Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

Of all the mammals, opossums are the most misunderstood. They are fascinating creatures with very unique characteristics.

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

Though the ocean is often seen as a turtle’s natural habitat, there are a variety of species that call the mountains of Southwest Virginia home.

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

Learn about oysters and their importance as keystone species as you create a holiday ornament, keychain, or charm using a real oyster shell.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

Have you ever thought about what an animal eats?

When it comes to carrying survival materials with you on the trail, every little bit of space counts, so hikers come up with creative ways to carry their gear.

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for interesting facts, history, and lore about our moon then make a craft to take home.

Discover how fire affects our world and how we attempt to harness its power.

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

Embrace your creativity by exploring unique connections to the natural and historic elements of the park through this dynamic art program.

Celebrate Southwest Virginia's rich tradition of old-time, bluegrass, blues, and Americana music with performances by regionally and nationally renowned musicians, including a star-studded main stage lineup! Platinum-selling recording artist, legendary singer-songwriter, Country Music Icon and Grammy Award winner, Suzy Boggus is coming to this year’s "Gathering in the Gap." She’ll be joined on the mainstage with the ever-eclectic Dark Moon Hollow, and a fan favorite in the incredibly talented Dave Eggar and Bristol Lightning.

They're round and they're full of fiber but unless you're a termite, you can't eat these tree cookies.

Red Poppies have been used for over a decade to symbolize the sacrifices veterans have made for our country.

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

This is the time when dandelions and other brightly colored flowers cover the landscape, and while many are considered weeds, they can be used to make beautiful art! Join a ranger to make your own "dandy lion" from the dandelions and other flowers that we collect from our fields and meadows and learn about the pollinators that visit them.

Join us as we learn how to identify trees based on their different features, see samples of different parts of a tree and create your own unique tree field guide to take with you.

Looking for a family friendly way to kick off your summer fun?

Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park nature interpreter under the tent for some fun crafts.

Come be inspired by the natural beauty of Machicomoco as one of our Rangers leads you through the creation of your own masterpiece (Pre-registration and additional fees required).

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Explore the various ways you can connect with the Earth through keeping a nature journal.

Hungry Mother State Park's interpreters are always finding cool things around the park and thinking up new activities and crafts.

Stop by the ranger's tent on the way to the pool for fun games, crafts, and prizes.

Join Virginia Master Naturalist and entomologist Sarah Reilly as she introduces us to some of the beautiful and fascinating tiny critters you’re likely to find in this part of Virginia during this part of the season. Far from creepy, these many-legged crawlers are bound to amaze you as you learn about some of their mind-blowing adaptations and behaviors. Sarah’s presentation will be followed by an optional bug-themed craft that kids and adults alike can take home.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Bring home a piece of history from Westmoreland as you learn to create shark tooth necklaces.  All resources are provided, including shark teeth that you can choose from to create your super cool necklace that can be shown off to all your friends.

Explore all about the Northern Flying Squirrel and why they call Grayson Highlands State Park their home.

Of all the mammals, opossums are the most misunderstood. They are fascinating creatures with very unique characteristics.

Join a ranger and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park and about the particular fossils you can find here.

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring a different life group every week, and Week 1 is Plants & Fungi! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities! Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a snack and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Show off your creativity with a beach themed craft on your way to or from the Chesapeake Bay.

Explore the life cycle of butterflies. Learn what is special about the monarch butterfly. What do they like to eat?

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.

Not all bees live in hives.

Take some time to get out of the hot sun and join our park nature interpreter under the tent for some fun crafts. Memorial Day is a time to give thanks to all the brave men and women who fought to give us our freedom.

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Want to learn what steps you can take to both help the ecosystem and bring wildlife to your own backyard?

A face only a mother could love?

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Have you ever heard an owl sing at night?

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

Needing a new pet in your life?

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

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

Tie-dye wasn't the brainchild of American hippies during the 1960s.

Wanting to get involved in your local park!

Join a ranger and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park and about the particular fossils you can find here.

Stop by the nature booth to borrow a Family Learning Adventures adventure pack for the day.

Do you like to hike?

What is the perfect sized walking stick for you?

Learn some of the trade secrets of what it takes to create the perfect "Fairy Stone" that everyone is looking for.

What can the rings inside a tree tell us about the life it lived?

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host its first “Lunch on the Lawn” summer music series for the 2024 season on Sunday, June 2, from 2 to 3 p.m., featuring The Timeless Strings Band.

Come be a scientist for the day with our park rangers!

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Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

Join rangers at the park for a fun nature reading session.

There’s duck calls and elk calls, but have you ever heard a squirrel call?

Did you know you can make paper from paper?

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

Learn all about birds and their homes.

This program is all about learning how to identify wild animals by the tracks that they leave behind.

Save the date for the annual Claytor Lake Festival.

Come join us at the St.

Find your muse at Caledon as you draw, paint, or photograph the world around you. Join the Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts at Caledon State Park for a truly unique artistic experience. A wagon ride will transport you to various scenic woods and beach locations throughout the park as you breathe art into the forest.

Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce their Children’s Summer Music Camp.

This summer, the Junior Ranger program is exploring a different life group every week, and Week 2 is Insects! Programs run Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. Outdoor and weather appropriate clothing must be worn as we will be exploring the park; getting dirty and wet are both strong possibilities! Closed-toed shoes are required every day. Please don't forget to bring a snack and a reusable water bottle, as well as apply sunscreen and bugspray before the program begins.

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park to host a “Paint-N-Snack” workshop for its June monthly workshop series.  The “Paint-N-Snack Workshop” is the perfect get-together with friends, date night or a team outing.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

There’s duck calls and elk calls, but have you ever heard a squirrel call?

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

Join us at Sugar Hill in the Clinch River State Park for a fun arts and crafts activity.

Learn all about birds and their homes.

Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14. What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag in 1777, during the Revolutionary War.

Stop by the nature booth to borrow a Family Learning Adventures adventure pack for the day.

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

Learn about the fascinating history of our park, our lake, and the surrounding area.

Join a ranger to create something special from natural elements found in the park.

Head on over to the park to meet Ranger Parker Redfox, the Virginia State Parks mascot.

Come learn about Palmer Hayden, a renowned Widewater artist who is known for his paintings of everyday life in African-American communities.

Join Virginia Master Naturalist and entomologist Sarah Reilly as she introduces us to some of the beautiful and fascinating tiny critters you’re likely to find in this part of Virginia during this part of the season. Far from creepy, these many-legged crawlers are bound to amaze you as you learn about some of their mind-blowing adaptations and behaviors. Sarah’s presentation will be followed by an optional bug-themed craft that kids and adults alike can take home.

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

Join us and Mount Rogers Community Services and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur while fueling your body, mind, and soul every Friday at noon.

Join a ranger at Estonoa wetlands for a fun arts and crafts activity.

Learn all about birds and their homes.

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

This program is all about learning how to identify wild animals by the tracks that they leave behind.

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

Bring your creativity and express your individuality and join Leesylvania State Park Rangers throughout the park for a unique crafting experience!  Each session is a one of a kind experience.  See you there!

Did you know you can make paper from paper?

We will start with a campfire and, of course, making S’mores.

There is a lot to discover at Leesylvania State Park.