The use of bows to shoot arrows has been a part of global history for thousands of years whether for defense, survival, or sport.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

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

Looking for that perfect selfie spot?

Join a ranger to learn how our beautiful lake came to be and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants.

Can you shout out BINGO first?  Join us for birding bingo, a guided birding hike along the Bluebell Trail.

During the spring and summer, osprey dominate the skies over Leesylvania as they build nests and raise their young.

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

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

The Bear Creek Lake State Park Archery Club is open to beginner and intermediate level archers 18 years old and older.

Robin Hood, Katniss Everdeen, Hawkeye, fictional archers with real world skills.

Every animal has unique features and traits that make them special and suited for their natural environment.

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

Are you new to fishing and would like to learn the basics?

Discover the wonders beneath the waves while keeping your feet dry.

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 boom town. 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.

Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind.

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.

Do you have what it takes to be a wildlife detective?  Get ready for a guided mission!

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.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Every Monday you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Care to improve a play space?

It's time to truly explore nature today!

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

We need your help.

Calling all homeschoolers and curious kiddos of all kinds!

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

Come learn about the life of hunters and what goes into protecting our ecosystems!

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.

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 boom town. 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.

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.

Through history, people have utilized plants to survive out of which can come special relationships.          On this walk we will use our senses to relate to and appreciate the textures and aromas of three forest species native to this part of Virginia - Sassafras, Sourwood, and Spice Bush - and their impact on human culture.

Join us to learn about insects and the different jobs they do here at Fairy Stone State Park and in your own backyard. Our adventure will continue as we search the area to find examples of these important members of our neighborhood.

Are all snakes venomous?

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

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is excited to announce the spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program.

The 250-acre Hoover Mountain Bike Area is located on a reclaimed 20th century mine site.

By May of 1775, men, women, and children headed west, deep into the harsh wilderness.

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

Join the Bay Experience Team for a whimsical water adventure.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

Join us at the Oxbow Center in Saint Paul for a fun craft session.

Douthat is home to many mammals including black bears.

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.

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.

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.

As animals explore their surroundings they leave us lots of clues.

What can bones tell us about animal characteristics?  Different animals have unique skeletons that are specialized to their way of life.

For those who just want something short and sweet, the ADA Fishing Trail is the place for you.

Join the Bay Experience Team for a whimsical water adventure.

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

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

Did you know "creepy crawlies" are some of the world's most important recyclers?

Take a short walking tour with a ranger and explore the history of Douthat State Park.

Join us to hear about the impacts of fire; from the habitats it touches to how humans have learned to use it to our advantage throughout the ages.

Chippokes State Park is proud to partner with the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers Club to introduce a special dark night sky and stargazing opportunity for all to enjoy. Club members will use their telescopes to share the night time sky with park visitors.  Visitors will be free to ask questions, observe, and look through telescopes during this public viewing outreach event.

Evening is the perfect time to search for salamanders.

Join us for a sunset/moonlight bike ride on High Bridge Trail.

Join a Westmoreland interpretive ranger and your fellow campers as you enjoy a relaxing evening next to our fire.

Join us at the outdoor stage 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.

Put your mountain biking skills to the test at Shenanduro, a Virginia State Park Adventure Series race! All competitors will check in at the south end of the park, located near Downriver Canoe Company (884 Indian Hollow Rd, Bentonville, VA 22610).

If you love birds, people who love birds, and moms, this is the event for you!

Nature is all around us and one of the best ways to learn about it is by using all your senses.

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

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will offer a monthly "Birding in the Gap" series on the second Saturday of each month.

Give Mom a real treat this Mother's Day. Ride with a ranger on our 30-foot pontoon boat and learn the history of how the lake was created and the origin of the state park. Keep a lookout for an abundance of wildlife which makes Smith Mountain Lake its home. Watch to see the ospreys that have returned to the lake from their winter home in the Caribbean.

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

Begin your canoe and kayak adventure with a rite of Spring on the Chesapeake Bay.  Burning socks is a tradition among sailors near Annapolis.  We will not need them with our water shoes.  Please bring a pair of natural fiber socks for the ritual fire.  Then, join us for the first paddle of the season.  Cost.

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

A quilter understands the value of preserving the past.

Join us for a full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics that all aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia and foster stewardship of our environment.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Curious about how the light green house looks from the inside and its restoration process?

Mom does everything for you, now it’s your turn to do something for her. Show your mom some love this Mother’s Day weekend by submitting up to two of your mom’s favorite flowers either in honor of, or in memory of, for the museum’s floral display.

Visit a ranger and learn about bear safety.

The use of bows to shoot arrows has been a part of global history for thousands of years whether for defense, survival, or sport.

Join us every second Saturday at the Mayo River Trails to explore the future Mayo River State Park. You will also discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, the history of the Native Americans who inhabited the area, and about the exploration of the area by William Byrd.

Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour.

Everyone has a different type of bond with their mother, and so do the mothers and children of the animal world.

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

It’s Mothers Day, and our trails are full of mother animals taking care of young.

The Children's Garden Workshops are a great way to get your little one up, moving, creating and learning.

Shhhh!

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of birds with our Citizen Science Series, "Birdwatching Adventures." We invite nature enthusiasts of all levels to discover the wonders of avian life while contributing to scientific research through the renowned eBird platform.

Feel the joy of bluebird conservation as you learn about the Eastern Bluebird.

Surviving as a colonist was drastically different and more complex than the 21st century, but we can still find similarities between them and us.

Spoil Mom with a delightful cup of tea.

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.

Who says you have to get up at the crack of dawn to go bird watching?

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park will remember mothers everywhere on this day with a special presentation commemorating Mother's Day.

Do you know why turtles have shells?

Bring Mom out for a Wildflower Walk to uncover some of Virginia's prettiest, yet often overlooked, treasures.

Come on and take a free ride...

Join a park ranger on a hike to the waterfall and back.