Virginia's Explore Park
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Virginia's Explore Park is a living history museum and recreational facility locaed at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke County, Virginia. It includes various restored local historical structures and many miles of both hiking and biking trails, along with access to the Roanoke River for recreational use.
[edit] History
Explore Park was essentially founded in 1985 by the River Foundation. It was originally created with the intent of being a historical theme park that would educate visitors on the journey of Lewis and Clark through the American frontier. This idea was abandoned with time and today's Explore Park began to emerge in late 1991 when reconstruction began on the 1837 Hofauger House of Roanoke County. Between 1991 and 2002 various other historical structures including a working tavern and grist mill were added to the property. In 2001 Roanoke County made a multi-million dollar deal with the park, essentially making the County the proprietor of the park.
[edit] Future
Development is in the works to make Explore Park a historical ammusement park and resort along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The lead developer is Larry Vander Maten, a Flordia based entrepreneur.
[edit] References
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