7 Strangest Landmarks in Virginia

Virginia is a wonderful state along the Atlantic coast. With its hilly western half that touches the Appalachian Mountains, its coastal scenery to the east, and numerous historic towns and cities spread throughout, there is no shortage of things for you to see and do within its borders. Let's highlight some of its odd destinations — from unique geological landmarks to creepy museums and beyond. Join us on this strange and peculiar adventure through the Old Dominion state, the home to much of America's earliest history and coolest modern attractions, including the seven strangest landmarks in Virginia.

Foamhenge

Foamhenge is a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge, constructed entirely from Styrofoam. Created in 2004 by artist Mark Cline, this roadside attraction was designed as a playful homage to the mysteries of the original monument across the ocean. Each “stone” was carefully shaped and painted to resemble the weathered appearance of the actual henge, with the arrangement closely mimicking the prehistoric site’s layout.

Foamhenge stands out as a surreal sight amid Virginia’s rural landscapes, drawing travelers who don't exactly want to traverse the Atlantic over to England to experience this legendary landmark of the ancient world.

Originally located in Rockbridge County, Foamhenge was moved to Cox Farms in Centreville in 2017, where it remains a curiosity that you can visit today.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ

Deep within Luray Caverns, the Great Stalacpipe Organ is the largest musical instrument of its kind, using natural stalactites to produce incredible sound. Built in 1954 by mathematician and scientist Leland W. Sprinkle, this unique organ operates by striking the stalactites of varying lengths with rubber mallets, generating notes across a three-and-a-half-acre chamber.

Sprinkle spent years carefully selecting and tuning each stalactite to create a playable instrument. The result is an eerie yet beautiful resonance, as the cavern itself amplifies the sound even further. Still operational today, the Great Stalacpipe Organ merges geology, engineering, and music into an experience that some find just as haunting, with the ethereal sound the organ produces, as it is impressive.

The grounds around the Luray Caverns are packed with other attractions you should also check out while visiting, like the Shenandoah Heritage Village, an extensive hedge maze, the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, a gift shop, and much more.

The Grave of Stonewall Jackson’s Arm

One of the strangest burial sites in Virginia is not for a person, but for a famous limb instead. At Ellwood cemetery in Locust Grove (a location that is now under the care of the National Park Service), a small gravestone marks the final resting place of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s amputated left arm.

During the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863, Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops, and surgeons at a field hospital on the Ellwood property removed his shattered arm to try to save his life. A chaplain, Reverend Beverley Tucker Lacy, recovered the limb and buried it in the family cemetery at Ellwood.

Jackson ended up dying days later from complications, but his arm remained separately interred at Ellwood with its own engraved burial stone, a marker that has remained in place since 1903.

To get to this somewhat discrete landmark, you will need to go to the Ellwood Manor (which now hosts a museum open to the public) where you will find it a short walk south within a fenced-off section of the property.

Virginia's Largest Pencil

Hanging above the entrance to the now-closed Wytheville Office Supply, the Giant Pencil is an eye-catching sight in this small community. Measuring well nearly 30 feet long, the oversized yellow pencil was originally installed as an advertisement but has since become a bit of an icon for the town of Wytheville.

The oversized pencil has remained in place for decades, outlasting changes in business ownership and urban development. The sculpture is surprisingly detailed too, and features a sharpened tip, a realistic eraser, and even a metal band mimicking the design of a standard wooden pencil you've seen in school.

Visitors often stop to take photos with the unusual landmark, drawn to its odd combination of scale and odd placement on this otherwise normal-looking downtown street.

In an era when many vintage roadside signs have disappeared, the Giant Pencil remains a quirky, old-school reminder of mid-century American advertising.

President Heads

Scattered across a private field outside of Williamsburg, this destination's title is fairly self-explanatory. The Presidents Heads are a collection of 43 crumbling, oversized busts of former U.S. presidents. Each concrete statue stands about 20 feet tall and weighs several tons, originally part of Presidents Park, a short-lived open-air museum in York County that closed in 2010.

When the park shut down, local businessman Howard Hankins salvaged the sculptures instead of allowing them to be demolished. Transporting them to his property caused visible damage, as many now have cracks, missing chunks, or hollowed-out skulls. Over the years, weather and neglect have further eroded the statues, creating a sort of spooky, almost apocalyptic atmosphere to the attraction.

Some see it as an allegory for the decay of the American dream, others simply see it as a fascinating remnant from a former theme park and an ode to the country's former leaders. Regardless, it is definitely one of the most unique landmarks in Virginia. Though not open to the public daily, the site occasionally hosts guided tours and events.

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

The Edgar Allan Poe Museum in downtown Richmond is dedicated to the life and works of one of America’s most influential writers. Despite Poe’s strong association with Baltimore, he spent much of his early life in this busy Virginian city, making this museum a fitting tribute to this tragic yet iconic literary figure.

Housed in the Old Stone House, Richmond’s oldest surviving home (dating back to the 1740s), the museum contains one of the most comprehensive Poe collections in the world. Exhibits include rare manuscripts, first-edition books, and personal items, such as Poe’s childhood bed and his walking stick. The museum also features a reconstructed garden inspired by Poe’s poetry, with a shrine dedicated to the author and his most popular works.

While Poe never lived in the Old Stone House, its distinct, old-timey character enhances the gothic atmosphere often associated with his work. It is certainly a must-see for fans of Poe’s macabre storytelling, and a number of themed events are held throughout the year too, like guided tours, a Halloween celebration, live talks with authors, and after-hours social gatherings.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park is home to one of Virginia’s most impressive geological formations, a 200-foot-high natural stone arch that spans 90 feet across Cedar Creek. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson, the bridge has long been a site of fascination, referenced in early American history and Native American lore. The Monacan people, for example, considered it a sacred site, and in 1774, Jefferson purchased the land from King George III, later opening it to curious visitors.

The bridge was formed over thousands of years by the slow erosion of Cedar Creek's limestone bedrock. Today, it remains the park’s main centerpiece, surrounded by scenic hiking trails, including the highly recommended Cedar Creek Trail, which leads to a waterfall and an area with preserved Native American dwellings. The park also protects diverse plants and wildlife, caves, and rolling meadows, making it a destination for both history and nature enthusiasts.

Now a designated state park, Natural Bridge continues to attract those intrigued by its massive scale, seemingly man-made shape, and historical significance.

Explore These Odd Spots in Virginia

These seven strangest landmarks in Virginia offer a glimpse into the state’s quirky charm, blending art, nature, and mystery for all to enjoy. From the Foamhenge to the slightly eerie President Heads, these sites can make for some truly memorable stops on your next road trip. Visiting the seven strangest landmarks in Virginia will surely invite some curiosity to your explorations, offering you an opportunity to uncover various stories and experiences that go beyond the typical attractions you may be accustomed to seeing on your travels.