Explore Park, an outdoor, living history museum, opened in 1994 and closed in November, 2007. It was home to a complete Totero native-american village; a reproduction of Fort Vause (originally built nearby in 1754); an abandoned settler's cabin; a complete 1850's community, with grist mill, blacksmith shop, etc.; a 40' river Batteau; ...

I live right behind the Explorer Park and I can tell you it is beautiful. I can also tell you it is not an exciting place to go. Most of the people that go through the park are just using it for an entrance or exit. The only exciting place left there was the Reservation and it is gone now! I love the park but it is really in need of something to ...

There are guides at each section of the park, which is separated by century, that give you a description of life in that era. The gentleman in the 18th century was able to answer any questions we had and he was so knowledgable about the time period it seemed he could tell stories all day.

This was a great experience for my 8 yr old and we even learned a lot.

I LIVE IN THE ROANOKE AREA AND I VISITED EXPLORE FOR THE FIRST TIME NOT LONG AGO. IT WAS, O.K., BUT LACKED ANY REAL EXCITEMENT. THE PARK THINKS IT IS A MAJOR ATTRACTION WHEN IT REALLY BARELY QUALIFYS AS A REGIONAL ONE. IT HAS THE BARE ESSENTIALS TO BE VIABLE, BUT CURRENTLY IS NOT WORTH A SECOND VISIT. ONE TRIP IS ENOUGH, AND ONLY THEN IF YOU CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ELSE BETTER TO DO.
LIKE WATCH GRASS GROW OR SOMETHING.

Every foot of this park screams for you to stay longer. The people doing the exibitions are very knowledgable and friendly . You feel as if you want to live in the past as these folks take you backinto a World you can relate to and the experience is wonderful. Please do yourself a favor and visit this Park . You will be very glad you did!