The River District

About The River District

The city of Richmond, Virginia is home to the beautiful and historic River District. The newly renovated Canal Walk along the James River and the Kanawha Canal lets locals and tourists have access to the St. James, which is the only metropolitan whitewater river in the U.S. The River District and the Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip are popular for its entertainment venues, dining, and shopping, not to mention it's historic architecture. Along the Canal Walk you can enjoy a covered boat cruise on the James River and Kanawha canals. The canal system was started in 1789 at the urging of George Washington, and these tours provide historical narrations about that era in Richmond's history. You can visit St. John's Church, built in 1741. It is the only original Colonial building still left standing in this historic part of Richmond. In 1775 in this Church, Patrick Henry proudly proclaimed, "Give me liberty of give me death" during a revolutionary convention with many of our country's founding fathers in attendance. On one of the River District's historic streets is the American Civil War Center. This museum presents all aspects of the Civil war from the viewpoints of the Confederacy, the Union, and African Americans. If you want some outdoor adventure and excitement, visit the Adventure Challenge. This company offers trips and lessons in river tubing and whitewater kayaking right through the center of the River District.