Venue Rental
Host your next event at Blue Ridge Discovery Center, a unique venue nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. From conferences and retreats to weddings, university field courses, and special celebrations, our historic schoolhouse and 12 forested acres offer versatile indoor and outdoor spaces that inspire creativity, learning, and connection. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a multi-week course, our setting provides a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to your needs.
Conferences and Retreats
Host your event at Blue Ridge Discovery Center! Our historic schoolhouse on 12 forested acres is perfect for conferences, retreats, and gatherings, blending natural beauty with functional spaces to inspire creativity and collaboration. Learn more.
University field courses
Partner with Blue Ridge Discovery Center for your undergraduate and graduate field programs. Located at the foot of the highest mountains in Virginia and accessible to public lands, our historic schoolhouse offers an ideal base camp for your courses. Learn more.
Weddings and Receptions
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, our facility offers a truly one-of-a-kind setting for your wedding celebration. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces can accommodate your needs. Learn more.
Group Meetings and Parties
Host your club meeting, family reunion, birthday party, or special occasion at Blue Ridge Discovery Center to give your event a one of kind experience with inspiring historic spaces and unique programming. Learn more.
Auditorium and
Dr. Jean Hamm Chapel
This beautiful historic chapel provides groups with an central gathering place. Lit by locally made stained glass windows, this auditorium can seat 125 guests but is setup as a flexible space that can also handle dance programs, round table discussions, weddings and more. Audio equipment along with a retractable 12’ presentation screen and projector are available.
Judge Jack and Clare MATTHEW'S Dining Hall
Featuring locally hand carved chairs and replica solid oak dining tables, this dining hall can seat 64 individuals in family style dining. Soaring above the hall are our featured raptor silhouettes that provide guests with a sense of scale and ID markers for our migratory birds of prey.
Natural History Library
Our curated Natural History Library houses over 1,000 books dedicated to the natural sciences of the region. In this library you will find rare, historic, and local publications along with our collections of maps, artifacts, rocks, insects, furs, and more. Books are available for use by BRDC members and guests. A large meeting table along with a reading lounge make this one of the most attractive guest hangouts.
Accommodations and Capacity
Our facility comfortably houses up to 70 guests, with a variety of lodging options including 12 bunk rooms and private bedroom suites located on the upper floor. This flexibility allows us to cater to diverse group sizes and preferences.
Appalachian Heritage Kitchen Sponsored by Food City
Our commercial kitchen is fully equipped to efficiently serve guests a variety of complex hot meals. Food can be conveniently distributed through a passthrough window or plated directly in the dining hall. Featuring a six-burner range, dual propane ovens, stainless steel prep areas, an ice machine, coffee percolators, pantry, and basement freezers, this kitchen is ready for extended, full-service meal preparation.
Nature Trails
With nearly a mile of nature trails on the BRDC Campus and the adjacent Forest Service properties there is plenty of opportunity to explore during down time. The trails engage with an educational rain garden, a frog pond, a constructed wetland, Big Laurel Creek, Della’s Branch, and native plant landscapes. These trials feature wildlife support (bird houses, cover boards, insect burrows, debris piles, perches, etc..) along with interpretative signs. Bring your binoculars and field guides when you take a meander on our trails.