Suffolk Tours
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION
• Smoking of any type during tours is prohibited.
Advance reservations are required for all tours. Payment is required at time of reservation.
TOUR DESCRIPTIONS AND DATES
Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour
This tour may involve walking.
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.
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 9-12; not recommended for children under 9.
Great Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge "Swamp Safari"
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. 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. One of Suffolk's most popular attractions, narrated Swamp Safaris fill up quickly. 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 9:30am. This bus tour is approximately 4 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 8-12.
Not recommended for children under 8.
Check back soon for tour dates!
Kayak Excursions
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
Available 2021 Tour Dates:
Sunday, March 21
Saturday, July 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.Available 2021 Tour Dates:
Saturday, April 17
Saturday, August 21
Saturday, November 20
Bennett's Creek Kayak Excursion
Available 2021 Tour Dates:
Saturday, May 15
Saturday, September 18
Lone Star Lakes Kayak Excursion
Available 2021 Tour Dates:
Saturday, June 26
Saturday, October 16
Great Dismal Swamp's Washington
Ditch Boardwalk Nature Stroll
January 13 | January 23
March 3 | March 27
April 3 | April 14 | April 24
May 8 | May 12 | May 23
October 7 | October 16 | October 23
November 3 | November 13 | November 20
December 1 | December 18 | December 29
Great Dismal Swamp's Underground
Railroad Pavilion Tour
The Great Dismal Swamp has long been known for its impenetrability, as a place where travelers could easily lose their way. Yet in the early centuries of American history, many of the people who vanished into the swamp were lost by their own choice. The swamp was a sanctuary for thousands of fugitive African American slaves. For more information, visit the Great Dismal Swamp website at: www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Dismal_Swamp/
Available 2021 Tours:
Saturday, February 20
Saturday, March 13
Cedar Hill Cemetery Guided Stroll
Available 2021 Tours:
March 27
April 12 | April 24
May 10 | May 22
June 7 | June 26
July 12 | July 31
August 9 | August 28
September 13 | September 25
October 30
November 13
Historic Cedar Hill Cemetery
Hometown Heroes Walking Tour
MUSEUM TOURS
Riddick's Folly House Museum
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 1-5pm
Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum
326 N. Main Street
757-514-4135
Open daily, 10am - 5pm.
*Beginning February 2021, the museum will be operating with reduced visitor capacity and hours. Call the museum in advance to reserve a time slot.
Guided Tour Admission Rates (purchased at the Railroad Museum):
$2 - Adults
$1 - Military, Seniors (55+), and children
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.
Group tours are also available; please contact the museum in advance.
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)