenshot

Bicycle traffic can be done through a suspension footbridge that runs under the Robert E. Lee Memorial Bridge from the northern shore or via a wooden bridge from the southern shore.

Those who visit Belle Isle once soon become frequent visitors because of their fondness for the place.