Virginia State Parks offer recreational activities in many different forms, but they all share the same goal of preserving land to tell stories for future generations. Virginia has a few battlefield state parks, and while these parks focus on history, they also provide hiking trails and are great places to observe the local flora and fauna.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park is located in Randolph, Virginia, and is a scenic location for recreational activities. I have compiled a list of things you can do when you visit the park.

1. Experience history

You will obviously learn some history about the park and its surrounding area, especially if you talk to a staff member. This beautiful park contains 300 acres and is known for its Civil War reenactments, living history and nature features.

Sharing history and connecting the community, including many who travel from other states and countries, with ancestors who have connections to the land. Whether they worked on the land or fought in the battles that took place there, the park staff take pride in doing the research and helping people learn more about their ancestors who once walked on the same land many years ago.

The park provides living history demonstrations and reenactments that help the guests better understand the park history. These programs and special events put history into perspective and showcase the importance of learning from the past.

“We hope to inspire our guests and visitors in a way that educates and promotes battlefield visits for years to come,” said Staunton River Battlefield State Park Manager David Gunnells. “On Friday, we will open the festivities with a campfire program immediately followed by a night-time artillery firing demonstration at 8:30 p.m. This event has something for the entire family. Whether you are a novice or avid historian, there are many options to explore and experience history.”

On Saturday, members of the 2nd United States Cavalry, the 51st Virginia Infantry, and the Staunton Hill Artillery, will provide firing, manual of arms, and tactical demonstrations for the public at 3 p.m. (Cavalry), 4 p.m. (Infantry), and 5 p.m. (Artillery). The event will conclude at 6 p.m. with a campfire program.

In addition to the military camps being open to the public, there will be Civil War miniature dioramas, a "construct a fort" sand station, toys and games, and food available for purchase provided by the Historic Staunton River Foundation. There will be period-dressed public historians, military camps, historic weapons firing demonstrations, dioramas, games, food, campfire historical programs and so much more.

For more information about the event and other upcoming events, visit the park’s webpage.

2. Attend a program

Staunton River Battlefield State Park hosts many programs and special events that allow guests to experience what life was like in the Civil-War era. Some programs are self-guided, and others are ranger-led. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the park, these programs shed light on America’s history and give guests many interesting tidbits to think about.

Taking a tour of the Mulberry Hill House is another great way to experience the park and to better understand why this land needs to be preserved.

Mulberry Hill is the plantation home of Judge Paul Carrington, who is a Virginian and Founding Father. Mulberry Hill was a working tobacco farm owned by the McPhails during the American Civil War. It was used by Union General Wilson as his headquarters during the 1864 cavalry raid into Southside Virginia.

These tours will include stairs and uneven ground, and pets are not permitted inside the house. These tours are free and require no reservations. Call (434) 454-4312 for more information.

Other annual programs include the Lighting of the Bridge,  which takes place at the end of the year and showcases the Staunton River Bridge in magnificent holiday lights.

Another great way to experience the park is to download the Ranger Quest Activity Book (PDF) which includes activities you can complete at the park, another nearby park, or in your own backyard and earn a Park Ranger patch.

3. Enjoy the Staunton River

The stunning Staunton River flows by the park and makes for an enjoyable float trip. You can fish, float and boat along the Staunton River for an exciting water adventure. The river has numerous freshwater species and is the perfect spot for walleye and smallmouth bass anglers.

Buggs Island Lake, known for great fishing, is a few miles downstream. Remember to pick up a Virginia freshwater fishing license ahead of time.

4. Explore self-guided nature trails

Visitors to Staunton River Battlefield State Park can walk across its famous bridge and look at the river and wetlands below. The park is home to one of the largest managed wetlands east of the Mississippi and home to many species of wildlife.

The Archery Loop is an easy .5-mile trail for hiking only and loops around the scenic area and includes a beautiful overlook point.

The Battlefield Trail is an easy 1.2-mile gravel trail for hiking or biking and it follows the abandoned railway from Fort Hill to Randolph. This self-guided historical trail crosses over the Staunton River Bridge and continues through a wildflower meadow and a couple of trestles over the wetlands.

The Edgewood Nature Trail is considered easy as it is a .7-mile pedestrian trail that crosses over the wetlands and has two observation towers for a closer look at the park’s flora and fauna. You can view the Earthworks display and artillery on display along this trail.

The Mulberry Hill is an easy .8-mile trail for hiking only and loops around the Mulberry Hill pond. The plantation house and historic gardens are also in the vicinity of the trail.

The Roanoke Creek trail is 2.6 miles and is perfect for hiking and biking along this scenic area.

Click here for a full trail guide (PDF), or pick up a printed copy at the Clover Visitor Center.

5. Stop by the Clover Visitor Center

The 3,800 square-foot Clover Visitor Center opened in 1995 thanks to a partnership between Virginia State Parks, Virginia Power, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and the Historic Staunton River Foundation. Displays highlight Antebellum Virginia, the American Civil War, forest and wetland ecosystems, and the park's Native American archaeological site. The center also has extensive displays on the generation and use of electrical energy and many of the displays are interactive.

The Clover Visitor Center is located at 1035 Fort Hill Trail, Randolph, VA 23962. It is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It also has a gift shop containing books and Civil War and park mementos. If you visit during the week, but want to purchase merchandise, visit the online gift shop.

Plan your visit to Staunton River Battlefield

This park is for day use only, but there are two others nearby, Staunton River and Occoneechee State Park, that have overnight accommodations, so you can enjoy more time on your visit to this area.

Be sure to check out the 160th Anniversary of the Staunton River Bridge Battle on June 21 and 22. This will be a perfect way to experience how this land was utilized in the past. There will also be live demonstrations and many activities for the whole family to enjoy.

This park is perfect for enjoying nature and history, so be sure to plan your next visit to Staunton River Battlefield State Park today.