Events in Virginia State Parks

Ever wondered what stories Douthat State Park holds?

Did you know Westmoreland State Park has a beach where you can find fossils?

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Do you know how fossils are formed?

Join a ranger to learn about meteorological vs.

Just because we don’t always spot them, we know the animals are around by the tracks and traces they leave behind.

Bloodroot, Dutchman's Breeches, Cutleaf Toothwort, oh my!

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

Want to learn how to go geocaching?

The forests are full of things both delicious and dangerous, but can you tell which is which?

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

If you're camping with us at Chippokes State Park, we would like to extend a warm invitation to attend our special evening ranger-led campfire program.

Join a park interpreter on a walk to listen to the sounds of spring- the calls of the frogs.

What do you know about our scaly friends?

Experience the sights and sounds of the park at sunset with a leisurely guided hike beginning at 7:30 p.m. from the main parking lot.

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

Step back in time and experience the daily life of an American Civil War soldier at High Bridge Trail State Park.

This archery session for beginners and provides shooting time for the more experienced. It begins with instruction time on archery equipment, technique, and safety.

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

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.

"Wisdom from the Wild" is a monthly series that will lead you on wonder-filled journey to recovering your sense of belonging and finding your truest self, rooted in the rhythms and raptures of nature.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

Looking to get hooked on a new hobby?

Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.

As spring unfolds at Natural Tunnel State Park, the forest floor begins to come to life with the vibrant colors that Mother Nature offers.

Before leaves return to trees, the sun reaches the forest floor to give early spring flowers energy to pop up!

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.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Join us for a flexible Stewardship Sunday, offering both self-guided and ranger-led opportunities to lend a hand and give back to Mother Nature.

Step into the past on a guided hike through the park.

Geocaching combines Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with nature to provide adventure for treasure hunters all over the world.

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the king snake, and two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

Search for salamanders as they quest for vernal pools!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a bird?

Want to save the bees, butterflies, birds, and more?  Just plant native!  Even the smallest pollinator-friendly patch will make a difference.  At our pollinator garden workshop, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started and receive a planning packet to help create your own pollinator habitat at home.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

"A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can indeed change the world." - Margaret Meade, Anthropologist Do you have a passion for teaching and being outdoors?

Enjoy a naturalist-led hike learning all about what's blooming and growing around you.  This easy hike will take visitors through our park's deciduous woodlands along the river granting an opportunity to see some of the New River’s native wildflowers and trees in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet! Please wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Have you seen the Blue Bird Boxes at Mason Neck and wondered who lives there, and why they are necessary? This program is perfect for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the small but important conservation efforts happening right here in the park. After the discussion, we will go for a short walk to view some of the boxes. Meet interpreters at the Visitor Center. .

This is a “casting” call for miniatures enthusiasts and historic craft fans!

From the role of ‘good fire’ in restoring forests to the many ways we thoughtfully steward wildlife and habitats, this talk, presented by Mel Perry, highlights how Virginia State Parks keep nature in balance.

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

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

Do you think you know some of the animals that reside here?

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

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

April showers bring May flowers.  For the month of April, homeschoolers will learn about the water cycle, water pollution, and how it affects us and the environment.

Enjoy maximum bluff and shoreline views on this ranger guided hike.  The hike is just about a mile and includes a portion of the new Hognose Trail.  We will explore the popular Fossil Beach and the secluded Pete's Overlook.  .

This FREE two-night (April 13 & 14) Boating Safety Course will enable participants to obtain their Boater Safety certification/card which is required in Virginia for all PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine.  Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration for all participants is required. Register online here.

Want to make a difference at Douthat State Park?

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

This FREE two-night (April 13 & 14) Boating Safety Course will enable participants to obtain their Boater Safety certification/card which is required in Virginia for all PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine.  Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration for all participants is required. Register online here.

Sip, Snack & Create: Paint-N-Snack Night at the Museum.

Come join the monthly meeting of the Widewater State Park Friend's Group!

Join a park ranger on a three-mile hike to the waterfall and back.

Join the Friends of Mason Neck and Fairfax Master Naturalists for a rewarding day of volunteer garden work!

April showers bring May flowers.  For the month of April, homeschoolers will learn about the water cycle, water pollution, and how it affects us and the environment.

Come explore nature's amazing spring happenings through the Powhatan Library's new educational series: Nature Days!

"Beavers:  Nature's Engineers" examines the characteristics and habits of North America's largest rodent.  Learn about how beavers alter the environment more than any other creature except humans.  Find out how beavers contributed to the westward expansion as settlers arrived in the New World.  .

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

Join the Mecklenburg County YMCA for the 2026 Tracks and Trails Hiking Series with Steph Bowen at Occoneechee State Park!

The Lyrids meteor shower is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

Just as caterpillars grow and change, our Caterpillar Club programs are designed to help your little one grow and change.

Explore the hidden hamlet of Wash Woods and see the various coastal habitats of False Cape.

Dead phone battery while wandering the wood?

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and have “hands” like ours, but on their hind legs? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

Cape Henry is known for over 400 years of history, starting with the first landing of the Jamestown settlers, to the Village of Cape Henry and the creation of Fort Story.  Learn about the creation of the lighthouse and its experience throughout major events in the country’s history.  This program offers a detailed overview of the Cape Henry area starting in 1607 and continuing to the present.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is thrilled to announce the spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

What better way to celebrate International Dark Sky Week than "shooting stars" through the Natural Bridge?

Are you curious about the birds around us?

Come celebrate our planet with First Landing Rangers during Earth Week!

Celebrate Earth Week 2026 at False Cape State Park all week long by supporting healthy and happy beaches.

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail, rated as a moderate hike.

Got a little explorer who’s beyond crawling, but isn’t ready to hike with the Kindergarten siblings?  The Tyke Hike is the perfect fit for little legs.  The hikes are less than a mile and mostly stroller friendly.  The ranger will help your little one discover neat things in nature in this one hour adventure.

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

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.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Let your creativity flow at our Creation Station, where you can create your favorite animal mask, opossum puppet, turkey, butterfly, or batteau craft.

Invasive plants like garlic mustard spread aggressively and cause significant damage to our native plants and animals.

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

New life is springing up all over the park.  Kick off an hour of sights and sounds at the Discovery Room and view nesting herons and osprey.  .

Did you know that April 17th is International Bat Appreciation Day?

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Join our rangers as we create owls with pinecones and other natural elements found in the park.

Trees have magical qualities that provide us with many important everyday items, as well as a large portion of the oxygen we breathe.

If you're curious about trees, satisfy your curiosity on this Arbor Adventure!  Join a ranger on Chippoax Trace Trail to identify Chippokes' fauna, specifically trees.  This trail takes visitors from rolling farm fields, into canopied woodlands, and to a worthwhile scenic view of the beautiful salt marshes of Chippokes.

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the remarkable abilities of bats and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Did you know if Americans recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25 million trees a year?

Ever wondered how a beaver’s fur keeps it warm and dry, or how a white-tailed deer communicates within its herd?

National Audubon Day is celebrated annually on April 26th to honor the birthday of renowned ornithologist, naturalist, and painter John James Audubon.

Slippery, slimy, salamanders are out and about!

Join a ranger for Earth Day on a hike!

It is International Bat Appreciation Day! Join a ranger and learn all about these important night time pollinators and make a craft to take home.

Pollinator populations everywhere are in a steady decline, but why all the buzz about it?