You can see the distinctive tower from Interstate 77 but what the heck is it?

Roanoke's Fox 21/27's popular segment John Carlin's Virginia gives us an opportunity to learn all about the Shot Tower. Watch the video here:

John Carlin's Virginia: Shot Tower: Fox2127.com

Shot Tower Historical State Park is in Austinville, Virginia and adjacent to New River Trail State Park. LOCATION: From I-77, take exit 24 and go north on Route 52 for two miles.

Click here for a Google map.

Grounds are open from dawn until dusk (grounds are closed Oct. 31-April 1). The tower is open:

April 1 - Memorial Day: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Memorial Day - Labor Day: open all week, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Labor Day - Oct. 31: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Oct. 31 - April 1: Closed.