Chrysler Museum of Art and Glass Studio
The Chrysler Museum, just north of the Waterside District near the center of town, boasts more than 30,000 artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years. The American and European painting collections and the Middle Age sculptures are a significant focus, as are Chrysler’s collection of glass art, its glass-blowing museum, and glass-blowing demonstrations.
Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime-themed museum located at the Norfolk waterfront. In addition to indoor exhibits in the main building, Nauticus is home to USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the US Navy that served in World War II, Korea, and in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 before finally being decommissioned. You can visit this piece of history on your own or on a guided tour.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
This botanical garden spans 175 acres and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features more than 50 themed gardens, including a rose garden, a native plant garden, and a three-acre children’s garden. The grounds lie just 20 minutes from downtown and feature 12 miles of paved trails. Pelicans, eagles, and kestrels all find shelter here, as do 30 species of butterflies. From March to October, you can take a tram through the garden; at certain times of the year, a boat is also available to let you observe the park from its winding canals.