Shelter is your top priority in most survival situations.

Come visit our one-of-a-kind science lab all to do with the Chesapeake Bay.

Many people plant gardens to provide fresh veggies and fruits.

Ever wanted to touch the fur of a skunk or an opossum?

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.

Let's be creative!

Trees have magical qualities which give us many important everyday items and the oxygen we breathe.

How can you tell the difference between toads and frogs?

What's next?

The forests are full of things both delicious and dangerous, but can you tell which is which?

Have you ever heard an owl calling in the dead of night?

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone’s black bears at our Ranger led program!

Take a stroll along our lake shore as you visit several mesmerizing lights that have been placed in or along the lake.

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

From woodlands to wetlands, fields and pastures, let's investigate the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.

Bows and arrows have been a part of human society for thousands of years and used for both survival and sport.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Come down to the Discovery Center and create art to take home or display in the park.

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

Looking for a way to protect the planet this spring break?

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Have you ever wondered why donkeys have such long ears or why they make so much noise, or why pot belly pigs like to roll in the mud? Have you ever learned about....

Looking for that perfect selfie spot?

Frogs, turtles, and fish, oh my!  Explore the life that exists in the pond while learning about the abundance of animals that call this ecosystem home.  Join a park ranger and use nets to catch animals and learn how you can help protect these fascinating creatures.  For more information, please call the Visitor Center at (703)583-6904 or send an e-mail to leesylvaniavc@dcr.virginia.gov.

Interested in learning more about archery while having fun?

Our park is steeped in civil war history and is a natural setting teeming with wildlife.

The Jones-Stewart Mansion is a stunning example of an antebellum plantation house.

Discover the games children used to play during the colonial time period.  Race hoops against each other and play a game of catch called Graces.  Learn what a Jacob's ladder does and test your skills with a round of Cup and Ball.  For questions, please call the visitor center at (703)583-6904.

Ask about our free Junior Rangers booklet with fun activities that lead kids on a journey through the different periods of Twin Lakes State Park's cultural and natural history.

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

Come visit our one-of-a-kind science lab all to do with the Chesapeake Bay.

You may have seen the foxes, deer, and other mammals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur?

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a unique historical tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwelling on the grounds. What do the remnants of the River House tell us of a time much different than today?

Plantable Paper Get inspired this Spring season while you make your own paper.

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. "Moonshine Murders" reveals the events which sparked a number of these murders.  Due to the gruesome nature of this topic, we ask that no one under age 15 attend.   .

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

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the trails with interesting animal pelts or historical artifacts from the park.

Meet our Rangers at the Trail Center and come get creative with us!

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

It’s Spring and frogs are singing their hearts out.

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

Calling all science enthusiasts!

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own Staurolite crystal or "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for and the telling of the legend, we will travel to the site.

Step into the shoes of the infamous pirate Blackbeard to explore our trails?

The Jones-Stewart Mansion is a stunning example of an antebellum plantation house.

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

What animals call First Landing State Park home?

Join volunteer Tina Hayes on a relaxing hike made to calm the mind.

Bats are waking up, and thank goodness because they are so needed.

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 roundtrip, partly over soft sand.

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

Head out on a trail with a park guide to see what summer is bringing forth in the forest. Perhaps you will espy the tiniest of wildflowers or the track of a raccoon.

Are they stumps?

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own Staurolite crystal or "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for and the telling of the legend, we will travel to the site.

Wander down our Main Boardwalk to hear the story of the Chesapeake Bay, highlighting its formation, biodiversity, and economic value, while getting hands-on with several beach artifacts. Meet at the Main Boardwalk.

Bows and arrows have been a part of human society for thousands of years and used for survival and sport.

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

Wild animals are all around us, but do you want to see some up close?

Art is one of the most exciting ways to use your own creativity to explore nature. Join artist and Virginia Master Naturalist, Renee Wienecke, as she helps you to look for inspiration in nature and encourages your creative side to create a piece of art around Hungry Mother's salamanders and birds.

It’s Spring and frogs are singing their hearts out.

Explore our Dark Sky park on your own! On Tuesday nights from dusk to 11 p.m. (beginning April 4th and ending on October 31st), you’re invited to come experience the night sky at your own leisure at Skyline Trail.

Join a ranger to hike the Stuart's Knob trail and learn about the history of Fayerdale and the importance Stuart's Knob played to in helping the residents earn money throughout its short tenure.

Join Rangers on a guided bird watching experience!

Young explorers (ages 4-7) will learn forest skills through activities and exploration.

If you're at the end of your rope trying to learn essential knots, join us for a fun, basic lesson that will teach you what knot to use for nearly every outdoor activity while also learning how to make simple cordage.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own Staurolite crystal or "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for and the telling of the legend, we will travel to the site.

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

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. "Moonshine Murders" reveals the events which sparked a number of these murders.  Due to the gruesome nature of this topic, we ask that no one under age 15 attend.   .

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

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Join a park interpreter on a hike to the Fairy Stone Dam and Spillway.

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

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

Enjoy a guided walk with a park interpreter down to the Natural Tunnel.

Join us for a true Bald Cypress Swamp adventure.

Chippokes welcomes you to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and stories of our park.  Enjoy a relaxing tram ride as we explore the vast timeline and dive into the history of Chippokes.

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations, and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own Staurolite crystal or "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for and the telling of the legend, we will travel to the site.

Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.

Wild animals are all around us, but do you want to see some up close?

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

Owls are known as silent fliers, impeccable listeners, and skilled hunters.

The forest floor is abundant with life!

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce it will be offering a spring WiseJAMS Music Program.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

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

Calling all science enthusiasts!

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

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

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Join us for a true Bald Cypress Swamp adventure.

Are you someone that finds the different types of fossils found here at Chippokes State Park, absolutely fascinating?

The Jones-Stewart Mansion is a stunning example of an antebellum plantation house.

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

Come visit our one-of-a-kind science lab all to do with the Chesapeake Bay.

Our park is steeped in civil war history and is a natural setting teeming with wildlife.

Learn how Mother Nature can both inspire and help you create your next masterpiece.

What's next?

Are you trying to secure the tarp over your tent, or interested in how to keep your boat or canoe tied up so that it won't float away?  If so, then come on down and our ranger will teach you the correct knot to use.

Throughout the week we field questions about what fish are in the lake, where are they, what do they eat and other questions about the aquatic life in the lake.

Join us for an evening program about the soaring predators that hunt from the sky at night, including learning different owl calls, adaptations, and a chance to dissect an owl pellet.