Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.


Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum


interior of the Chippokes Farm Museusm

Gabby the donkey

The museum explores the lives of Virginia farmers at one of the oldest continuously used farms in the country. See how tools, techniques and even crops themselves changed over time in five exhibit halls. Gain understanding of the many skilled people a farm relied on, including blacksmiths, coopers, cobblers and more. Learn about domestic farm life through exhibits and imagine what it was like to grow up here.

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

Museum staffers care for many animals, including three heritage breeds: a milking Devon cow (Ruby), silver rabbit (Victor), and several Dominque chickens. Other animals cared for by museum staffers include a Provence donkey (Gabby), a billy goat (Curly), a pot belly pig (Tazewell), and several ducks and chickens. Learn more about these ambassador animals and help with their care at one of our ranger-led Pasture Pals programs.

The museum offers special programs throughout the year. Upon request, staff can develop, collaborate, and conduct guided group tours, interpretive and educational programs correlated to the state’s standards of learning (SOL), give talks, or lead workshops and demonstrations. Programs cover over 400 years of agricultural history, crops and soils, technology and advancements in the farming and kitchen industry, life on the farm, heritage breeds, livestock, plantation like, trades and crafts, and more. Group reservations are also available. Call 757-294-3439 or email shannon.carlin@dcr.virginia.gov to reach our Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience for any special program requests and inquiries.

Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum
868 Plantation Road
Surry, VA 23883

Hours: The Farm and Forestry Museum is open for self-guided tours daily from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum is open-air and exterior doors are opened weather permitting. If all exterior doors are closed upon your arrival, the museum may be closed due to inclement weather or for the maintenance, preservation, and protection of the museum’s collection.

The Stoner Building is open daily. The Quayle Classroom is accessible during programming.

Cost: General museum admission is free. Parking fees for the park still apply. Some special programs and events have fees. Click here for park fees.