Tours

Historic Downtown Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour

See Suffolk through the eyes of years gone by.

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. Guided by a Suffolk historian, you meet the people and places that made Suffolk the city it is today.

Highlights of this windshield tour include Cedar Hill Cemetery, Riddick’s Folly House Museum, Constant’s Wharf, College Court and Suffolk’s Historic Lakeside neighborhood.

Cedar Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour*

Stroll through Cedar Hill Cemetery’s winding grave-lined paths by lantern light.

Shine new light on Suffolk history from historic Cedar Hill Cemetery to the Greek Revival mansion, Riddick’s Folly House Museum*, with a guided lantern tour. Walk amongst the graves of soldiers, generals, heroes and legends in this 32-acre expanse of hill terrain and ancient cedar trees. Departing designated Saturdays, September through November, at designated time from the Historic Nansemond County Courthouse Suffolk Visitor Center.

Join us. You won’t be left in the dark about Suffolk history.

*(This tour does not include an interior tour of Riddick’s Folly House Museum. Call 757-934-0822 for museum tours)

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.

Not appropriate for children under 9.

Great Dismal 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 black bear, bobcats, river otters, rattlesnakes and many rare plants. 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, yellow-bellied and spotted turtles, lizards, salamanders, frogs and toads.

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. Visitors may participate in hiking, biking, nature photography, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing and boating.

One of Suffolk’s most popular attractions, narrated Swamp Safaris fill up quickly. The four-hour tour is led by a biologist specializing is the unique habitat of the Great Dismal. Learn about the history, lore, vegetation and wildlife with this adventure that includes a brief walk to Lake Drummond. Sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. A small snack and beverage is provided.

This tour is not recommended for very small children.

Lake Drummond Canoe Tour

Row, row, row your boat!

You’ve never canoed like this before. Experience the unusual and breathtaking Lake Drummond, a 3,108-acre bowl-shaped lake located near the center of the Great Dismal Swamp. The largest 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 6 to 7 feet deep, allowing great cypresses to rise from its still, shallow waters. Tannic acid from forest vegetation stains the water.

Guided canoe tours are facilitated by Liquid Lessons, a water adventures outfitter with years of experience. Enjoy a half day tour of the lake. All equipment is included with registration fee. Participants must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian if younger than 12. Sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable clothing recommended. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and bottled water.

All Suffolk Tourism Tours depart from the Suffolk Visitor Center located at the former Nansemond County Courthouse, 524 North Main Street. Reservations are required and cancellations are expected no less than 48 hours prior to scheduled tour. Custom group tours are available and require a partial deposit.

To reserve your space, please contact the Suffolk Visitor Center at 757.514.4130 or 866.SEE.SUFK toll free.

Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour
Bus boards at 1:45pm; departs at 2:00pm Tour runs 2:00pm-3:30pm
Fee: $8 adults; $6 seniors (60+) $6 children (ages 3-12)

Cedar Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour
Walking tour departs promptly at 6pm or 7:00pm (depending on daylight savings time) on designated tour dates
Fee: $7 adults; $5 seniors (60+); $5 children (9-12)
Not recommended for children under 9

Suffolk Ghost Walk
Walking tour departs at dusk (call for times)
Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors; $8 children (12+)
Not recommended for children under 9

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge “Swamp Safari”
Bus boards at 9:15am; departs at 9:30am
Tour runs 10:00am-1:30pm
Fee: $10 adults; $8 seniors (60+); $8 children (ages 3-12)

Lake Drummond Canoe Tour
Bus boards at 8:45am; departs at 9:00am
Tour runs 9:30am-2:00pm
Fee: $35 per person; equipment included