Shared by Jenna Dayton, as Guest Blogger.

Pocahontas State Park is the largest state park in Virginia, with over 64 miles of multi-use trails, three lakes, camping, and two dining halls, just to name a few amenities. With so many different options to choose from, how can one plan anything? To make this easier, here is a list of things not to miss at Pocahontas State Park.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO AT POCAHONTAS STATE PARK

1. Visit the CCC Museum

See what Pocahontas looked like 50 years ago

The Civilian Conservation Corps men are the reason we are able to enjoy state parks today. During the New Deal Era, these men were charged with the task of building up the parks to conserve natural resources and so that they could be enjoyed by everyone. Throughout the nine years of operation, the maximum number of officers was around 300,000.

Housed in an original CCC building, the museum in Pocahontas State Park is one of only a handful in the nation. Take a step back through time and see what it was like to be a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

2. Spend a Day on the Water

Row, row, row your boat

One of the best forms of stress relief is spending a quiet day on the water surrounded by nature. Pocahontas State Parks offers several options for water-travel on Swift Creek Lake. If you are not an avid canoer and do not know how to work the ropes - or rather, the oars, consider participating in a guided canoe trip.

If you already know how to paddle, but don't own the equipment, you can rent a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, row boat, and even a stand-up paddle board, if you are up to the challenge.

3. Visit the Nature Center

Slither over to the nature center to meet this guy

Snakes, turtles, bees, oh my! These are all examples of the critters visitors can see, and maybe even interact with, in Pocahontas State Park’s Nature Center.

These animals represent just some of the wildlife that lives in the park, and visitors can learn all about them during various programs, or by talking to a nearby education specialist.

4. Swim in the Aquatic Rec Center

Dive into fun at the Aquatic Recreation Center

With these 90+ degree days that we may have to endure in late summer, sometimes the best thing to do is take a dip in a pool. Pocahontas’ Aquatic Recreation Center features fun for everyone with a fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot-deep leisure pools, a toddler pool, an activity pool, and two tubular water slides.

Click here (PDF) to see the fees for swimming in the center.  

5. Attend a Pocahontas Premieres Entertainment Event

Hands up if you love Virginia State Parks

This summer enjoy an event hosted at the Park's Heritage Amphitheater. Whether you are in the mood for an open-air Shakespeare play, a Guns ‘n’ Roses Tribute band, or a family-friendly movie, there is an event for your taste.

Click here to check out the ticket prices and other information about Pocahontas Premieres special summertime entertainment.

Pocahontas State Park is located in Chesterfield County, about 20 miles from Richmond. It's easily accessible from Interstate, Route 288 and Route 360, click here for directions.