Events in Virginia State Parks

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

Join Jessyca Eve of With Grace and Joy Wellness Center for a beautiful evening of Sunset Yoga & Sound Healing at Cullers Scenic Overlook in Shenandoah River State Park.

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

High Bridge has long stood at the crossroads of technology, war, and community life.

In nature, everything is connected.

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.

In nature, everything is connected.

Can you track the ranger out on the trail?

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.

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

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.

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine once used by Fayerdale residents, as well as an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake.

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

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

What swims in the shallows of the Chesapeake Bay?

In nature, everything is connected.

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.

In nature, everything is connected.

"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.  Various items, including a beaver skull, pelt, and examples of wood cuttings, will be displayed.  .

Why is Virginia's Eastern Shore one of the best hot spots for birdwatching in the whole Western Hemisphere?

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

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

Come sit in the shade and make your own unique, nature-themed keepsake!

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

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

Join a ranger for a guided hike along one of the fingers of Fairy Stone Lake that leads to an abandoned iron mine.

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

Rangers from Leesylvania State Park will take your little ones on a nature adventure with reading, games, and crafts.

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.

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.

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.

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is delighted to announce the 2026 fall semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

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

Step into the quiet, mysterious woods of Douthat State Park after dark for an unforgettable experience.

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!

Calling all homeschoolers!

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

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.

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!

Calling all nature lovers!

Can you tell the difference between an elk and a deer?

Did you know that coyotes are not naturally native to Virginia?

Ever wondered what happened at Kiptopeke before it became a state park?

Take in the crisp air and the brilliant colors of autumn as we stroll along Douthat’s scenic lakefront.

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

Join our rangers for a scenic stroll around the Howe House as we learn how to identify some of our common native trees.

Explore the wonders of the Tutelo Trail with our park interpreter.

The woods come alive after dark; come discover why! Bring the whole family for a 'not-too-spooky' nighttime adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Virginia's nocturnal wildlife.

Come sit in the shade and make your own unique, nature-themed keepsake!

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

The woods come alive after dark; come discover why! Bring the whole family for a 'not-too-spooky' nighttime adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Virginia's nocturnal wildlife.

The woods come alive after dark; come discover why! Bring the whole family for a 'not-too-spooky' nighttime adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Virginia's nocturnal wildlife.

Join us at the Community Fire Ring to relax, enjoy a roasted marshmallow, and get to know your camping neighbors.

Welcome to Fairy Stone State Park!

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

The woods come alive after dark; come discover why! Bring the whole family for a 'not-too-spooky' nighttime adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Virginia's nocturnal wildlife.

Join our rangers for a bit of fun around the campfire as we welcome you to the park. Don't worry, we'll bring the s'mores.

Start your weekend off right with s’mores and more!

Welcome to the park, kick off your stay with an unforgettable evening by the fire at the water's edge.

The woods come alive after dark; come discover why! Bring the whole family for a 'not-too-spooky' nighttime adventure as we explore the fascinating world of Virginia's nocturnal wildlife.

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

Campers are invited to join the Rangers for a free movie night, screened in our courtyard.

Are you ready for an outdoor challenge?

Join the Friends of Caledon Race series with the Howlin Coyote, a non-profit event allowing runners to enjoy a challenging race with varying terrain.

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.

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

Come Visit Westmoreland State Park at the Montross Fall Festival!

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

This trail begins on Iron Mine Trail and features an iron mine once used by Fayerdale residents, as well as an overlook of Fairy Stone Lake.

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.

Join us on a ranger-led hike to certify your canine companion as a New River Trail State Park B.A.R.K Ranger!    The B.A.R.K.

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

The Survival bracelet is the superhero utility belt of the outdoors.

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

With warmer wetter weather comes a bounty of fungi!

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

Those bright purple berries are one of the most eye-catching sights in a Virginia forest.

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.

Immerse yourself in rich local heritage and celebrate the harvest season at Sky Meadows' annual Fall Farm Day.

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: pumpkin painting, tie-dye, more crafts, bouncy house, obstacle course, games, live animals including wildlife rehab, reptiles, and mini horses, birdwatching walk at 11:30 a.m., live music from 1-3 p.m., raffles, and prizes.

Explore the history of the Occoneechee Plantation on this one-mile guided hike around the Plantation Trail.

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

Come out to the newly renovated Roanoke Station Nature Center!

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.

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.

This archery session offers instruction for beginners and shooting time for the more experienced. It begins with a talk on archery equipment, technique, and safety.

Learn about the marvelous monarch and explore the shoreline of the Potomac by kayak! Enjoy a daytime paddle on the lower Potomac River as we look for butterflies and bald eagles.

Did you know corn can be found in just about everything?

During this special volunteering opportunity, you can join a park ranger on a walk through the beautiful forest to learn about our native trees and contribute to Virginia's future forests!

Happy fall, y'all!

Enjoy the Autumn days while also helping out your state parks! Check out some of Widewater's Autumn volunteer opportunities below.  Educational Volunteer Opportunities Federal Duck Stamp Class: September 19th, October 17th, & November 21st Natural Resource Management Japanese Silt Grass Removal: September 25th Beaver Dam Trail Maintenance: October 24th & November 21st Recreation & Special Events Volunteer Appreciation Event: October 3rd **Registration Required Trek n' Treat Trail - Decoration Setup: October 11th  - Decoration Takedown: November 1st Saturday, September 19th : Waterway Cleanups Summer Cleanup on the Aquia Creek Join this Stafford-based non-profit as they help keep Aquia Creek clean of trash and debris via kayaks in their Autumn cleanup at the park.

Why is Virginia's Eastern Shore one of the best hot spots for birdwatching in the whole Western Hemisphere?

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.