Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Great Falls - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Great Falls

Great Falls, Virginia

Great Falls Nike Fire Control Site W-83

This former Cold War missile control site played an important role in the creation of GPS.

Great Falls, Virginia

Colvin Run Mill and General Store

The only surviving 19th-century water-powered mill found in the Washington, D.C. area.

Are we missing something unusual in Great Falls?

McLean, Virginia

Patowmack Canal

The semi-reclaimed ruins of this canal were once part of an ambitious plan to reroute the mighty potomac.

1 mile from Great Falls

Herndon, Virginia

Nike Missile Launch Site W-83

An out-of-place Air Force radar dome is all that denotes this park as a former missile launch site.

2 miles from Great Falls

Potomac, Maryland

Maryland Gold Mine Ruins

The ruins of this long-abandoned unsuccessful gold mine can still be found.

3 miles from Great Falls

Vienna, Virginia

Dolhareubang of Meadowlark Gardens

Volcanic stone sentinels stand watch at a Korean Bell Garden in Virginia.

4 miles from Great Falls

Vienna, Virginia

Lahey Lost Valley House

A small brick parlor house and artist's studio located in the wilderness is surrounded by imposing suburban palaces.

4 miles from Great Falls

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Upcoming Experiences Near Great Falls

The Spies of Georgetown

Washington, D.C.

+ 18 other dates

Exploring a Secret Fort

Washington, D.C.

+ 6 other dates

Hidden Union Station

Washington, D.C.

+ 3 other dates

Community Forums / United States / US: South

Top Discussions in the US: South Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
What would you do on a time crunch in DC?	19 December 9, 2019	3057	December 9, 2019
Carolina House with a Natural Cavern underneath	12 April 1, 2020	5478	April 1, 2020
New Orleans suggestions?	15 March 26, 2020	3550	March 26, 2020
Off the beaten path / hidden gems near Nashville?	9 November 20, 2019	2951	November 20, 2019
Nashville Music Shops — seeking recommendations	10 September 12, 2019	939	September 12, 2019

New Post Visit the Forum

Explore Great Falls, Virginia

Launch Map

Great Falls Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Great Falls.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Recent Great Falls Activity

saraabercrombie

saraabercrombie wants to go to Colvin Run Mill and General Store

saraabercrombie

saraabercrombie has been to Colvin Run Mill and General Store

allisonrharding has been to Colvin Run Mill and General Store

staceydeloose 6202fada wants to go to Great Falls Nike Fire Control Site W-83

sdakss2 wants to go to Great Falls Nike Fire Control Site W-83