Events in Virginia State Parks

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.

Need a break from the heat and have some fun?

History and life along the James River go back thousands of years.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Our park interpreters will guide you on a 2-mile float down the James River.

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

Not all bees live in hives.

Take a wagon ride to the scenic Tye Overlook and enjoy the prettiest view for miles around.

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

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

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.

Need a break from the heat and have some fun?

History and life along the James River go back thousands of years.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Our park interpreters will guide you on a 2-mile float down the James River.

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

Not all bees live in hives.

This is a special event that comes once a year, so don’t miss out. This unique program is presented by the Yapatoko. They will be sharing their culture, stories, drums and dancing. Be prepared to join in and celebrate Native American history.

Take a wagon ride to the scenic Tye Overlook and enjoy the prettiest view for miles around.

Did you know that James River is a member of the International Dark-Sky Association?

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

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.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

There is more to cooking than a fire and a pan.

Take a wagon ride to the scenic Tye Overlook and enjoy the prettiest view for miles around.

Did you know that James River is a member of the International Dark-Sky Association?

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

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

History and life along the James River go back thousands of years.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.  Participants must be ages 10 and over only.

There is more to cooking than a fire and a pan.

Ever wonder what kind of animals are out and about during the night? Our wetlands serve multiple purposes, but they are excellent hunting grounds for many of our nocturnal animals. We will show you how they use these skills with some hands-on activities. Wear some comfortable closed-toe shoes for this evening tour through our wetlands.

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

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

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.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.  Participants must be ages 10 and over only.

There is more to cooking than a fire and a pan.

Ever wonder what kind of animals are out and about during the night? Our wetlands serve multiple purposes, but they are excellent hunting grounds for many of our nocturnal animals. We will show you how they use these skills with some hands-on activities. Wear some comfortable closed-toe shoes for this evening tour through our wetlands.

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

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

There is more to cooking than a fire and a pan.

National Public Lands Day is one of the nation's largest single-day volunteer activity.

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

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

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

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.

You can learn a lot about the health of a stream by seeing what lives beneath its surface.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Come join us around the fire.

Need a break from your trip to the park and have some fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see and do at our visitor center.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Whether this is your first time or you have been here before, you'll definitely enjoy a wonderful evening on us. We will have fresh s’mores, and live music with the history of the banjo.

What better way to start the day than a hot cup of coffee. What’s even better is when you don’t have to make it. Let us treat you to a good cup of coffee and get to know the rangers at James River State Park.  Enjoy our visitor center, learn a little about the wildlife here, and meet “Cob”. It’s a great way to start the day!

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

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

New Program!

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

Need a break from your trip to the park and have some fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see and do at our visitor center.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Whether this is your first time or you have been here before, you'll definitely enjoy a wonderful evening on us. We will have fresh s’mores, and live music with the history of the banjo.

What better way to start the day than a hot cup of coffee. What’s even better is when you don’t have to make it. Let us treat you to a good cup of coffee and get to know the rangers at James River State Park.  Enjoy our visitor center, learn a little about the wildlife here, and meet “Cob”. It’s a great way to start the day!

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

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

There is more to cooking than a fire and a pan.

Our turtle ambassador needs some time in the sun, and you can meet him while he soaks up some summer rays.

New Program!

We’ll spend time finding out about different animals that live in the park.

Need a break from your trip to the park and have some fun? Do you like being creative? We have many things to see and do at our visitor center.

Did you know that the five-string banjo was invented in this area? The banjo has played an important part in American history and mountain life. Join us for a fun education program exploring the life of the banjo while also hearing some great music.

Whether this is your first time or you have been here before, you'll definitely enjoy a wonderful evening on us. We will have fresh s’mores, and live music with the history of the banjo.

This is a unique opportunity to experience a different perspective on camping.

People have been fascinated by the night sky for thousands of years.