Sunny days have made their return to Southern Virginia, bringing with them the perfect opportunity to rediscover Danville’s natural beauty and vibrant community life. Â
How do you imagine a June day in Danville? Maybe it’s supporting local artists at the Community Farmer’s Market, biking along the Riverwalk Trail, hosting a picnic with friends at Ballou Park, or trying a new restaurant with an outdoor patio. Southern Virginia is home to diverse small businesses, scenic parks and trails, and a grand waterway that winds more than 200 miles: the Dan River.
Built on the Banks
The Dan River flows throughout Virginia and North Carolina, crossing the border eight times, and into the City of Danville. In the early 1900s, Dan River Mills rose along its banks, becoming a textile powerhouse for the southern United States. When the historic manufacturer closed in 2006, many looked toward the river and wondered what its next chapter would be. For decades, the river’s potential was simply underappreciated as development patterns shifted and attention moved elsewhere, but its natural beauty and cultural significance remained.
Today, the Dan River has reclaimed its place as one of Danville’s greatest assets, a thriving outdoor destination, a business hub, and a place to call home.
Where Adventure Meets the Water
Many of Danville’s most beloved assets are centered around the river: the Riverwalk Trail, Dan Daniel Memorial Park, Anglers Ridge, fishing spots, canoeing and kayaking access points, and countless opportunities to dip your toes in the water. The Dan River is a setting built for exploration.Â
In 2014, the Danville YMCA opened its doors, becoming the first new development along the river in more than a century. Built to embrace the riverfront, it offers sweeping views, direct access to the Riverwalk Trail, and a wide range of amenities including a six‑lane pool, walking trail, group exercise studios, basketball courts, and after‑school programs. The award-winning Danville YMCA’s arrival helped spark a new wave of riverfront development.
The newest chapter in that story arrived in 2026 with the debut of the Riverfront Park. The park features a 14‑foot otter sculpture, a river overlook, colorful benches and picnic tables, and seamless links to both the Riverwalk Trail and the JTI Fountain on Main Street. And soon, the Dan River will welcome an exciting addition: a one‑of‑a‑kind whitewater channel designed for adventurers of all skill levels.
Life Along the Riverfront
Families, students, young adults, and retired professionals make their homes along the scenic water landscape, in newly renovated townhomes and apartments. At the end of 2024, tenants were also welcomed into the newly constructed Dan River Falls, the home of the former textile manufacturer powerhouse, Dan River Mills, and widely known as the White Mill. Currently, over 270 individuals live in the 550,000 square foot property, with one-, two-, and even three-bedroom options, historic features and charm, a dog park, fitness center, and more.
Every Stop Comes with a View
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism (DOEDT) works year‑round to attract visitors to Southern Virginia, and the Dan River plays a starring role in that effort.
Tourists can enjoy a moonlit dinner on the patio at Cotton at Riverside Mill, an evening stroll by the LOVEworks sign near the Carrington Pavilion, or a day of hands-on learning at the Danville Science Center. A wide variety of restaurants, retailers, and attractions line the riverfront, making the Dan River a defining feature not only of the River District but of the entire region.Â
Whether you’re carrying shopping bags, raising a toast, or lacing up your running shoes, the Dan River is always close by. This natural force anchors Southern Virginia’s identity and helps shape a future that is vibrant for both work and play.
Learn more about DOEDT’s efforts to cultivate a thriving community for families, businesses, and visitors at www.discoverdanville.com.Â
Content: Hannah Toufas, Marketing & Communications Specialist (Showcase Magazine, June 2026)Â