The star was originally built by the Roanoke Merchants Association to encourage holiday shopping in 1949.
It is constructed from 60 tons of steel and rests on a concrete foundation.
The structure is designed to withstand wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.
There are over 2,000 feet of neon tubing integrated into the framework.
It replaced a smaller holiday display that was previously erected on the roof of a local hotel.
The star is visible from up to 60 miles away under clear weather conditions.
The Mill Mountain Star is an 88.5-foot-tall illuminated landmark structure situated atop Mill Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. Constructed in 1949 as a temporary seasonal display, it remains the world's largest free-standing man-made star. The structure consists of 2,000 feet of neon tubing arranged in three nested star shapes. It is maintained as a centerpiece of Mill Mountain Park, which also features an observation deck overlooking the Roanoke Valley. The star typically glows white, but has been programmed to display red, white, and blue for specific national holidays. It serves as a navigational beacon for the city and is managed by the Roanoke Parks and Recreation department.
The observation deck directly in front of the star provides a clear view of both the structure and the expansive valley below.
Bring binoculars to identify specific landmarks in the valley from the observation deck.
Visit the adjacent Mill Mountain Zoo or the Discovery Center to extend your trip.
Arrive before dusk to view the valley in daylight and watch the transition as the neon lights illuminate.
Do not attempt to climb the structure; it is fenced off for safety and electrical maintenance.
