Reidsville: History, Lake and Trails

When planning a stay in Reidsville, different interests may shape your decision: historic homes, activities on the water, or trails where you can explore the city on foot. If you’re looking for a hotel in Reidsville, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. The town’s history can be explored at two notable buildings; at Lake Reidsville, recreational activities take center stage.

Historic Homes in Reidsville

The Penn House was built around 1908. After a fire in 1931, it was rebuilt in the Colonial Revival style in 1932. Its history therefore includes several clearly distinct stages: the original construction, the fire and the rebuilding. The house is available to the community and the public for special occasions such as weddings, business meetings and other events. If you’re planning an event, check availability in advance.

The Governor Reid House offers a different historical perspective. The Victorian building dates from 1881 and was the home of Governor David Settle Reid during the last ten years of his life. It was also the first building in Reidsville to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the house can be arranged through Reidsville’s Community Development Department; coordinate a tour before your visit.

The Rockingham County Historical Society Museum & Archives in Reidsville lists visitor hours as Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the schedule again before your visit. This makes it possible to plan a museum visit, while a tour of the Governor Reid House must be arranged separately.

Lake Reidsville and Activities on the Water

The Lake Reidsville Recreation Area covers more than 750 acres and includes a lake. Activities available at Lake Reidsville include kayaking, fishing, water skiing, boating, disc golf and using paddle boats. These activities offer different ways to spend time by the water: you can focus on a boat ride, fishing or an on-land activity such as disc golf.

Lake Reidsville also has a campground with 46 wooded sites, including 28 full-hookup sites. The figures distinguish between the total number of sites and those with full hookups. Check the campground details again before booking.

Parks and Walking Trails

The Chinqua-Penn Trail passes Turkey Pond, a small waterfall and a quarry. These three features give the trail a varied scenic character. Local trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Sky’s the Limit is an inclusive park with amenities for all children and a special focus on children with special needs. If the park’s amenities are important to your plans, check them before your visit. This lets you include information about the park in your trip planning without confusing it with the offerings of the walking trails.

The Roam Reidsville Walking Trail lets you explore Reidsville on foot, learn about the city’s roots in American tobacco and visit a park in the downtown area. The two trails have different focuses: the Chinqua-Penn Trail passes natural features, while the Roam Reidsville Walking Trail includes city history and a downtown park. Check map information locally before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Eden.

Return to the regional travel overview: Rockingham County.