Virginia is a state that boasts plenty of world-famous attractions. From Luray Caverns to the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no shortage of marvels in the Old Dominion. One such attraction is a bit lesser-known, but just happens to be the largest of its kind in the entire world. A hike up Mill Mountain in Roanoke will lead you to the largest free-standing star on the planet. This man-made attraction illuminates the natural beauty of Roanoke and is well worth the trip. Here’s more on your visit to this one-of-a-kind site:
From afar, the 88-foot Roanoke Star may not seem all that large. Yet this structure sits over 1,000 feet above the city and is visible from 60 miles away.
Photo Credit
The star was built in 1949, at which point Roanoke was given the name “Star City of the South.”
leenient/flickr The star was the idea of the Roanoke Merchant’s Association, who designed the structure in celebration of the Christmas season. The star immediately gained popularity, and its developers decided to keep the star aglow all year long.
Roughly 2,000 feet of neon tubing gives the Roanoke Star its famous glow. The star is illuminated every night of the year.
Wikipedia
For a unique excursion, take the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to Mill Mountain Parkway at Milepost 120.
ehpien/flickr
After approximately 2.5 miles, you’ll notice signage for Mill Mountain Park, which features a parking lot right next to the star.
While the structure itself is absolutely breathtaking, the real attraction is the view of the Roanoke Valley.
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge/Facebook
In addition to the breathtaking overlook, Mill Mountain Park also features plenty of other amenities.
Erica Cherup/flickr
The Star Trail is a wonderful hiking trail of up to the top of Mill Mountain, which also features plenty of scenic biking trails.
Visit Roanoke VA
Day or night, downtown Roanoke absolutely shines from the elevated perspective of Mill Mountain.
Brent Moore/flickr
It’s no wonder why so many Roanoke residents take friends and family to this very spot to show off their hometown.
Wikipedia
And once you’ve seen this massive star up close, you’ll won’t have a hard time believing this 10,000-lb structure is the largest of its kind.
hapytrls/TripAdvisor
Have you visited Mill Mountain and seen the Roanoke Star for yourself? Share your experiences there with us!
Photo Credit
leenient/flickr
The star was the idea of the Roanoke Merchant’s Association, who designed the structure in celebration of the Christmas season. The star immediately gained popularity, and its developers decided to keep the star aglow all year long.
Wikipedia
ehpien/flickr
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge/Facebook
Erica Cherup/flickr
Visit Roanoke VA
Brent Moore/flickr
hapytrls/TripAdvisor
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