Posted February 06, 2019 | Updated February 19, 2021

You'd be hard pressed to go anywhere in Virginia that doesn't have an historic connection to the foundation of our nation. The proximity to our nation's Capitol is no coincidence.

A majestic Bald Eagle soars high above the historic James River

On June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire park system of six parks on the same day. The new parks offered modern outdoor recreational facilities while protecting areas with significant natural resources. 

Each park has natural and historical resources carefully managed and preserved while providing a wide variety of recreation for Virginia's residents and visitors alike.

Sunset at Westmoreland State Park

From the Civilian Conservation Corps log cabins built during the Great Depression, to the scenic settings of pre-Colonial America near our coastal waterways, we think you will love the historic getaways we have to offer at Virginia State Parks. 

Escape the daily grind whilst enjoying the long weekend celebration of the birth of our first president, George Washington, at one of these four unique getaways in Virginia.

1. STAY NEAR GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHPLACE

“In the heart of the Northern Neck of Virginia stands a tribute to America’s founding father, George Washington. Although only here a short time, the ideas that Washington learned here, helped shape the man he would become and forever alter the destiny of the United States of America.” - George Washington Birthplace NPS

It's hard to beat the historic connection when you stay in a cabin at Westmoreland State Park. Take advantage of the proximity of this nearby Virginia National Monument, which was home to George Washington. Start your day off with coffee at the cabin and a brilliant sunrise over the Historic Potomac River, then take a few hours walking in the footsteps of our first president.

Recommended: Cabins 19-25 are perched above the cliffs overlooking the river. There are also CCC built log cabins at this park. More cabin info here.

Cabins 19-25 have magnificent views of the Potomac River at Westmoreland State Park, and ultimate privacy with plenty of outdoor space.

If you are interested in an original CCC cabin: One-room log efficiency (cabins 1, 4, 32), One-bedroom log (cabins 2, 5, 7, 9), Two-bedroom log (cabins 3, 6, 8, 10).

2. A WORKING FARM SINCE 1619

Captain William Powell, a prominent colonial gentleman, received a grant for 550 acres of river frontage on Chippokes Creek in 1619. The plantation and the bordering creek were named for an Native American chief who befriended the early English settlers. Under the ownership of Colonel Henry Bishop in 1646, the plantation was expanded to its present boundaries encompassing 1,403 acres.

Just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes State Park is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. There are just 4 cabins at this park, with one universally accessible. Each cabin is uniquely decorated, and super comfortable, with the ambiance of an historic bed and breakfast.

Recommended: When you stay at Chippokes State Park you can catch the nearby free car ferry over to Historic Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg. More cabin info here.

Cabin 2 is a 3-bedroom historic cottage that sits alone by a large shade tree and surrounded by rows of soybean and peanut fields.

Known as the Brown House, this is one of the oldest structures on the plantation and was built around 1850 as an overseer’s house. See more photos of the cabins at this park here.

3. STAY AT A COZY HISTORIC LOG CABIN

John D. and Mildred Lincoln donated 1,881 acres to the state for the establishment of a state park in Smyth County on Hungry Mother Creek in 1933. Later that year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began construction of Hungry Mother and five other state parks. Roads, trails, picnic areas, cabins, a restaurant, bathhouse, dam and sanitation system were all built by the 600 CCC men at the park between 1933 and 1941.

On June 15, 1936, the six-park Virginia State Park System was officially dedicated with public opening ceremonies at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County. More than 5,000 turned out to see the park as Governor George Peery and State Park Director Robert Burson officiated.

Recommended: For a group getaway, the historic Hungry Mother Lodge is a universally accessible CCC built structure. Featuring log furniture throughout, and with a big stone fireplace. It is close to the trail head for Molly's Knob Trail, which will help explain where the park got its interesting name. More cabin info here.

Romantic cabin 2 at Hungry Mother State Park offers ultimate privacy and an idyllic location, as it is the only cabin that is waterfront at this park.

It is an oasis tucked away near the lake's cove, and looks out on the island with footbridge. It is a called the honeymoon cabin by those who have love it.

4. VISIT WHERE COLONISTS FIRST LANDED

First Landing State Park is on the land where English colonists first landed in 1607. Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th century schooners and modern cargo ships have navigated the park's waterways. Its cypress swamps were a source of fresh water for merchant mariners, pirates and military ships during the War of 1812.

Legend has it that Blackbeard hid in the Narrows area of the park, and interior waterways were used by Union and Confederate patrols during the Civil War. Built in part by an all African-American Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933-1940. The legacy of all CCC members is memorialized in the new Trail Center exhibits featuring both historical and natural aspects of the park.

Recommended: Plan ahead for warmer days (camping is available starting the first Friday in March at First Landing)
, book a campsite on the dune Chesapeake Bay side of the park, sites 1-31. These sites are close to the camp store, the swimming beach and have a front row seat to the awesome sunsets. More cabin and camping info here.

Reenactment at First Landing State Park

The park's name was changed in 1997 from Seashore State Park to First Landing State Park to reflect its heritage as the first place where members of the Virginia Company landed.

They went on to settle Jamestown. In 2007, the park hosted a re-enactment of the first landing. The National Register of Natural Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Landmarks have listed First Landing State Park because of its heritage.

5. EXPERIENCE NATURAL BRIDGE'S PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

Did you know there is also a connection to our Nation's First President at Natural Bridge State Park?

It is alleged that George Washington also came to the site in 1750 as a young surveyor. To support claims that Washington surveyed the area, some tour guides claim the initials "G.W." that are found on the rock face belong to George. Legend also says that George Washington threw a rock from the bottom of Cedar Creek over the bridge.

Natural Bridge State Park is a fun place to visit on President's Day

Possibly, George Washington's initials carved into Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge was once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. Beautiful forests, open, rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor.

Recommended: Access the park via 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Take in the Living history program that will connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. While there are no cabins or camping at this park, we recommend it for an historical day visit. To help plan your visit, click here.