The staff at Belle Isle State Park have been very busy this summer, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on.

Join us on Saturday, August 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the grand opening of the newly installed Visitor Center exhibits.

Ranger Delaney builds a crab pot for the Belle Isle State Park Visitor Center

The exhibits highlight the history and natural resources of the Northern Neck. You can listen to accounts of growing up at Belle Isle, try your hand at knot tying, or dress like a waterman. There are also ranger-guided activities throughout the day.

The day’s events kick off with the Historic Belle Isle Wagon Tour at 10 a.m. Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended. The tour is $3 per person or $8 per family.

At 1 p.m., try your hand at atl-atl spear throwing with Power of the Powhatan, continue the fun at 2 p.m. with Family Game Hour – Throwback edition and then discover the history of oysters with Can It at 3 p.m. Free popcorn and lemonade will also be offered while supplies last.

Park and Sign Shop Staff look over newly printed panels before installing

This project has been a team effort. Staff from the DCR Public Communications Office helped with editing and did the beautiful layout of the panels. The folks at the State Park Sign Shop worked long hours to get everything printed and helped with installing.  We also had help from dedicated park volunteers and support from the Garden Club of Virginia, Garden Club of the Northern Neck, John Boatwright, and the River Counties Community Foundation.

If you can’t make it on August 4, the Visitor Center and gift shop, which features local artisans, will be open Saturdays and Sundays through August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We hope to see you there.

If you are looking for overnight accommodations, Belle Isle State Park offers spacious campsites with electric and water, a canoe-in campground, and two overnight houses located in the Bel Air area. You can make reservations by calling the Virginia State Park Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK (7275).

Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. It has a wonderful campground, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, and boat launches.

To search for other upcoming events going on at the park, click here.

The park is located at 1632 Belle Isle Road in Lancaster, Virginia. Google map directions here.