Pulaski: Discover Bike Trails and Local History

Pulaski combines biking and walking trails with local and transportation history. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these interests can help guide your plans: the Dora Trail offers a way to enjoy the outdoors, while historic buildings, exhibits, and murals reveal other aspects of the town.

Biking and Trails

As a bike and pedestrian route, the Dora Trail connects the New River Trail near its northern terminus with downtown Pulaski at the Pulaski Railway Station. The scenic route is 2.5 miles long and passes through Kiwanis Park and Heritage Park, as well as along Peak Creek. The Dora Trail connects biking and walking routes; other biking options in Pulaski include an adventure bike park and the Draper Mountain Bike Trail.

Free parking and restrooms are available along the Dora Trail at the Pulaski Railway Station. There is also a bike shop there offering sales, service, and rentals. If you need these facilities for your plans, check their availability before you arrive.

Railroad and Regional History

The Pulaski Railway Station explores the region’s railroad history through model trains and local historical exhibits. The Raymond F. Ratcliffe Transportation Museum preserves significant artifacts and shares the history of Pulaski and the surrounding region. The Pulaski Train Depot was built from Peak Creek granite in 1888 and is also known as the “Grand Old Lady of Pulaski.”

These places offer different historical perspectives: the station and Transportation Museum explore railroad and regional history, while the Train Depot’s construction date, material, and nickname connect it to its own building history.

Architecture and Theater History

The Pulaski County Courthouse was originally built in 1896 and rebuilt after a fire in December 1989. Its architecture features elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne styles. The courthouse thus combines a documented construction history with two named architectural influences.

The Pulaski Theatre was built in downtown Pulaski in 1911 and was originally called the Elks Theatre. At the time, it hosted vaudeville shows, performances by touring ensembles, and early silent films. The building had previously served as a department store for 15 years. In 1937, it was leased to Neighborhood Theater, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia, and renovated; it opened as the Pulaski Theatre, a movie theater, on November 11 of that year. The theater offers affordable entertainment while also supporting the preservation of its historic building.

Peak Creek and Murals

Peak Creek flows through the center of downtown Pulaski and also runs along the Dora Trail. Creative murals can be seen in public spaces and local businesses. Together with the historic buildings, they offer another way to connect with local history: through the townscape and its artistic motifs, as well as through its landmark buildings.

For trip planning, you can choose between different interests: the Dora Trail connects biking and walking routes, parks, and the creek; the station, museum, depot, courthouse, and theater offer different perspectives on transportation and local history.

For a broader travel overview: Pulaski County.