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The kids will go absolutely wild when you take them to visit the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Great Dismal has the impressive distinction of serving as the home of more mammals than any other local preserve. Among the more popular residents are the black bears and the endangered Dismal Swamp shrew. The refuge sprawls out 750 miles and includes Lake Drummond

Satisfy your need for an aquatic adventure when you visit Lake Drummond. Plan a picnic on the shore or wade in for a swim or some fishing during the warmer months of the year. You can also enjoy such activities as hiking, biking, and hunting. Plus, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail which stretches for a mile along the edge of Dismal Swamp. This scenic body of water is the perfect backdrop for a great afternoon outdoors just relaxing or enjoying a great day out with the family.

The Lightship Portsmouth Museum tells the story of this retired lightship that was built in 1915 and is now a National Historic Landmark as well as a history-laden maritime museum. The "Portsmouth" was launched in 1916 then went through some reconstruction and was relaunched in 1926. After several years of service as well as collision damage, the vessel was finally retired in 1964. Three years later it was donated to the city and has undergone extensive renovation and repair that has restored this impressive ship to its original glory.

You can almost feel the historical heaviness when you visit Fort Norfolk, which was the last surviving fort from the Revolutionary War. This site was also highly significant during the Civil War because it changed hands twice and supplied Confederate ammunition during the Merrimac-Monitor battle. Make sure to bring a camera as you enjoy a self-guided tour that is complemented by a comprehensive set of information that will educate you about this highly historic and significant site.