Events in Virginia State Parks

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

Discover the science beneath the surface at Karst in a Cup, where you'll learn how groundwater moves, how caves develop, and how karst landscapes shape out environment.

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.

Join us on a guided golf cart tour of High Bridge where we will learn about the bridge's history and the role it played in the American Civil War.

Westmoreland State Park is home to five different ambassador animals: Reba McEntire the corn snake, Stevie Nicks the king snake, and three red-eared sliders, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, and Earl Scruggs.

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

Salamander Meander invites you to explore Appalachian creeks in search of the region's unique salamander species.

The Friends of York River State Park is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the park: We champion the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of York River State Park's estuarine environment.

Are you age 60+ with an interest in spending time in nature?

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Do you love First Landing State Park and want to make a difference?

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

The Orionids meteor shower is an average meteor shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

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

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

The library is coming to the park!

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

Are you ready for an outdoor challenge?

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

Run a beautiful course through Fairy Stone State Park with rolling hills on a paved road.

Explore the 32-acre Prince Edward Lake, the larger of the park's two lakes, on this guided kayak paddle.

Get the blood pumping on this interactive, guided hike with a ranger.

Spend the day with us and experience dog adoptions, historic battlefield tours, K9 demonstrations, and pet focused vendors!

Join us on the first Saturday of the month from May to November to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of history at Sky Meadows.

Join us for a day of family fun at Holliday Lake State Park’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 3rd, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Celebrate the season with a variety of activities for all ages, including: crafts, games, live animals, live music, and prizes.

Come out to the newly renovated Roanoke Station Nature Center!

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

Chomp chomp!

This lecture explores how the Civil War transformed naval warfare forever.

Explore the 32-acre Prince Edward Lake, the larger of the park's two lakes, on this guided kayak paddle.

Think you’ve spotted an alien?

Leaf peep in style on a wagon ride with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall color change.

Experience the park in a whole new way.

'Whoooo' goes there?

Explore the universe, courtesy of the Crewe Astronomy Club.

The Rappahannock Astronomy Club is pleased to present an evening of deep space viewing.

Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.

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

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

"Wisdom from the Wild" is a monthly series that will lead you on wonder-filled journey to recovering your sense of belonging and finding your truest self, rooted in the rhythms and raptures of nature.

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.

This lecture explores how the Civil War transformed naval warfare forever.

Calling all budding detectives.

Join a ranger on a dynamic hike to learn about the lifecycle of forests.

See what makes False Cape so special as we traverse through some of the amazing ecosystems that makes our park whole.

Who, who, who is soaring through the night skies?

The Fall 2026 installment of the Staunton River Star Party will be sponsored by CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) and hosted at Staunton River State Park.

Want to make a difference at Douthat State Park?

The Draconids meteor shower is a minor meteor shower that produces only about 10 meteors per hour.

Are you age 60+ with an interest in spending time in nature?

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

Spiders, friend or foe?

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

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

Characterized through the intricate beauty of their respective artistry, craftsmen were a centralized point effecting economic and political life in colonial America.

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

The library is coming to the park!

"The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson With the use of a Celestron telescope, view the astral bodies up close and learn about the history of the stars.

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

Join us for a public viewing night during the Fall Staunton River Star Party.

This October, spirits from the past will guide you along the trail to the Natural Bridge, lit only by lantern light.

Looking for a way to give back to nature and enjoy the outdoors?

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

Join the rangers to give back a bit of your time and help maintain the beauty of York River.

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.

Experience a celebration of Southwest Virginia's unique cultural heritage.

Have you ever walked by the Timberneck house and wondered what it looks like from the inside and its restoration process?

Characterized through the intricate beauty of their respective artistry, craftsmen were a centralized point effecting economic and political life in colonial America.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of local farming and celebrate the harvest season in the picturesque Crooked Run Valley.

Celebrate the Harvest Season at Historic Foster Falls!

Fall in love with Twin Lakes State Park at our annual fall festival.

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.

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

It is time to put on your sweater and heat up soup.  Plants and animals from the tallest trees to the tiniest insects have been preparing for winter, too.  Join two master naturalist on a walk to explore those fascinating strategies.     This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the picnic area and will last approximately one hour.   For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit their website.   The Sensory Explorers' Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired.

Sweater weather is better together.

In September 1864, a group of Confederate agents boarded a passenger steamer on Lake Erie with a plan that, if successful, could have set the northern frontier ablaze.

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.

Parents, you spoke, and we listened!  We're excited to introduce our first toddler series: Little Wanderers.

Join a park ranger for a guided walk as we observe the amazing journey of migratory birds.

Leaf peep in style on a wagon ride with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall color change.

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.

Join this ranger-guided sunset bike ride along High Bridge Trail.

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

Experience Sky Meadows, an International Dark-Sky Park, at this monthly astronomical celebration!

Calling all amateur astronomers and people who enjoy the night sky! Join Natural Tunnel State Park astronomy volunteers and fellow astro-enthusiasts to mingle and observe what the night sky has to offer together.  These "parties" will take place at the Gazebo - the best viewing platform for the sky in the park and is meant to gather those whose goal is to observe, photograph and appreciate the night sky.

A nearly century-long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light the last Saturday night of every month (plus holiday weekends), April through October.  Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below.

See the stars and explore our night sky with park rangers at this International Dark Sky Park!

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

Characterized through the intricate beauty of their respective artistry, craftsmen were a centralized point effecting economic and political life in colonial America.

The Green Arrow?

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.

Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.

"A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can indeed change the world." - Margaret Meade, Anthropologist Do you have a passion for teaching and being outdoors?

What animal inspired a popular children's game?

Slip on your closed-toe shoes and get ready to explore the creek!

Who, who, who is soaring through the night skies?