Why come to Chippokes State Park? Besides being a 400-year-old farm, Chippokes' charms are endless. Hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and camping are just the beginning. The entire park is nestled around a bend in the James River in historic Surry County, where breathtaking views, active wildlife and buildings steeped in history are the norm.

Just across the river from Williamsburg and an hour from Richmond, Chippokes State Park offers accessible outdoor experiences your family will remember for years to come.

1. The Historic Jones-Stewart Mansion

Tour the historic Jones-Stewart Mansion and discover some of the secrets this 150-year-old mansion holds

All old houses have secrets, and this 1850s Italianate mansion is no exception. From hidden statues to spy mirrors, on a guided tour you will discover the fascinating marks left behind by previous owners. You’ll experience the decadent home of a 19th-century brandy tycoon, restored by a timber magnate and his brilliant wife in the early twentieth century. Don’t forget to explore the outbuildings around the mansion; the brick kitchen, carriage house, and Packard garage all contain exciting displays as well.

2. The Farm and Forestry Museum

Animal Ambassadors of the Farm and Forestry Museum take a rest after a long day representing one of the longest continuously farmed properties in the state

Have you ever wondered how apple cider is made? Or how peanuts are grown? How about tasting fresh strawberries or 4,000-year-old corn? The Farm and Forestry Museum covers a 3-acre campus including five buildings with exhibits on farm life in the Tidewater. Let the kids climb on the antique tractors, or stroll through the Cultural Garden, a living exhibit featuring the plants that have supported people over Chippokes’s 400-year history. Our ambassador animals (donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, and more) will ensure your visit is memorable.

3. Hunt for a Megalodon

Megalodon and other sharks' teeth can be found along the shores of the James at Chippokes

About 3 million years ago, Tidewater Virginia was covered by a vast primeval sea, teeming with ancient fish and other animals. Today, their fossilized remains can be found along the James River at Chippokes. Although fossilized shells cannot be removed from the park, shark teeth are fair game. This includes the teeth of the most fearsome and enormous shark ever to exist on Earth: the megalodon. Head down to the beach and try your luck at finding one of these hand-sized teeth on the shore or in the water. Just remember not to dig in the cliffs, for your safety and that of our delicate ecosystem.

4. Hike the Chipoax Trace

The Chipoax Trace Trail follows one of the earliest roads in Virginia

Looking for a scenic, shaded hike with great wildlife and history? The Chipoax Trace Trail follows one of the earliest roads in Virginia, built prior to 1668. The trail follows the road, sunken with age and the weight of countless wagons, through a variety of wildlife habitats over one and a half miles. Near the fields, keep an eye out for deer, songbirds, and bald eagles. In the cool green shade of the forest, you may see snakes, box turtles, or rabbits. The end of the trail will bring you to the edge of the salt marsh, where otters, fish, and ospreys make their home. Bring your binoculars and come ready for adventure.

5. Twilight Canoe Tours

Twilight paddles offer a new perspective of Chippokes' serene beauty

Picture this: you’re gliding along a silvery creek with a fading sunset at your back. The soft hum of cicadas is broken only by a chorus of tiny frogs. Suddenly, a flock of turkeys flies up from a nearby tree, their outlines framed against the rising full moon. Encounters like this are a treasured part of Chippokes’ twilight canoe tours, led by certified rangers on lovely Lower Chippokes Creek. Registration fills up quickly, so be sure to book this spectacular one-of-a-kind experience several days ahead. Call the park at 757-294-3728 to reserve your spot! Click here to view a listing of upcoming events and adventures at Chippokes State Park.

Plan your visit

The park is located at 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA. Drive Time: Northern Virginia: 2 - 3 hours; Richmond: 1.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: 1.5 hours; Roanoke: 4 hours. Click here for a Google map.

The park has 4 cabins and a fantastic campground with two loops. To learn more about overnight accommodations in cabins or the campground click here, or call 800-933-7275 to inquire.

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