Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.

International Dark Sky Week

Location of Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia

Where

Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.
Various Locations at the Park

When

April 22, 2022 10:00 a.m. - April 30, 2022 10:00 p.m.

Celebrate the wonders of the night sky during our week-long event in honor of International Dark Sky Week. For more information on each event, please visit the individual events listed on our website.

Dark Sky Week Events:

Friday, April 22, 8-10:30 p.m.: Lyrids Meteor Shower

Sunday, April 24, 2-5 p.m.: Learn About Light Pollution

Tuesday, April 26, 8-11 p.m.: Self-Guided Dark Sky Night at Jefferson Point

Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m.: Astrophotography Workshop on Facebook Live with a Park Ranger

Saturday, April 30, 2-5 p.m.: Learn About Light Pollution

Saturday, April 30, 8-10:30 p.m.: Light Pollution Talk and Astrophotography Workshop at Jefferson Point

Events running the entire week:

Experience “Losing the Dark,” a short video on light pollution created by the IDA. Location: Visitor Center.

Vote for your favorite Dark Sky, Light Pollution, or Solar System science and art projects submitted by local school children. Location: Visitor Center. (Pick up your voting stubs at the ticket counter.)

View our new astrophotography exhibit celebrating the dark skies above Natural Bridge State Park. Location: Visitor Center.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-291-1326
Email Address: NaturalBridge@dcr.virginia.gov