Historic Fishburn Mansion
The Historic Fishburn Mansion is one of the most unique recreation centers you will find. Formerly known as the Mountain View Recreation Center, Fishburn Mansion is a 42-room Georgian-revival mansion that was built in 1907 by Junius B. Fishburn.
Mr. Fishburn was a prominent publisher, banker and philanthropist in Roanoke for the first half of the 20th century. In 1955, he donated his home to the city, with the stipulation that it would be solely used for public recreation purposes. The rest of Fishburn’s beautiful estate includes a garden, community garden and an old carriage barn that has been converted into a greenhouse.
Public Hours:
The Fishburn Mansion is open to the public on Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The grounds are open to the public every day from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Please Note: During private rentals, the building and grounds will be closed to the public. If you’re planning a visit, please call ahead (540-853-2679) to check if there are any reservations that will restrict access.
Support the Historic Fishburn Mansion:
formerly known as the Mountain View Recreation Center
The Friends of Mountain View is a nonprofit tax-exempt charitable foundation with the purpose of securing funding for the restoration and maintenance of Mountain View through sponsored fundraising activities; to promote awareness and advocacy of Mountain View; to provide visionary leadership in the overall coordination of restoration and preservation of Mountain View; and to preserve the legacy and heritage of the Junius B. Fishburn family.
The Historic Fishburn Mansion, will be undergoing a planning process to develop plans for restoration and improvement. Learn more here.
Community Recreation Programs:
Throughout the weekdays, many citizens over the age of 50 visit the center to play cards and games. The Fishburn Mansion is also where many community recreation programs take place, including fitness, wellness, art, yoga, and more. For more information about ongoing activities, please call 540-853-2679.
Weddings & Private Events
The Historic Fishburn Mansion is a popular wedding venue, and also hosts many private events such as baby showers, holiday parties, fundraisers, meetings, and more.
Historic Fishburn Mansion Tours
The Fishburn Mansion is open to the public on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and group tours are held regularly. To arrange a tour, please call 540-853-2679.
During the Christmas season, the mansion offers holiday tours, special programs and an open house.
Recording Studio
The Historic Fishburn Mansion is home to a recording studio, providing users low-cost access to a recording space and equipment.
Getting there:
From Downtown Roanoke:
Follow Elm Avenue toward the Wasena Street Bridge. Turn right onto Ferdinand Road at the red light where Elm turns into Main Street before crossing the bridge. Follow Ferdinand to Wasena Terrace. Turn right onto Wasena Terrace and the first left is the driveway for the Fishburn Mansion. Come up the hill and park in the parking lot to the left. The entrance to the center is directly adjacent to the parking lot at the back of the building.
From Grandin Village:
Follow Memorial Avenue across the Memorial Bridge past Black Dog Salvage. Turn left onto Wasena Terrace and the first right is the driveway for the mansion. Come up the hill and park in the parking lot to the left. The entrance to the center is directly adjacent to the parking lot at the back of the building.