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Bedford Area Welcome Center and Destination Bedford
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816 Burks Hill Road
Bedford, VA 24523 - FAX: (540) 587-5983
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Begin your visit to Destination Bedford at the official Bedford Area Welcome Center, conveniently located at 816 Burks Hill Road at the intersection of Route 460 and Route 122. Open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week (closed select holidays), the Welcome Center is your gateway to exploring all that Bedford has to offer.
Bedford is home to a remarkable collection of attractions, including the National D-Day Memorial, the scenic Peaks of Otter, Smith Mountain Lake, and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Visitors can also explore the Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, Historic Downtown, Bedford Boys Tribute Center, the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail, local orchards, and arts destinations like the Bower Center for the Arts and Sedalia Center.
Inside the Welcome Center, you’ll find engaging exhibits highlighting the region’s history, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences, along with a gift shop, free Wi-Fi, a firefighter exhibit, and a small theater. The facility also houses the Tourism Department offices and offers a community meeting room available for rental.
Take in views of the Peaks of Otter and the National D-Day Memorial from the property, or relax outdoors on covered porches with rocking chairs. Visitors can enjoy a picnic area, a Virginia LOVE sign perfect for photos, and a free 9-basket, par 3 disc golf course open to the public.
The Welcome Center is fully accessible and offers ample parking, including spaces for motor coaches and RVs, as well as an electric vehicle charging station. An RV dump station and hook-ups are available on a first-come, first-served basis for arrivals before 4:30 p.m. (no reservations).
For more information, call 540-587-5681.
Directions
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Directions:
From Lynchburg via US 29 & 460:
From Route 29, take the 460 West Exit towards Roanoke. Go about 19 miles. When you get to Bedford, take the second Bedford Exit. There will be signs for the National D-Day Memorial and the Bedford Visitors Center exit. Come off the exit and take a right onto 122 South (Burks Hills Road). There will be a Citgo Gas Station on the right and the Bedford Welcome Center will be across the street on the left.
From Roanoke via I-81:
From Interstate 81 take the Troutville- Cloverdale Exit (#150A), to Alternate 220/Cloverdale Road; follow signs to 460 (Lynchburg and Bedford) and take a left onto 460 East. Go approximately 23 miles. When you get to Bedford follow the signs for The National D-Day Memorial and the Bedford Visitors Center exit (Route 122). Take a left off of the exit and a Citgo Gas Station will be on the right and the Bedford Welcome Center will be across the street on the left.
- Major Access Routes: Route 460
Things to Do
- Monday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Tuesday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Wednesday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Thursday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Friday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Saturday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Sunday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Holidays Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
- Admission Rates: Free
- Credit Card Types Accepted: Visa and Mastercard
- Handicap Accessible: Yes
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Gift Shop:
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Restrooms:
Services
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Pet Friendly:
Recreation
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Additional Information:
The Welcome Center currently has three RV hookup sites for one night only, except during certain special events or with special permission. The sites have water, electricity, sewer and WI-FI. The cost for full hook-up is $25.00 per night. Use of the convenience stations for RV Campers is $5.00 and commercial buses is $15.00.
All buses and campers must have a hose for the convenience stations. Parking only - no hookups is $10.00 per night. We do not take reservations. The sites are open year round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Picnic tables are available on the North side of the center. For more information on the RV Hook-up sites call 540-587-5681 or 1-877 447-3257.
- Credit Card Types Accepted: Visa and Mastercard
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Credit Cards Accepted:
- Friday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Handicap Accessible: Yes
- Holidays Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Years Day
- Monday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
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Restrooms:
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RV Parking:
- Saturday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Sunday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Thursday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Tuesday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Wednesday Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Facility Info
- DescriptionThe Bedford Area Welcome Center offers a meeting room, main gallery and terrace area that is available for rent to individuals, organizations and businesses.
- Total Sq. Ft.900
- Theatre Capacity15
- Banquet Capacity60
- Number of Rooms1
- Classroom Capacity40
Meeting Room
- Total Sq. Ft.: 900
- Width: 30
- Length: 30
- Classroom Capacity: 40
