Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Railroad
The railroad came through about 1856, and town life grew around the tracks. The depot, built around 1870, now houses a museum and meeting space.
EXPLORE
Explore Rural Retreat
A railroad town with farm roots, a new park beside downtown, and a lake nearby.
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Agriculture
By 1910, Rural Retreat was known as the cabbage center of the world. Livestock and dairy farming grew as cabbage declined.
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Industry
Local businesses line Main Street and Lee Highway. Business licenses, meals and lodging tax forms, and zoning rules sit on the Business & Zoning page.
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Recreation
Heritage Park adds a splash pad and playground beside downtown. Rural Retreat Lake, a 90-acre lake owned by Virginia DWR, sits near town.
Photo: IxieVerns, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (another website)
The Depot
Built around 1870 and restored as a museum and meeting space. The Evelyn Layman Museum inside holds exhibits on railroad and community history, including the town's Dr Pepper story and the cabbage years.
Rural Retreat Depot Foundation(another website)
Sources: Virginia Department of Historic Resources, SWVA Today (October 2021).
Heritage Days
The town's annual festival. The 20th annual festival took place Saturday, July 26, 2025.
More to explore
Farmers Market
Wednesdays at Heritage Park.
Parks & Recreation
Heritage Park and Rural Retreat Lake.
Community Center
Rent the whole center or a room.
Local Businesses
Businesses listed by the town.
Churches
Congregations in and near town.
Community Links
Utilities, schools, and county links.