Events in Virginia State Parks

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of coffee.

2/22 HIKE MOVED - MEET AT PLAYGROUND PARKING LOT Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

The Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942) developed patches that were used by the enrollees as a means to identify others of their duties.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

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

Discover the wonders of Phenology, the study of the seasonal and cyclical changes in nature, and create your own work of art.

Visit one of the highest points in the park and enjoy the view from Purchase Ridge Overlook.

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

Come and join us for our monthly Trail Workday on February 22nd.

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

The Visitor Center is home to two freshwater Red-Eared Slider turtles, Jennika and Venus, and it is time for them to eat.

It's feeding time for two of our ambassador reptiles, Stevie the King Snake and Reba the Corn Snake, and we welcome you to attend this demonstration and learn about these snakes as they prepare to feed on a frozen mouse! .

Meet a Ranger at the Visitor Center for a guided hike to see if you can spot any of our winter birds.

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.

Douthat State Park is home to many fascinating mammals, including black bears.

Mason Neck is home to many Virginia-native plants.

Embark on a guided van tour of the area known as Group Camp 7.

Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.

Discover the art of crafting your own paracord bracelet while learning how this versatile tool can prepare you for the unexpected.

Park Interpreter Meg Doppée will take you on a slow hike around Farmstead Loop.

As you walk through the sandy trails at 64th street, stop by the Ranger table at the Narrows Beach to learn about what Virginia wildlife is most active over winter.

Join us as we learn more about the prehistoric history of Chippokes through fossils that can be found right on our beaches!

Explore the park's expansive wetlands with us as we search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat their home.

Come along on a guided trek down College Run Trail to the James River, where we'll find and identify prehistoric fossils!

Slither on down and join the Park Ranger for an in depth look into the fascinating lives of some local reptiles.

During this one-mile trek, a ranger will guide you through this journey through time on Goodwin Lake Trail. Although rated easy, this trail may not be suitable for those with strollers or severe mobility issues.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Fairy Stone State Park is launching a Friends of Fairy Stone initiative!

Trees are life-givers and inspiration for many art forms.

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

Need a break from your long trip and have a little fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see at our Visitor Center.

Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!

Have you ever seen a timberdoodle dance in the twilight sky?

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Step back in time and experience the life of a Civil War soldier at Camp Paradise, High Bridge Trail State Park.

Curious about Invasive Species?

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942) developed patches that were used by the enrollees as a means to identify others of their duties.

Join us as we build a beaver to find out if their teeth, and other body parts, are useful, or just a cruel joke played by Mother Nature.

Join the Rangers each week for story time!

Join us for "Tree Topia" as we uncover the magical realm of trees and their incredible role as habitats!

Seaweed plays a critical roll in coastal ecosystems.

Come join one of our Rangers on a guided hike through Widewater State Park!

Ready, set, crawl, to join General Raphael, our non-releasable rescue eastern box turtle, as we explore more about her and the animal friends she shares her habitat with.

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

"The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson With the use of the Celestron automated telescope, view the astral bodies up close and learn about the history of the stars.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.

Bring your current project, plans, or patterns, and work with others doing the same.  If you don’t have a project but would like to contribute, we are looking for some clothing items that we can either wear or display at the park for special events.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Join a Ranger to learn about science and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

Designed to introduce young participants to the wonders of the natural world and foster an appreciation for the environment.

Join a Ranger to learn about science and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

"The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson With the use of the Celestron automated telescope, view the astral bodies up close and learn about the history of the stars.

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

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce the Spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program.

Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.

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

Make your outdoor experience more memorable with a private program for your group or family at Shenandoah River State Park!

Who-who-whooooo's calling?

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

'Bigfoot' is on the roam in Occoneechee.

Winter Trams at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer the unique opportunity to observe and experience the incredible migration of waterfowl.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening alongside fellow plant enthusiasts.

Join us on Saturday, March 1st, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, for a rewarding day of community service at Kiptopeke State Park!

Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.

Now is the time of year that the Eastern Bluebird begins to nest, and you can help them find a home to raise a family.

Embark on a journey into the enchanting world of vernal pools.

Join us for a guided tour of the Visitor Center at High Bridge Trail State Park, where history and nature come together!

True Art, named in the honor of the Museum's first curator, James True, features the works of today's local artist in a show that celebrates the creativity and talents of our friends and neighbors.

Come and explore a dynamic ecosystem that prevents erosion and brings life to the river.  The living shoreline between the rip-rap and water’s edge is attracting interesting estuarine and marine creatures and plants.  Discover them and how living shorelines enhance and protect our waterfronts.

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

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

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail.

Nature journaling is the intersection of art, science, and curiosity.

Take a closer look at your surroundings in our monthly nature journaling classes.

Meet a Ranger at the Visitor Center for a guided hike to see if you can spot any of our springtime birds.

Join us for a fun and interactive way to explore the vibrant bird life at Mason Neck State Park!

Learn how to study seasons and the cycles of nature with a Phenology Wheel.

It's feeding time for our ambassador reptiles.  How do we feed our animals?

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Douthat State Park with a fun, hands-on nature craft.

Come hunt for shark teeth on the shoreline of the Potomac!

Join a ranger and explore the world of our bushy-tailed friends, from their fascinating life cycle to their clever winter behaviors.

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'.

As winter comes to an end, Virginia's earliest and most delicate woodland wildflowers begin to appear!

Come celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week with us.

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.

Join Master Naturalist Kim Manion for a short walk to discover the basics of tree identification.

Explore the park's expansive wetlands with us as we search for and identify the plants and animals that call this unique habitat their home.

Slither on down and join the Park Ranger for an in depth look into the fascinating lives of some local reptiles.

What do you think of when you hear term wildlife?

What’s the difference between a deer and an elk?

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect 'fairy stone' that everyone is looking for.

Trees are some of the most crucial organisms on the planet.

Turn your found fossils into wearable art!

How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?

We would like to introduce you to “Boxer” the box turtle.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

The Rappahannock Astronomy Club presents an evening of deep space viewing.

Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky.  They will have the equipment.  Just bring your curiosity.  This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs.