See Photos Of An Abandoned Renaissance Faire In Virginia

Do you consider yourself someone who is fascinated by urban exploration, history, and places that are now deserted? If so, we think you’ll enjoy learning about the Virginia Renaissance Faire that’s been abandoned.

Once a popular tourist destination in the mid-to-late 1990s, the following abandoned Renaissance Faire in Virginia is utterly fascinating. Perhaps you went to this Renaissance Faire in its heyday, maybe you didn’t. Either way, you’ll want to read on and check out the incredible shots of this attraction left to abandon, as captured in photos by the talented Johnny Joo.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

Abandoned places, oftentimes, are eerily fascinating as they captivate our imaginations. We tend to marvel at what was left behind while trying to picture how everything looked when first built back in the day.

Back in the 1990s in Fredericksburg, a replica square that could transport visitors to the Medieval era was built. This was the home of the Virginia Renaissance Faire for a time.

Locally known as "Sherwood Forest," the property of the once-popular Virginia Renaissance Faire now sits rotting and abandoned.

As Mother Nature reclaims the land that's now the abandoned Renaissance Faire, we can almost picture what it was like as a thriving attraction.

One of the most extraordinary sets of the Virginia Renaissance Faire that's abandoned is the replica sailing ship that's set in the pond. It's a hauntingly beautiful part of the attraction that's slowly being taken over by nature.

During the days of the Virginia Renaissance Faire, this ship was used as a stage for a variety of performers and entertainers.

Back in the day, building the fairgrounds cost approximately $5 million which included the land and the structures. At the time, it was owned by Renaissance Entertainment Corporation.

The first Virginia Renaissance Faire at this location was held during the summer of 1996. Although it was an exciting attraction back then, some issues eventually caused it to close altogether.

Between terrible weather, the swampy location, and declining ticket sales, this location for the Virginia Renaissance Faire was left deserted when it shut down operations in 1999.

But just imagine how fun this attraction once was with visitors dressed up in their Renn Faire garb, drinking mead, and shopping for souvenirs. It must have been a blast!

The grounds of this abandoned faire are regularly patrolled to prevent trespassing and there are "No Trespassing" signs posted as well. For safety reasons, do not attempt to access the grounds or the deteriorating buildings yourself. Instead, just take in the eerily fascinating photos.

Did you attend the Virginia Renaissance Faire when it was held at this location in Fredericksburg in the 1990s? What do you think about nature reclaiming what was left behind? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the following comments section.

Aside from this Virginia Renaissance Faire that’s been reclaimed by nature, I invite you to take a look at these other abandoned destinations within the state. We’d also like to give special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, you can check out his website, Architectural Afterlife.

Of course, if you’re curious to go on more adventures when you’re in Virginia, I recommend referring to Airbnb Experiences to learn about more unique activities offered in Virginia and beyond.

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Abandoned Renaissance Faire

Marla S. | October 09, 2023

What are some popular abandoned places in Virginia?

Here are some popular abandoned places in Virginia worth checking out when you're seeking adventure in the Old Dominion state.

Western State Lunatic Asylum in Staunton: This once abandoned home to mentally ill patients in Virginia is now a luxury hotel. At one time, it was also a prison.
Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum in Natural Bridge: Before being destroyed in a fire in 2012, this was a popular haunted house tourist attraction.
Selma Mansion in Loudon County: This now abandoned destination in Virginia was once used for weddings and special occasions.
Barton Mansion (Corner Minor) in Richmond: Although this abandoned home was made into luxury apartments, it was left vacant when its owner left town due to shady business practices in the late 1800s/ early 1900s.

For more information on destinations to visit, take a look at our road trip to abandoned places in Virginia.

What are some of the most well-known ghost towns in Virginia?

Take a look at the following well-known ghost towns in Virginia:

Wash Woods at False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach: You'll find remnants of this community of about 300 residents in the uttermost southeastern part of the state.
Pocosin Mission in Shenandoah National Forest: Head to this part of Appalachia to see the ruins of this short-lived town in the woods.
Abandoned Pamplin City Main Street in Prince Edward / Appomattox County: Unfortunately, you'll only find vacant and dilapidated buildings when you visit this once-thriving community in Virginia.

If you'd like to spend the day touring eerie and abandoned ghost towns, check out this Virginia road trip too.

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Sherwood Forest, VA 23030, USA

This Abandoned Renaissance Faire In Virginia Was Once A Popular Tourist Destination

Melissa Mahoney

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