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One iconic landmark to visit on your Virginia getaway is the Mill Mountain Star, off the Blue Star Memorial Highway. This giant star has become a local icon that overlooks Mill Mountain Scenic Park. This is a terrific place to take the family for a day out or just to step up and enjoy the magnificent view.
I recommend coming here to relax and get out of the city for a while and just taking in the fresh air and checking out the mountains of the Roanoke Valley in the far distance.
The drive up to the Mill Mountains Star is a pleasant journey in itself, on a road lined with green trees and shrubbery. Once you arrive, there’s a little turnaround place where you can park while you take in the vista.
As the “Star City of the South,” Roanoke erected the Mill Mountain Star in 1949. It was originally intended to serve as a cool Christmas star to inspire holiday shoppers. The first time it was illuminated was on November 23, 1949, just in time for the post-Thanksgiving Christmas shopping rush.
The Roanoke Merchants Association initiated the project to build it. They, in turn, enlisted the Kinsey Sign Company for the construction. Roy Kinsey designed and built it with his three sons, using neon tubing that is still operating to this day.
The Mill Mountain Star, aka the Roanoke Star, is the largest man-made star in the entire world. It’s so big that it can be seen from up to 60 miles away. It’s 88-1/2 feet high and features 2,000 feet of neon tubing. The city illuminates it every night with multiple, different-colored lights until midnight.
Mill Mountain Star: Fun Facts & Cool Features
It’s a bit of a hike to get up to the overlook platform, but those in moderate physical condition shouldn’t have a problem. It’s handicapped accessible, and you’re also allowed to bring your dog, as long as you clean up any “droppings.”
Additionally, a smaller overlook is on the trail. There are three picnic benches, and it’s railed in beneath a shady tree, overlooking the city. It’s a relaxing place to grab a bite with your crew.
Another fun attraction is the Mill Mountain Discovery Center, where you can get more information about the area. You can also explore the American Chestnut Tree Display and the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden. As a bonus, the small Mill Mountain Zoo will thrill the kids with the animals and kiddie train ride.
For hikers and bicyclists, there’s the Monument Trail, Star Trail, Watchtower Trail, Ridgeline Trail and more. These trails wind down, through and around Mill Mountain and boy are they well tended. The trails are very well maintained, with ample shade and spots along the way to stop, sit and take a breather.
Before you go trail walking or biking, take a minute to check the posted signage for the Mill Mountain Trail Map, because otherwise it’s easy to get turned around.
For services, you’ll find restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic areas and, of course, more viewing platforms at key points along the way.