Every Virginia State Park has a unique story, attractions and experiences to discover. What is it that makes Sky Meadows stand out? What are the core themes that draw thousands of visitors to this park each year and bring staff and volunteers together in the spirit of joyful service? Put simply, these core themes are exploring nature, preserving history, continuing agriculture and providing peaceful recreation. Let's explore each of them.

A Redheaded Woodpecker at Sky Meadows State Park

Exploring Nature: The rich diversity of plants and animals at Sky Meadows is a continual source of appreciation and wonder for visitors and staff alike. Nature tells the story of an ongoing dance between human agricultural practices and native ecosystems. As humans settled the land and introduced new plants and animals, the native ecosystems yielded and adapted to incorporate these new species, forming the unique ecosystems we see at the park today. Now, within a short hike at the park you can find wetland habitats that are home to lizards, frogs and other amphibians, a wide diversity of native birds including the redheaded woodpecker, a wide array of native pollinators like monarch butterflies, honeybees and so much more.

The historic Mount Bleak House at Sky Meadows

Preserving History: The historic structures, artifacts, stone walls and old roadbeds of Sky Meadows tell the stories of those who shaped this pastoral landscape from the Colonial Era to today, giving a glimpse into the cultural framework of our continuing American Experience. The historic 19th century Mount Bleak House stands as the center of historic interpretation at Sky Meadows, offering in-depth house tours that give you an experience of colonial life in the Crooked Run Valley. During weekend programs, just outside of Mount Bleak you can get a delicious taste of history cooked over the open hearth in our log cabin. Throughout the park you will find remnants of the past, and on some days, you will even find soldiers, representatives of the enslaved or colonial farmers who will make you feel like you’re right back in the 1800’s.

Barred Rock hens at Sky Meadows

Continuing Agriculture: The crop fields, gardens, pastures and grazing livestock of Sky Meadows continue a vital agricultural tradition that showcases the day-to-day life on a historic middle-class Piedmont farm. Corn from our fields makes its way to the local Burwell Morgan Mill where it is ground, packaged and returned as yummy Indian corn meal for sale at the park. A historic kitchen garden and laying Barred Rock hens provide fresh produce that visitors love. Grazing cattle managed by the Virginia Department of Corrections Agribusiness catch the eye as you enter the park and add to the peaceful atmosphere. We have plans underway for expanding and diversifying our crop fields at the park, so stay tuned for agricultural updates.

A lovely day for a picnic at Sky Meadows State Park

Providing Peaceful Recreation: Breathtaking vistas, scenic multi-use trails and a primitive campground invite deep restoration and rejuvenation for the body, mind and spirit. By day, Sky Meadows is a prime spot for hikers, bikers and horseback riders offering user-friendly and environmentally sustainable trails with beautiful overlook views. By night, the park is a haven for those seeking to remove themselves from city light pollution and look up at a dark and wondrous night sky. Offering comfortable picnic grounds, Children’s Discovery Area and scenic primitive camping, Sky Meadows invites you to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery.

What are the themes that have caught your eye or touched your heart at Sky Meadows? What are the experiences that make this park special to you? We hope each visit brings a new opportunity for you to connect to our cherished resources.