Outdoor Venues

Social events and fund-raisers held at these one-of-a-kind venues will be unforgettable for your guests. Reserve pastoral meadow space with historical buildings as your backdrop. 

Bring your community group or organization out for a picnic or food-truck catered event on a reserved lawn space and then take a nature hike or go fishing in the Roanoke River and experience Explore Park’s abundant beauty. 

Explore Park offers the chance for students to investigate environmental education opportunities outside of the classroom. Don't forget to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway Museum for a unique lesson about the region's history.

Current Venues Available

Riverside Village

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Houtz Barn Field, Blacksmith & Grist Mill

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Houtz Barn Field

16B Houtz Barn Event (2)

Rental Fee Schedule:

  • All Explore Park outdoor venues rent for $1,250 per 10-hour rental period. (Max 99 guest limit applies)
  • For larger events please Email Luona Blankenship for a pricing quote. 


Amenities Include:


  • Use catering service or event planner of your choice
  • Ability to bring in tents, tables, chairs and bounce houses. Some limitations apply and will be discussed individually depending on the specific location.
  • Fourteen miles of hiking / biking / running trails
  • Alcohol permitted with proper permit
  • Ample parking
  • Use of outside trash receptacles / dumpster on site for waste disposal
Please Note: Outdoor venues are walk-in only and are not accessible by vehicle. 


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