Events in Virginia State Parks

Grab your binoculars and get outside.

Perfect for beginners.

Join a volunteer for a guided birding walk throughout the park.

With roots in the ancient world, and an art flourishing in the 18th century, caning became a symbol of wealth and statues throughout Europe.

We are looking for eager volunteers to help us repair our trails! Our park features six miles of scenic trails that wind through our forests to ponds, overlooks, wetlands and beaches.

Become a member, volunteer, and a citizen scientist for the Hungry Mother Chapter of FrogWatch USA.

Find out which reptiles and amphibians call First Landing home! Located within the trail center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir Join our rangers on a guided hike and learn about our native species, park history, and wetland habitat.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week with us!

Let's walk back in time through the exhibits here at Occoneechee State Park and learn about the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Join us for a guided Winter Discovery Hike along the Buck Lick Trail and experience the quiet beauty of the forest in its cold-weather stillness.

Become a steward of nature while building your local community and connecting with the people near you that share a passion for the outdoors. Meet with rangers at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center for a short talk about conservation and to get supplies to clean up the trash that washes onto the shoreline or is left and scattered along the trails and recreational areas. Clean-Up days are self-paced, so come clean our shoreline for as much time as you can spare to make a difference at the park.

Where do toads live?

This annual community-wide event is co-sponsored by Central Piedmont Virginia Master Naturalists, Bear Creek Lake State Park, and Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H.

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. .

Discover Caledon’s rocky past with a fun mix of learning and adventure! Enjoy a wagon ride through the forest, examine local rock features, and explore the shoreline of the Potomac River while learning how nature formed this special place.

Come celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 23-27) with us.

Have you ever wanted to identify the different birds in your yard or even start bird watching as a hobby?  If so, this program is for you.  We'll go over the basics of finding and identifying birds, the basic equipment you might need, as well as some tips to help you make the most of your birding adventures!

Black bears are one of the many incredible mammals that dwell in Douthat State Park.

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 head to the site.

Throughout the years, Amelia County has produced countless remarkable individuals who have left an enduring mark on regional and national history.

Join us for a free historical tour of the Cedar Crest Conference Center.

Slow down and take in the beauty of the James River and its vibrant landscapes!

Do you struggle with knots?

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Join our rangers as we complete the new 2026 Junior Ranger Activity Booklet to earn a badge and become a certified Junior Ranger!

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

Stop by the Wilderness Road Blockhouse and step back in time to experience aspects of life on the frontier.

Our animal ambassadors Hisstopher and Harrold want to meet you!

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.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This special craft program involves making fun edible ornaments that will serve winter birds as a dependable food source during the cold winter months.  Participants will make a natural bird feeder using pine cones, peanut butter, string, and birdseed.  While creating your bird feeder, learn about some of our common Virginia backyard winter birds.

Does your pup have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K Ranger? B.A.R.K.

Bundle up and join us for a peaceful winter walk as we explore the James River State Park in search of its seasonal birdlife!

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.

Through trail, stone, and timber, the CCC carved a legacy that still shapes Douthat today.

Join our rangers in exploring the wildlife along our central trails.

Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for a night of awe and wonder.

Join our rangers for a bit of fun around the campfire as we welcome you to the park.

Join us for a short introductory program that highlights the major military leaders involved in the Battle of Sailors Creek.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snakes that live here in our Visitor Center.

Did you know Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks and have “hands” like ours?

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

Humans aren't the only ones who build amazing structures.  Insects, birds, and mammals are among the many animals who create complex homes for themselves.  Let's take a look into the world of these master builders of the animal kingdom.

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

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 head to the site.

True Art Showcase is named in the honor of the Museum’s first curator James True the Museum's first curator.

A full lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:33 a.m. Stop by the visitor center to learn a little about the moon and the eclipse.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is now accepting entries for the “Stitch in Time” Quilt Show.

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.

Ever heard of a seed bomb?

Colder weather can bring more beach treasures!

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Join a ranger to discover park history and how the tunnel was formed during this guided hike down Tunnel Trail.

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

Enjoy a winter birding adventure to discover duck species and habitats.  In less than a mile we will look for waterfowl from a shallow pond, tidal creek, and the river.  Bald eagles are also frequently found in the area.

Spring brings about lots of change in our natural world.

Have you ever found yourself in need of a length of string while out in the wilderness?

Take a journey to explore the nocturnal world of Grayson Highlands State Park and don’t miss a chance to see the last full moon of the winter season, the Worm Moon.

The Friends group is a dedicated volunteer organization made up of community members who actively support the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's dark shadow, or umbra.

Rise and shine, astronomy lovers - a Total Lunar Eclipse is happening on March 3rd!

We will open the park gates early this morning to view the eclipse from the Visitor Center's back patio.

Happy World Wildlife Day!

Hibernation is ending.

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and that raccoons have “hands” like ours? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

Join us at Douthat State Park for Homeschool Naturalists, a monthly outdoor education series designed for homeschool students of all ages.

Spring brings about lots of change in our natural world.

"Beavers:  Nature's Engineers" examines the characteristics and habits of North America's largest rodent.  Learn about how beavers alter the environment more than any other creature except humans.  Find out how beavers contributed to the westward expansion as settlers arrived in the New World.  Following a short lecture about the beaver and a few "local stories", a beautiful movie will follow the life of a pair of beaver's lives throughout a year-long period.  Various items, including a beaver skull, pelt, and examples of wood cuttings, will be displayed.  A special gift will be given to all children who attend the program.

Discover the “bear facts” about Fairy Stone State Park’s black bears at our ranger-led program. Learn about their characteristics, habits, how to avoid conflicts, and much more.

"As long as a live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing." -- John Muir Widewater State Park is pleased to offer Bird Walks from November 2025 thru March 2026!  Join an experienced birder on an exploration of our incredibly diverse park throughout the cooler months.

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

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

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is thrilled to announce the spring semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

Join a ranger to learn about science, history, and nature at Leesylvania State Park!

Did you know Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks and have “hands” like ours?

Where do our amphibians and reptiles live?

From the small eastern screech owl to the great horned owl, eight species of owls call Virginia home part or all of the year.   Get a glimpse into the mysterious world of our elusive nocturnal raptors.

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 head to the site.

Let your Friday afternoons be filled with natural  and historical wonders.  Join us for a closer look at some of the interesting things about our ecosystem and region.

Join our rangers in discovering the secrets of the magnificent White-tailed Deer.

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

Be on the lookout for a roaming ranger with a mini-program and learn something new.

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

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

Come join the party!

Start off your weekend off right with s’mores and more! Join our rangers in a welcome campfire at the Outdoor Classroom behind the Discovery Center each Friday this month, where you can learn more about the wildlife and fossils that we have here in our park. Whether you want to learn more about Westmoreland, or you just want to hang out and eat s’mores, you know where to find us! Dress appropriately for the weather on the day of the event and bring water. .

The story of the man who became one of the most dependable leaders in the Union Army, this program explores Wright’s early life, his engineering background, his steady personality, and the qualities that shaped his long service.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers.

Our park is known for its biodiversity and is home to many species of birds.

Join us on Saturday, March 7th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, for a rewarding day of community service at Kiptopeke State Park!  Activities include painting and touch-ups, minor carpentry work, and general clean-up.  The park will provide all necessary tools, equipment, and instructions for each task.  All skill levels are welcome - just bring your enthusiasm and wear clothes suitable for outdoor work.  For more information or to register, please contact kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov.   Help keep Kiptopeke beautiful - your efforts make all the difference!

In the words of Woodsy Owl (1971), "Give a hoot; don't pollute!" Volunteer and help out the planet today.

Teens and adults are invited to slow down, step outside, and discover how nature journaling can change the way you notice the world around you.

Join us in discovering the hidden wonders of these temporary seasonal wetlands.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?