Come with us on a guided canoe tour of the beautiful lake at Fairy Stone State Park.

Twin Lakes State Park is celebrating its rich Black history with a Juneteenth celebration and several self-guided activities. For more information about the park's Juneteenth celebration, click HERE.

The Melungeon Bus Tour,will explore the often maligned and misunderstood group of people commonly called “Melungeons”.

Enjoy the history of this area as well as our park with both self-guided and ranger-led programming.

Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, photographer, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more. This event will focus on two important parts of history from this area that had a profound influence on transportation and music in America: “batteaux and banjos.” See what it was like to live in the middle of the 19th century; it will be a true living history.

In celebration of Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day, False Cape State Park will offer a special Tram Tour to illuminate the significance of the Indigenous peoples, European colonists, and Civilian Conservation Corps in relation to the park.

Historically, trees have provided us with shelter as we've used them to make various structures and enjoyed the warmth they provide as we've built fires from them.

Celebrate Virginia State Park's History and Culture by joining us for a guided park history tour.

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

From a mining “boom town” to a ghost town to a Civilian Conservation Corps project sparked by the Great Depression to a popular Virginia destination, Fairy Stone State Park is continually evolving, and you are now a part of our story!  Join us as we travel through decades of amazing history in our History and Culture Day programming and allow us to place you in the days-gone-by footsteps of miners, loggers, moonshiners, and young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Journey to Martin’s Station and immerse yourself on Virginia’s frontier at the start of the American Revolution.

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

The geography of the Appalachian Mountains plays a major role in the economy, culture, and biodiversity of our region.

On the third Saturday of every June at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Wayne C.

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

Gain a new perspective of what is now Pocahontas State Park with a series of programs designed for historical and cultural exploration.

Walk through the rich history hidden beneath the surface of Occoneechee State Park.

A lot has come and gone through the years - visit Base Camp in the Visitor Center to see artifacts and historic documents from the Natural Bridge's past, pulled out just for Virginia State Parks History & Culture Day.

Join a park ranger as we kayak through history.  Learn the history behind the land and how Kiptopeke got its name.   Participants must be 12 years or older.

In celebration of Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day, First Landing State Park will offer several programs to illuminate the significance of the Indigenous peoples, European colonists, and Civilian Conservation Corps in relation to the park.

Dance, eat, and play at Prince Edward Lake, the site of historic Prince Edward State Park, in celebration of freedom.

Celebrate the anniversary of Virginia State Parks with a scenic guided hike along the New River Trail.  This easy 3 mile hike will take visitors outside one of the oldest mining operations in North America, the Austinville lead mines.

Celebrate the anniversary of Virginia State Parks with a scenic guided walk along the New River.

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

What is the oldest way of cooking?

How did African slavery begin in the Virginia Colony and did they seek freedom from their condition?  Did any European indentured servants and Native Americans resist their lot as well?  Walking with us you will discover stories of rebellious conspiracies and courageous runaways and how they overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors.  Reservations are required.

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Come out and help us celebrate the history of Virginia State Parks with a tour of the historic buildings in the park created by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

All of the park's original facilities back in the 1930's were built by hand.

Two chances to catch gold fever.

June 17th is a special and recognized National Event for Virginia State Parks, where we celebrate all the wonderful and unique parks across the beautiful state of Virginia. 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 time-line and dive into the history of Chippokes.

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations, archaeologist can put together the pieces of a culture.

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations and cultures, archaeologists can put together the pieces of how people lived in the past.

In 1860, nearly half of Fauquier County's 21,706 residents were enslaved, with fourteen enslaved individuals living at the Mount Bleak Farm.

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

Tour a replica of the Anderson Blockhouse and discover why John Anderson was a key figure for the area.

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 travel to the site.

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

The park is rich with historical sights, many of which are structures that were built when the park was opened.  We'll be taking a walk around the day use area of the park to observe the unique buildings and discuss how the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) used them while building the park.

In June 1936, Virginia State Parks began with the opening of six state parks.

June 17th is a special and recognized National Event for Virginia State Parks, where we celebrate all the wonderful and unique parks across the beautiful state of Virginia. 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 time-line and dive into the history of Chippokes.

Gather at Cullers Overlook to gaze across the river valley as we learn of the winding river and surrounding mountains.

Be a part of the celebration - Head on over to the park to learn about Ranger Parker Redfox, the Virginia State Parks mascot.

A ranger-led conversation entitled: “Here We Stand” will be offered twice today to highlight the park environs.

June 17th is a special and recognized National Event for Virginia State Parks, where we celebrate all the wonderful and unique parks across the beautiful state of Virginia. 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 time-line and dive into the history of Chippokes.

Take a hike with a ranger to celebrate Virginia State Parks and Culture Day.

Join us to practice your hand at spear-throwing and archery.

Help us tend a whole new type of garden - an oyster garden. Discover this easy past time, learn about the history of oysters in our region and how this humble bivalve takes care of our tidal waters.

Become more black bear wise and learn how to keep your picnic basket safe.

Celebrate the anniversary of Virginia State Parks with a scenic guided walk along the New River.

Discover the unique history and culture of the communities along the York River.  Begin the day with the Rebellion & Runaway Walk at 10:00 am and see how the first enslaved people sought freedom.  Our friends from the National Park Service will have a special display of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Bay Water Trail from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  From 1:00 to 3:00 pm, we will have a special display of African American Waterman History and a Present Day Pirates geocaching station.  Make reservations for our popular Paddle thru the Past and enjoy the waters crossed by Native Americans, English colonist, adventurers,, and pirates.  .

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

The York River is one of our nation's most historic waterways.  Discover Native American, Colonial, Civil War, and recent history by canoe or kayak.  Cost.

Join our amazing volunteer and Master Naturalist, Darin Handy as he shows us all sorts of amazing live critters from our region.

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic areas and beaches with interesting animal or historical artifacts from the park.

Stop by the beach to see some cool critters, hold some interesting artefact's and have your nature and history questions about Douthat answered.

Do you like surprises?

A ranger-led conversation entitled: “Here We Stand” will be offered twice today to highlight the park environs.

Come with us on a guided canoe tour of the beautiful lake at Fairy Stone State Park.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Throughout the summer we offer multiple opportunities for you to take a tour of our beautiful park by wagon ride. Enjoy the scenic views of the Staunton and Dan Rivers. Witness some of the original work that the Civilian Conservation Corps did to build our beautiful park. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some fun memories or anything picture worthy.

Swing by for a presentation on some of the techniques used by the Civilian Conservation Corp during the construction of Douthat's facilities. Traditional tools that were used to hew logs, split shakes and more will be on display.

Celebrate Virginia State Park's History and Culture by joining us for a guided park history tour.

Enjoy some live music with a twist. Take a step back to the 1840s to see what music was like before the Civil War. We will have living historians dressed in period clothing playing banjos, fiddles, and instrument from the 19th century. This is a very special concert that only happens once a year. Bring some comfortable chairs or blankets and relax along the James.

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sky Meadows' campground provides you with a fantastic place to enjoy peaceful rejuvenation, but how much do you know about this wonderful park?

Spend an entertaining evening sitting around the campfire with storyteller Melanie Smith as she spins tales that span Appalachian culture.

In celebration of Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day, we will uncover the stories of those at rest in the historic cemetery, and honor the families who lived on the land where the park now sits.

This program is being rescheduled.

Take a closer look at Bear Creek Lake.

This year Claytor Lake State Park is celebrating 75 years of making memories. Take a hike back in time by visiting our tour points located at the same location as our collection of photos and videos from past years at Claytor Lake State Park and Claytor Lake.

Ever wonder what that old motel sign is doing in the park, or why there are concrete ships off the fishing pier?

A new discovery awaits your family with Sky Meadows' Discovery Backpacks.

Experience geocaching at Sky Meadows State Park with three brand new caches.

Our Junior Ranger brochure allow kids the option of achieving a badge on their own through supervised self-guided activities, or by attending a few park activities, such as nature programs, when scheduled. The brochures are available at the park office during office hours.

Are you looking for a great activity for the kids that is both fun and educational?

Pick up the Junior Ranger booklet at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Pick up this Ranger Quest guide at the Visitor Center to begin this self-guided program.

Throughout the year various constellations appear in the night sky.

Stop by the Discovery Center and go inside to grab a booklet that will take you and your kids on adventure through time in Hungry Mother State Park.