What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks

April 1-May 31, 2026

Southwest Virginia Museum

In its 29th season, this annual quilt show exhibit honors both past and present quilters and features quilts from the Museum's collection and from members of the community who display quilts from their own collections.

Got a little explorer who’s beyond crawling, but isn’t ready to hike with the Kindergarten siblings?  The Tyke Hike is the perfect fit for little legs.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers. The park's pollinator, shade, and fern gardens provide habitat for wildlife and educate park guests on the benefits and beauty of native plants.

April 4, 2026. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Shenandoah River State Park

Celebrate the beauty of spring at Shenandoah River State Park! Each April, Virginia Bluebells blossom along our winding riverbank, creating a beautiful carpet of blue and purple hues.

April 4-6, 2026. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

Join park staff and living historians for a weekend of special programs commemorating the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, one of the final major engagements of the Civil War.

April 4, 2026. 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Natural Bridge State Park

Calling all young anglers; kids 12 and younger get free admission and can fish for free during this annual event. Cedar Creek, which runs under the Natural Bridge, will be stocked with rainbow trout. Kids aged 12 and under get to keep up to six fish. Park rangers and volunteers will be on hand to help teach you how to fish or do a craft program.

Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable springtime wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spring is a fantastic time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike.  This ranger-led bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip). 

As the sun dips low and the night draws near, we humans usually turn in for the night...but this is show-time for bats!

Join a community celebration of all things Jefferson and Natural Bridge with family-friendly activities along Cedar Creek trail.

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, and about the exploration of the area by William Byrd.

This FREE two-night Boating Safety Course will enable participants to obtain their Boater Safety certification/card which is required in Virginia for all PWC operators age 14 and older and all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine. 

What better way to celebrate International Dark Sky Week than "shooting stars" through the Natural Bridge?

Bring a full camera or cell phone and take a night-time photography workshop on Cedar Creek. Once you master the basics everyone will practice taking photos of the stars on either side of the Natural Bridge. 

Did you know if Americans recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25 million trees a year? Learn ways to help reduce your usage of wood products and how you can recycle those that you use. You will have the opportunity to craft a seed pot from newspaper and plant wildflower seeds.

Join a Ranger on a rugged trek across the terrain showcasing three of Grayson Highlands State Park's crown jewels! Enjoy the park in spring as the world thaws and trails burst with new life and invite you into a season of bold, fresh adventure! From Massie Gap, adventurers will climb the Twin Pinnacles, take in peaks across three states, descend into the forceful cut of Cabin Creek Gorge and roam the wide-open meadows of Wilburn Ridge.

Turn trash into treasure at Caledon! Explore the shoreline of the Potomac with a Ranger, source your materials and practice responsible beachcombing. We'll take a wagon ride the river to hunt for treasure before returning to the Visitor Center to get creative with a nature-inspired sea glass shadow box craft.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history. The Let's Go Adventure staff will show you the basics of archery including finding your draw length, proper safety and shooting techniques, and more. All equipment is provided.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout April 2026. 12 - 4 p.m.

False Cape State Park 

Experience Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on a 4-hour guided tour! Spot wildlife on the Blue Goose Tram and uncover the history of this spectacular area. In addition, hike through pristine maritime forest to the historic Wash Woods church and cemetery.