Events in Virginia State Parks

The batteau was a historically significant boat used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

End the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River (or Taskinas Creek depending on water conditions) in the evening.  Discover the birds and creatures that are active in the gentle light of sunset.  Cost.

Do you feel safer walking with a friend?

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the calming and health-promoting benefits of the forest.

"For a scavenger, patience is the key to the pantry." - Delia Owens For the first month of homeschool, visitors will learn about the hidden lives of scavengers: nature's clean-up crew!

We invite you to come out to the Apiary located to the left of the area behind the Discovery Center and observe us in the apiary.

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.

As you make your way to the shoreline, stop and visit the live creature displays of fish & shellfish that were recently captured in the York River and Woodstock Pond.  The ranger on duty will share about these creatures and their role in the ecosystem.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

The Fairfield Foundation opens the Timberneck house for free walk-in tours every Tuesday.

Get a closer look at nature during this meander over moderate terrain with some inclines.

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the trail around High Bridge with interesting historical items from the 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.

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Right now in Fairy Stone Lake, giant gelatinous blobs resembling brains can be found attached to stationary objects in the water, using their tentacles to feed.

Bring your current project, plans, or patterns, and work with others doing the same.

Enjoy amazing views of Horsehead Cliffs, watch Ospreys and Bald Eagles fly overhead, and look for fossils on this guided paddle tour of the Potomac River at Westmoreland State Park.

Get your mid-week boost with a walk among the trees, meadows, with fellow nature lovers!  You don't have to read scientific studies to know that being in nature and getting exercise in the fresh air is good for your body and your mind. So let's get together, make friends, and enjoy the outdoors while improving our health!  Each week will feature a different trail, each with a distance of about 2-2.5 miles.

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

Tai chi is a gentle exercise that can help maintain strength, balance, and flexibility.  We will have an experienced tai chi instructor to guide you through learning the steps.  Come join us on our beautiful sand beach for a session of "meditation in motion."  All ages and experience levels are welcome.

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

Let nature spark your creativity!

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.

Help our resident box turtle have some fun in the sun!

"For a scavenger, patience is the key to the pantry." - Delia Owens For the first month of homeschool, visitors will learn about the hidden lives of scavengers: nature's clean-up crew!

While we sleep a whole new set of nocturnal animals come out to begin their "daily" activities.

Do you want to learn the history of the land where Kiptopeke State Park is today?

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

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

Everyone loves a relaxing evening.

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

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

Paddle your way around the park’s unique ecosystem.

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.

Are all snakes venomous?

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.

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.

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

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

This is a fantastic time of year to take-in the beautiful scenery of Southwest Virginia.

Come explore the historic town of Fries.

Whoooo’s calling in the night!?

Grab your binoculars for a fun bird hike and discover the many birds passing through the park this fall.

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

Join us along the New River for a FREE hour-long guided yoga flow session, led by a Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor.

Come drop some line in the water, and soak in some sun!

Calling all homeschoolers!

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

Come take a relaxing stroll with a ranger alongside the Oxbow Lake!

Join a ranger to learn about science, history, and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

Hear the tale of the star-crossed lovers that the trail is named after and view the tunnel from above.

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park - from ancient fossils to the American Civil War.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Make your own pig and meet our ambassador animal: Tazewell the potbellied pig!

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.

Can you tell the difference between an elk and a deer?

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.

The library is hitting the park!

What do you think of when you hear term wildlife?

Ever wanted to learn how to crab?

Trees are vital to our environment.

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

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

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

Beaded pipe cleaner pumpkins are a fun and easy fall craft for all!

Dive into an ancient craft with a ranger, known as Gyotaku fish printing.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Join an interpreter to learn a variety of useful everyday knots, from the simple square not to the high flying figure eight knot - there is a knot for every situation.

Help our resident box turtle keep in touch with her animal friends at other Virginia State Parks.

Have you ever wondered how beavers stay dry?

Join a ranger for a guided hike along one of the fingers of Fairy Stone Lake that leads to an abandoned iron mine.

What is paracord, and what is it used for?

Slime is survival.

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home, or what shells you can find on our beaches?

Take a closer look at the world around you through nature journaling.

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek.

Come take a walk with us to search for some of the park's most elusive night-time predators: owls! As we walk along under the quiet cover of darkness, we'll listen for their haunting voices as they cry out across the landscape.

Can you match the skull to its pelt?

Who's that calling in the night?

Join us at the Community Fire Ring to relax, enjoy a roasted marshmallow, and get to know your camping neighbors.

Welcome to the park!

Enjoy an evening wagon ride around the park as we scan the night sky for bats.

Public Lands are our legacy, so come follow your own adventure.

Grab your binoculars and get outside. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads these monthly hikes to discover and identify birds at Sweet Run State Park. We will explore parts of this beautiful 900-acre preserve to see what lives in it and visit its diverse habitats.

How do you give back to the land that surrounds and nurtures you?

The Margaret Watson Bird Club will co-host a site cleanup and birding adventure with High Bridge Trail as we celebrate National Public Lands Day.

Join us as we remove litter and other debris from our shoreline. Staunton River State Park sits at the confluence of the Staunton and Dan Rivers. Where these two rivers meet is the beginning of the John H.

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

National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest, single‐day volunteer effort for public lands and works to connect people to public lands in their community, inspire environmental stewardship, and encourage use of public lands for education, recreation, and general health.

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, we invite our community to join us in clearing brush and overgrown vegetation at the Historic Hillsman House.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Leesylvania State Park.

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

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Help us clear debris and look for micro trash on some of our more popular trails.

Help us clean up the park in honor of National Public Lands Day.

The warm days may be coming to a close, but the time to volunteer will always be here!

Join us at Green Pastures Recreation Area as we celebrate National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.

Join us this Public Lands Day at Westmoreland State Park where we plan to tackle our Visitor Center Butterfly Garden as a special volunteer project!   No experience is necessary to help us with this important green space initiative and all those above the age of 9 years old are encouraged to join in!  Please bring basic gardening hand tools, gloves, water (refillable), and snacks/lunch.