Events in Virginia State Parks

Step back in time as we uncover the mysteries of those at rest in the park's historic cemetery.

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. Expect to walk 2 miles round trip, partly over soft sand.

Take in the crisp air and the brilliant colors of autumn as we stroll along Douthat’s scenic lakefront.

Enjoy the beauty of York River State Park, while having the opportunity to take pictures along the way.

Join costumed interpreters for a demonstration of historical cooking methods in the Jones-Stewart Mansion's original brick kitchen. .

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

Let's take a hike on the Mulberry Creek Boardwalk Trail and beyond!

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

Join a ranger for a guided hike on Sugar Hill, all while talking about the importance of hibernation and why it is necessary for certain types of animals!

Join a park ranger for this competitive adventure on the one-mile loop Goodwin Lake Trail.

Holliday Lake State Park is buzzing with life this time of year.

Dive into the history of the Occaneechi Tribe that once called Occoneechee State Park home.

Slither on over to the Visitors Center for an in-depth look into the fascinating lives of local reptiles.

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

What bird lives most of its life on the ground, can fly as fast as a car, and was almost our national bird?

The bounty of harvested crops will soon be replaced with the joy and beauty of Winter.

Join us for a peaceful evening walk along the shores of Douthat Lake as the sun dips behind the mountains, casting golden light across the water and fall foliage.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is pleased to present “The Festival of Trees: An Evening Aglow” on November 29 and December 20 from 5-8 p.m. For these two evenings only, visitors will be offered an opportunity to view the museum in a different light.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 30th year.

Create, connect, and celebrate the season!

 As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host its special holiday Coffee House on Saturday, Nov.

Explore First Landing on your own and stop by the Trail Center to pick up your nature journal booklet.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

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

The Tundra Swans are coming, the Tundra Swans are coming.

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

Fly fishing is a fun and relaxing hobby that immerses you in nature.  With a little guidance, you can learn how to cast a fly rod and start experiencing nature in a whole new way!

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

Did you know owls get 'hairballs?' About once a day, an owl spits up a ball of hair and bones called an owl pellet which is actually the 'leftovers' from their most recent meals.

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.

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

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

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

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.

We all love the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Sometimes we are in a hurry and miss out on all the little things nature has to offer. The James River and its lush landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration. So, let's take that inspiration and have a “brush” with nature while we paint what we see and talk about what we are painting.

Winter is a time when everything seems to slow down, but nature never truly stays still.

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

Get your mid-week boost with a walk among the trees, meadows, with fellow nature lovers!

Winter is a time when everything seems to slow down, but nature never truly stays still.

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

Take your holiday photos with the Virginia State Park Mascot Parker Red Fox at the N&W red caboose!  Enjoy milk & cookies at the caboose while supplies last.  Bring your smiles and your holiday cheer as you wave to the Park Rangers in the Galax Christmas Parade starting at 7pm in downtown Galax.

The full moon has captivated humans for millennia, inspiring myths and folklore as well as scientific discovery.

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

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

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.

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.

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

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 boom town. 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.

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

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

Hit the trail with one of our rangers to see which birds of Fairy Stone State Park are hiding in plain sight along Oak Hickory Trail.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

Join us for a magical and entertaining view of one of our most treasured holidays at the Karlan Mansion.

Sponsored by the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park, this spectacular annual event is a drive-through light show that also offers free activities and seasonal merchandise for purchase.

A beloved holiday tradition, the Festival of Trees celebrates its 30th year.

Hike through the forest after dark in search of sights and sounds from the owls who are hunting there.

As you ride down on the chairlift and make your way to the tunnel, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and see animated Christmas displays.

Have you ever seen or heard an actual owl call in the night?

The Owl Prowl is a guided hiking program where individuals can connect with nature and wildlife of Virginia State Parks while learning whooo might be lurking in the evening hours at Westmoreland State Park.

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

Join our park rangers in our last volunteer workday of the year!

Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist.

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

Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist.

Join us for a guided Winter Discovery Hike along the Buck Lick Trail and experience the quiet beauty of the forest in its cold-weather stillness.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

Join a ranger for a guided hike to look for winter birds.

Come join our Rangers on a guided hike through Long Pond Trail.

Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.

As you gather with your families during the holidays, visit our discovery hours at Shenandoah River State Park!  Activities available may include making your own animal track, meeting Henry the turtle, exploring under a microscope, and more!

Put on your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and get ready for a winter tree trek at Chippokes State Park!

If you have stopped by the park Visitor Center, you may have noticed a lot of new activity!

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Kick off the holiday season with a parade!

Winter’s snow-covered trails are full of mysteries—each footprint a clue left behind by the animals that call this place home.

Join the Historic Staunton River Foundation for the Mulberry Christmas Open House.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

The Heart of Virginia Community Band will be performing holiday music on the Plaza where High Bridge Trail crosses Main Street, Farmville.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Winter is right around the corner and nature is already showing signs, can you find them?

Use your detective skills to piece together the stories that animals, including humans, have left behind.

To collect is as old as humankind.

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. Expect to walk 2 miles round trip, partly over soft sand.

Winter feathers flock together!

Can you name the four owls found at Hungry Mother State Park?

Ever wonder what stories a tree can tell?

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

Let's walk back in time through the exhibits here at Occoneechee State Park and learn about the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

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.

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

Join us in welcoming The Rev.

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

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

Think you’ve got sharp eyes?

Paint pretty pictures with prickly pines (try saying that five times fast).

Slither on over to the Visitors Center for an in-depth look into the fascinating lives of local reptiles.

Show your park pride like a true Virginia State Parks ranger!