shot tower historical state park

We stopped here on our way back home because it was just off the interstate, and I'm interested in the history of the US. I thought it would be worth seeing, and it was, from a historical perspective. However, when it's not really open, there's not much you can learn about it from the limited signage.I'd like to recommend it, but unless you know when it's going to be staffed, it's probably not worth the bother. In addition, there are signs about paying for parking that are very punitive (for those who don't). Yet if no one is there, the entire visit could take all of 5 minutes. I can't imagine paying $4 to park for a 5 minute stop. So that, to me, is ridiculous.I can see how it's location would inhibit visitors - there isn't anything nearby to serve as a draw for it, and it isn't heavily promoted. However, it fits nicely on an itinerary that's filled with Civil War history, and I've not seen something like this anywhere else.I'm marking this as no fee, even though you're supposed to pay for parking.

Small park adjoining the New River Trail SP. Very interesting learning how shot for firearms was made 200 years ago. Easily accessible by car or from the New River Trail.

We've passed by on numerous occasions. Fortunately we timed our visit when the Tower was open, thanks to the volunteer program. Great way to stretch your legs and learn about this historical structure. After the tower we walked down the hill to the New River Trail, a hardened surface rail trail that follows the river for 57 miles.

this place has a wonderful history and if you enjoy history and civil war type things it is a must as you pass it on I77

Interesting view of how lead shot was made in the old days and near, right on the New River Trail. Comfort facilities. Visitors are allowed to climb the tower though the view from the top is limited seeing exactly how shot was made was interesting and educational.

Twenty years ago I had detoured off I-77 to take my two young sons up into the shot tower. Once inside, read the displays, we climbed to the top, and really got an idea of how the shot tower was utilized. This July, while traveling to North Carolina, I thought my partner might find the shot tower of interest; especiallly since he is such an early American history buff. We were focused on arriving at our destination on time but I convinced him we could manage a quick visit within a half hour. The shot tower is easily spotted from I-77 and it’s just a short jaunt from the highway to the parking lot. The direct trail was closed and undergoing repairs so we took the slightly longer route to the door of the shot tower. It was gated and locked! The display board inside that described the purpose of the shot tower was far beyond the door; and angled in such a way it could not be viewed. We had to rely on my memory from 20 years ago to attempt to explain to my partner how this thing actually worked. I was hugely disappointed. We had paid our (minimal) $2 fee to park the car and couldn’t even see the displays or read about the tower. I think in fairness this should be made clear to visitors prior to leaving their cars (or the highway for that matter) by posting a “No public entrance” sign outside the tower. If we had been physically challenged by the trail, our disappointment would have been even greater. Upon returning home I was able to pull a PDF brochure explaining the tower from the state park website; however, that was of little help during the actual visit.

Beautiful place to visit and learn. Views are beautiful.

Unique and very interesting place to visit... travelled for years and do not recall another such site... to know that they had to come in from the river through a tunnel to retrive the shot was extremely interesting.