Fun Facts about the Mill Mountain Star Roanoke, Va.

Located atop Mill Mountain, it is hard not to notice the huge star shining above the city. It is an easy 115-minute drive from downtown Roanoke up the hill. While the view of the star is better from below, the outlook that was created in front of the star offers spectacular views of the city of Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The star is illuminated every day until midnight. Usually, it shines white but it can be red white and blue for special occasions and memorials.


Parking is free and facilities are located at the top. Picnicking and hiking are available on Mill Mountain and the Mill Mountain Zoo and Discovery Center are also on the top of the mountain.


Blue Ridge Parkway signpost 120 is nearby and offers an additional way to get to Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star.

Fun Facts about the star:

· Height of star – 88.5 feet


· Weight of star – 10,000 pounds


· Height above sea level – 1,847 feet


· Height above the city – 1,045 feet


· Visibility from the air – 60 miles


· Building cost – $28,000


· World’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star


· Illuminated by 2,000 feet of neon tubing


· First illuminated November 23, 1949

If you are planning a visit to Roanoke, be sure to allow enough time to take a drive up the mountain and enjoy the unparalleled views of the city and the Shenandoah Mountains offered from Mill Mountain. The Mill Mountain Star is one of the most popular local attractions.