Chippokes State Park, located in Surry, Virginia, is perfect for a one-day adventure, or you can stay overnight to enjoy the park longer and visit nearby attractions. 

Chippokes in the fall

Park events are another great way to experience the park. This year,  the park hosted its 10th Annual Harvest Festival which showcases the park's historical resources and includes hayrides, food and craft vendors, games, and activities for the whole family. Check out the events page for upcoming activities.

Here are five things you must check out when you visit Chippokes State Park. 

1. Tour the Jones-Stewart Mansion 

This historical building tour highlights the stories of the past and is an excellent example of an antebellum plantation house. Visiting the mansion will give you a better understanding of the property. 

The Jones-Stewart Mansion at Chippokes

Jones-Stewart Mansion Tours are available Friday through Monday, April through October, and other times by reservation for groups. Special tours of the mansion and gardens are offered in conjunction with Garden Week in the spring. During the Christmas season, the mansion is decked in Victorian-period decorations and open for tours on select weekends.  

No matter what season you visit, you will enjoy a fascinating lesson about the property when you go on a tour. 

2. Visit the Farm and Forestry Museum 

Chippokes is one of the oldest continually used farms in the country. Captivating exhibits with over 600 antiques showcase how farming tools, techniques and crops have changed.  

Antique farming equipment on display

The Farm and Forestry Museum also showcases the Tidewater region's forestry tradition. By taking a brief walk from the museum complex along the scenic Forestry Trail, visitors view a 1930s portable sawmill owned by Chippokes' former owner, Victor Stewart, at the height of the timber boom. 

The farm includes a cow, rabbit, donkeys, pigs, goats and chickens that museum staff care for. Guests are encouraged to learn more about these animals and help with their care at one of the ranger-led Pasture Pals programs.  

Farm animals at Chippokes

Staff also conduct guided group tours and educational programs correlated to the state’s standards of learning (SOL). Programs cover livestock, plantation life, crops and soils, trades and crafts, an instructional nature trail and more. Custom programs are available upon request, so call 757-294-3439 or email chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov for details. 

3. Enjoy a picnic and find some fossils 

Chippokes State Park offers great views of the James River along with beach access.  You can find a short trail behind the visitor center that leads to the beach. 

Two picnic shelters are available for rent by the visitor center that provide plenty of space and include drinking water, grills and restroom facilities. You can reserve a picnic shelter by calling the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or the park at 757-294-3625 for details. 

Fossils and shells are seen on the beach at Chippokes

A picnic pairs well with a leisurely stroll on the beach. Chippokes is great for fossil hunting and locating shark teeth. The park offers seasonal ranger-led programs that discuss the fossils that can be found along the beach. You can also enjoy a self-guided walk along the beach or chill out on the sand and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water. 

4. Stay overnight 

Chippokes State Park is located in such a beautiful and historic area that it’s no surprise that many people enjoy staying overnight. The park offers four cabins, three yurts and the Walnut Valley House for overnight accommodations. 

Have you stayed in a yurt yet? Yurts are a cross between a tent and a cabin. Each yurt has a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.Yurts at Chippokes provide a cozy yet spacious area with good shade and privacy. 

Walnut Valley House at Chippokes

The cabins are colonial-style structures with heat and air conditioning. The Walnut Valley House is the oldest structure in the park. This house has four bedrooms and is surrounded by magnolia trees.

Tent and RV camping are available, so check out the campsites using the reservation system.  

Remember that you will need to bring your own linens if you stay in a yurt or cabin. Check out the lodging webpage for more details. 

5. Enjoy a paddle program 

In addition to Mansion and Farm and Forestry Museum tours, canoe programs, Junior Rangers, plantation and crop field tours, beach walks and seasonal programs, Chippokes also offers paddle programs. 

Paddling tour on Lower Chippokes

Canoe trips are offered at various times of the year, except during winter. The trip includes basic instruction, safety tips, a guided tour of Lower Chippokes Creek and plenty of canoeing. Two types of trips - Lower Chippokes Paddle and Exploring the James - are offered, depending on tides and the weather. These trips center on the unique nature and history of Chippokes. Call the park to pre-register and for dates and times. 

Not all trips sell out, so those interested should visit the visitor center to inquire about walk-in availability. All trips begin at the Farm and Forestry Museum parking lot, including a one-mile wagon ride to the canoe dock. Staff strongly recommend bringing bottled water, bug spray, sunscreen and a hat for these programs. 

Plan your visit to Chippokes 

Whether you prefer a day trip or plan to stay overnight, Chippokes State Park is a beautiful place for your next adventure. The park provides a scenic location and is a great place for special events and gatherings. 

Be sure to check out the park’s webpage for more information about events, amenities and interpretive programs.