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Getting to Know Virginia: Lake Anna State Park
Posted June 25, 2018
Posted July 25, 2016 | Updated June 25, 2018
Being transplants from both Florida and Michigan, Lake Anna State Park was a real historical treat. Nestled on the shores of the second largest lake entirely within Virginia's borders.
Dock along the shore of Lake Anna State Park
Discovering Virginia State Parks one sunset at a time
Lake Anna State Park introduced us to the rich history of gold mining in our adopted state. A guided tour of the Goodwin gold mine and learning hands-on to pan for gold in the stream next to it are fun historical activities the entire family can enjoy. This adventure is well worth the $2!
The parks staff are friendly and knowledgeable and made for a great day! The parks gift shop had cool souvenirs to buy relating to the areas fascinating geological history.
Did Thomas Jefferson discover gold in Virginia?
Programs at Lake Anna State Park are affordable family friendly fun
Goodwin Gold Mine at Lake Anna State Park
Visitor Center and gift shop had some neat exhibits
A very curious Eastern Box Turtle
The amazing history of the Lake Anna State Park does not end there. One of the hiking trails leads you to the remains of Pigeon Plantation. There you can see the well-preserved smoke house that still remains, learn how Virginia hams are still made basically the same way they were in the 1800's, and see the layout and history of an actual plantation.
Without refrigeration they smoked the meats to preserve them
Smokehouse for Virginia Hams and other meats
The second treat of this hiking trail, and just beyond these remains of the plantation, is the largest population of milkweed we've seen growing in Virginia. This well-tended meadow was teeming with many species of butterflies and bumblebees.
An abundance of milkweed growing in a meadow
Another interesting area of the park was the paved access pond. If grandparents are looking for a great place to fish with the family this place would give you that opportunity! It is a pond exclusively set aside for that activity. It was awesome to see such a place built with this in mind. Wide docks from which to fish are thoughtfully designed for ease of use by a large group that includes physically disabled loved ones.
Children and Disabled access fishing pond
With a bustling beach area at Lake Anna State Park and lifeguards on duty, this park offers fun for the entire family, so you don't have to choose between hiking or the beach, you can actually do both. A great concession stand near the beach, a wheelchair-accessible picnic area, and kayak rentals, are just some of the reasons to hang out and enjoy the view of Lake Anna.
For more photos and video of our day trips to Virginia State Parks and regional historical sites, follow us at our Facebook page "Virginia Through Our Eyes."
Stay tuned to Bob and Kevin's series to learn some cell phone photography tips, these images were all taken with a cell phone camera, and we are excited to have them get to know Virginia one park at a time.
Click here to search our database for fun events and activities at Lake Anna State Park.
Did you know you can visit any Virginia State Park for free using a pass obtained at your local library? Go here for the details. Learn more about overnight accommodations in cabins and campgrounds at Lake Anne State Park by clicking here, or calling 800-933-7275.
Originally posted July 25, 2016 | Updated June 25, 2018
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CATEGORIES
Educational Activities | Explore | Geology | Outdoor Activities | Outdoor Destinations | Photography | Trees and Plants | Wildlife | Wildlife Viewing
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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
COMMENTS
Thanks Martin. You might want to check the cabin information directly on our website as opposed to Tourism's: http://www.virginiastateparks.gov. If you click "Find Your Park" at the top you get the parks marked on a map and if you click "Search by Amenity" on that page you can click, under lodging, cabins and only the parks with cabins will show on the map. Then you can drill down to the park and the cabin accommodations. Or feel free to call us at 800-933-7275 Mon-Fri, 9-5.
Thanks for highlighting these state parks as they really inspire me to take a closer look. There are cabins you can stay in http://www.virginia.org/Listings/PlacesToStay/LakeAnnaStateParkCabins/ at the park here and I see they are very well-equipped so you don't have to camp in order to enjoy the parks overnight. Keep the information coming.
Really nice overview. Our Virginia days are over (lived in Petersburg 82-89) but we have wonderful memories of many of the beautiful and historic state parks. Looking forward to more.
