Hopewell: Hotels, Riverwalks and History

Hopewell combines riverside scenery and waterfront trails with sites from U.S. history. When choosing where to visit, you can consider whether you want to focus primarily on trails and views, historic sites, or access to the water. The trails described differ in length and character; the historic sites also offer different insights.

Riverside and Nature Trails

The Hopewell Riverwalk is a 2,600-foot-long boardwalk along the banks of the Appomattox River. It offers expansive views of historic City Point. At 900 feet, the Cattail Creek Nature Trail is considerably shorter and offers views of the Cattail Creek wetland floodplain. These two lengths provide a concrete point of reference for comparing the routes described.

For the Cabin Creek Nature Trail, the focus is on the character of the route rather than its length: the paved footpath leads through wooded areas and the pavilion area of Crystal Lake Park. The three descriptions therefore emphasize different features—a boardwalk by the river, views of a wetland floodplain, and a paved path through wooded and pavilion areas. If you are especially interested in waterscapes, the Riverwalk and Cattail Creek Trail offer different perspectives on a riverbank and a wetland.

City Point and Civil War History

Several of Hopewell's historic themes relate to City Point and the Civil War. Appomattox Manor served as General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters from June 1864 to April 1865. The General Grant's Headquarters Unit features interpretive panels about the site's history. They also cover the free and enslaved people who lived at Appomattox Plantation.

The City Point Historic District is historically significant as the site of an important 18th-century port. It was also the site of a U.S. military headquarters during the ten-month siege of Petersburg. City Point served as a supply base for Union troops engaged in the fighting around Petersburg. City Point National Cemetery occupies part of the site of the large supply depot established in Hopewell in June 1864 for the army fighting against Petersburg and Richmond. Many buildings and properties in the Historic District are visible from public roads.

Buildings with Different Stories

The Beacon Theatre opened in 1928 and was initially known as the “Broadway Theatre.” In 2014, it reopened as a venue for performances, a conference center, and a facility for special events. Visits are by appointment only; arrange your appointment before visiting.

Weston Manor is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and retains much of its original interior. This includes distinctive cornices, wall paneling, and chair rails. Tours of the house and grounds are available from April 1 to December 15: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check visiting times in advance. Nearby St. Denis Chapel was built in 1887 as a Catholic chapel for U.S. Navy personnel in the area; since 2023, the building has been a private residence again.

Water Access and Visit Planning

Hopewell City Marina is the city's main river access point and provides direct access to the Appomattox River. Its boat ramp is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since access conditions can change, check them before you go.

Riverside Harbor Kayak Launch provides easy access to the water for people of all abilities. Unless otherwise noted, it is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Opening hours may change; check them before your visit. Also confirm accessibility features again before your trip. This lets you factor the water access points and history-focused visits into your travel plans based on the conditions stated for each.

For the broader travel overview: Hopewell.