In it's 26th season, this annual "Stitch in Time" quilt show exhibit honors both past and present quilters and features quilts, not only from the Museum's collection, but also from members of the community who display quilts from their own collections.

The Lyrids is an average meteor shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

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.

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

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

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

Is there still a chimney in the lake?

What is the oldest way of cooking?

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?

Interested in learning more about archery while having fun?

Join a Virginia Master Naturalist on this guided hike along the Tutelo Birding Tail.

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

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

The are many different wildlife that call Leesylvania State Park their home.

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

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.

What's next?

Take a guided kayak paddle through beautiful Back Bay to look for wildlife and learn about this spectacular freshwater ecosystem.

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!

Calling all homeschoolers to join the rangers at Pocahontas State Park for monthly programs on the third Monday of the month.

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.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.  Meet with our naturalist/ranger who will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems.

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

Calling all homeschoolers to join the rangers at Pocahontas State Park for monthly programs on the third Monday of the month.

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

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

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.

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.

We need your help.

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.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to incorporate Book Art in with your journaling?

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.

The Eta Aquarids is an above average meteor shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.

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.

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

Join the Park Ranger on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays in April and May as we kick off the Spring season with our homeschool programming.

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.

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.   .

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Have you ever looked closely at the landscape of a particular area as an artifact?

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

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the forest sleeps.

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

Are you interested in learning about the most common and rare fossils that can be found along the James River?

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Did you know that 11 to 3 million years ago Chippokes, the James River, and most of the Tidewater area of Virginia was all under water and at the bottom of the Claremont Manor Sea? Join an interpreter on an adventure through the Fossil Beds of Chippokes to see what we can find...

A breeding colony of great blue herons is not a rookery, it is a heronry (we didn't make that word up).

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?

What's next?

Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for a quick craft; discussion of Belle Isle's history; or a lesson on critters.

Where's the best place to fish?

Enjoy a s'more, a campfire story, and a nice warm fire during Friday Night Firelight.

Friends, family, and fun can be found at our ranger-led campfire.

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

Spring is here, and the birds know it.

This Earth Day visit Claytor Lake State Park to enjoy a variety of programs throughout the day.

Join us for our inaugural Earth Day Bird Count on the newly developed Ivanhoe Birding Trail.

Celebrate Earth Day with Chippokes State Park by participating in our Beach Clean Up.  In the words of Woodsy Owl (1971), "Give a hoot; don't pollute!"  Earth Day is a special excuse to find ways to volunteer and make a difference out in your local communities.  Volunteer and help out the planet today.

In a partnership program with High Bridge Trail, the Margaret Watson Bird Club will have volunteers available to share their knowledge during this birding adventure.

There is so much to celebrate this April 22!

Celebrate Earth Day by hitting the trails of Sky Meadows State Park and aiding the environment at the 2nd annual Family Fun Run hosted by local nonprofit, We Plant Trees.

Celebrate the earth by joining us for one of our nature inspired art sessions including Natural Elements Paint Making, Nature Journaling, Oyster Shell Decoupage, and Tree Cookie Coasters (registration required).

No experience is necessary to help remove invasive plants for this Earth Day volunteer event.

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

The trails in our park are meant to give people access to beautiful natural scenes, but sometimes litter can interfere.

Did you know a piece of trash dropped at in Scott County could end up on the other side of world?

Celebrate Spring and Earth Day with a special event sure to appeal to your green thumb.

Park guests are invited to come out and take a hike for Earth Day.

It’s Eastern Bluebird nesting time!

Grab your gloves and trowels and join us as we celebrate Earth Day by planting over 250 native pollinator species throughout the park to encourage sustainability and growth of Virginia's natural landscape.

Participants will partake in a beach clean-up from 9 a.m. - 12 noon for Earth Day, trash bags, gloves and grabbers will be provided.

Celebrate Earth Day 2023 at False Cape State Park by supporting healthy and happy beaches.

Join Virginia Master Naturalists on a spring exploration of the Sensory Explorers' Trail in this first of a series of seasonal walks planned for children.

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

Get your hands dirty as we work to mitigate invasive species and improve the natural environment along our valley trails.

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

In observance of Earth Day the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host a Bonsai Tree Workshop.

In observance of Earth Day and in collaboration with the Dogwood Garden Club the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will host a Pollinator Exhibit.

How would you like to have bluebirds as your neighbors?

Powerful Pollinators - 10 a.m. to Noon  Meet at the Visitor Center to help us attract more pollinators to the area.

Stop by Base Camp in the park's Visitor Center to meet some local fauna and get ideas for making wildlife-friendly habitat in your own backyard!

First Landing will celebrate Earth Day by offering a backyard habitat workshop designed to inspire visitors to take action in environmental stewardship and conservation.