Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum

Hours | Cost | Chippokes Plantation State Park

The museum explores the lives of Virginia farmers at one of the oldest continuously used farms in the country. See how tools, techniques and even crops themselves changed over time in five exhibit halls. Gain understanding of the many skilled people a farm relied on, including blacksmiths, coopers, cobblers and more. Learn about domestic farm life through exhibits and imagine what it was like to grow up here.

Museum exhibits also showcase the Tidewater region’s tradition of forestry. By taking a brief walk from the museum complex along scenic Forestry Trail, visitors view a 1930s portable sawmill owned by Chippokes former owner, Victor Stewart, at the height of the timber boom. The mill is still operated on special occasions, such as the annual Steam and Gas Engine Show.

Museum staffers care for a cow, rabbit, donkeys, pigs, goats, and chickens. Learn more about them and help with their care at one of our ranger-led Pasture Pals programs.

The museum offers special events throughout the year. Staff also conducts guided group tours and educational programs correlated to the state’s standards of learning (SOL). Programs cover livestock, plantation life, crops and soils, trades and crafts, an instructional nature trail and more. Also, custom programs are available upon request. Call 757-294-3439 or email chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov for details.

Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum
868 Plantation Road
Surry, VA 23883

Hours: The museum is open for self-guided tours daily from the first Friday in March through the first Monday in December from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's also available by reservation for groups.

Cost: General museum admission is free. Parking fees for the park still apply. Some special programs and events have fees. Click here for park fees.