Events in Virginia State Parks

Join us for a free historical tour of the Cedar Crest Conference Center.

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

Do you struggle with knots?

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Join our rangers as we complete the new 2026 Junior Ranger Activity Booklet to earn a badge and become a certified Junior Ranger!

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

Stop by the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and step back in time to experience aspects of life on the frontier.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This special craft program involves making fun edible ornaments that will serve winter birds as a dependable food source during the cold winter months.  Participants will make a natural bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, string, and birdseed.  While creating your bird feeder, learn about some of our common Virginia backyard winter birds.

Does your pup have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K Ranger? B.A.R.K.

Bundle up and join us for a peaceful winter walk as we explore the James River State Park in search of its seasonal birdlife!

The big blue can hold many secrets and sometimes those secrets wash ashore! Join a Park Ranger as we wander the beach identifying shells, animals, and other treasures commonly found along the beach at False Cape.

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Join our rangers in exploring the wildlife along our central trails.

Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for a night of awe and wonder.

Join us for a short introductory program that highlights the major military leaders involved in the Battle of Sailors Creek.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

Did you know Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks and have “hands” like ours?

Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

True Art Showcase is named in the honor of the Museum’s first curator James True the Museum's first curator.

A full lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:33 a.m. Stop by the visitor center to learn a little about the moon and the eclipse.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is now accepting entries for the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show.

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.

Ever heard of a seed bomb?

Colder weather can bring more beach treasures!

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Join a ranger to discover park history and how the tunnel was formed during this guided hike down Tunnel Trail.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Calling all Junior Rangers!

The Visitor Center at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park offers a museum filled with treasured artifacts discovered over the years where the last major fight of the American Civil War in Virginia occurred on April 6, 1865.

Tours of the Hillsman House, a National Historic Landmark, are available to the public by request.

A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Sailor's Creek Battlefield is available to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield offers six, self-guided Hiking Trails with historic markers for the public to explore year round during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

Join us on a real or virtual hike through Claytor Lake State Park as we take a closer look at some of the beautiful native trees.

Did you know that Haven Howe was an early advocate for environmental reform in Virginia? Participate in person or virtually as we examine the fine craftsmanship of the Howe House and learn of its builder, inhabitants, and history.

Stop by the fishing area behind Howe House to check out our EnChroma color blind scenic viewer.

Contribute to citizen science by helping us create a time lapse of this mysterious site.

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

Take a hike back in time by visiting our tour points located at the same location as our collection of photos and videos from past years at Claytor Lake State Park and Claytor Lake.

Groups or individuals can adopt a section of a trail or a trail within our 7-mile park trail system.

Request a ranger to give your family or group a chance to get a more personalized experience at Claytor Lake State Park.

Earn your junior ranger patch through a variety of programs and fun family activities.  Visit the park office (the Howe House), gift shop, or contact station for a copy of our junior ranger booklet, or you can download it from the link below.

Nothing beats a ranger-led program in one of our parks.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, Douthat State Park is a great place to bring your group for a day of hands-on, outdoor learning.

Be you a teacher, camp counselor, homeschool instructor, or troop leader, you are invited to schedule your group's next field trip or educational program with Widewater State Park!

Go on a hiking adventure with Track Trails!

No matter your role—teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or beyond—we invite you to plan your group’s next field trip to Twin Lakes State Park.

Wake up, lace up, and head outside with the Friends of Seven Bends State Park Walker's Club!  Join the group every Monday and Friday at 7:50 a.m. on a morning hike to enjoy cool air, quiet trails, and amazing views.

Whether you are a teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, we are inviting you to plan your groups' next field trip to Fairy Stone State Park.

Earn your Junior Ranger badge at Sky Meadows State Park!

Introduced by the National Parks, B.A.R.K.

Enjoy a self-guided tour as you walk down to see the Natural Tunnel.

As you explore the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and the surrounding area, discover what makes this building so unique as well as what was commonly used on the frontier for survival during the 18th Century.

Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a copy of a self-guided brochure on the “Common Trees of Virginia”.

Introduced by the National Parks, B.A.R.K.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool instructor, club sponsor, or anything in between, Leesylvania State Park is a great place to bring your group for hands-on, outdoor learning.

Belle Isle State Park is looking for the next generation of ranger, are you ready to give it a try?

Belle Isle State Park has some great activities that you can do on your own schedule.

At one time, the New River marked the westernmost edge of the backcountry frontier.

Stop by Hungry Mother's Discovery Center and ask the front desk rangers about our Park Packs.

Make your park visit even more exciting by stopping by the Visitor Center to pick up an Adventure Pack!

Ready for a modern-day treasure hunt?

Stop by the Visitor Center for a list of items to find.

Did you know that James River State Park is an International Dark Sky Park?

Come meet our turtle and snake animal ambassadors and explore the museum to learn about the history of the James River and the wildlife that calls this park home through interactive displays and taxidermy exhibits.

The park has over 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Are you looking for a great activity for the kids that is both fun and educational?

The night sky is alive with shifting constellations all year long.

Swing by the kiosk at the Spillway, grab one of our special adventure brochures, and gear up for some messy, hands-on fun with our seasonal scavenger hunts for kids.

Ready to turn your hike into a woodland quest?

Stop by the Discovery Center and grab a booklet that will take your whole family on an adventure through time at Hungry Mother State Park.

Find the special Track Trail kiosk at the corner of Parking Lot 6 and grab a brochure packed with adventures just for kids.

If you like to paddle and are excited to discover the native plants and wildlife that thrive here at Hungry Mother, you’re in the right place.