Events in Virginia State Parks

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

Art in the Park programs explore connections between art and the natural world through a hands-on project each month.  This month's program is Nature Painting.

Have you explored Virginia's newest state park and visited the Eagle's Rest Overlook?

Come find us in the museum at the Visitor Center as we get hands on with skulls and furs from Virginia’s native animals.

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.

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.

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

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

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 leaves are changing, and the nights are growing cold, it's the perfect time for a hayride!

The clouds are writing tomorrow's forecast, you just have to learn to read them.

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.

Experience the park in a whole new way.

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 a ranger around the fire at Douthat State Park, gathering inside a historic CCC-built shelter for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and warm apple crisp.

'Whoooo' goes there?

Experience the sights and sounds of the park at sunset with a leisurely guided hike beginning at 6:30 p.m. from the main parking lot.

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.

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.

Whoooooo wants to go on a spooky after-dark adventure to search for owls on the trails?

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.

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.

Enjoy the stunning views of the awe-inspiring mountains as the leaves begin to change from a deep green to vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues.

Bring out your inner sculptor using air dry clay.

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.

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

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.

Westmoreland State Park is home to 5 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.

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.

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

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

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.

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.

Calling all budding detectives.

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

Are all snakes venomous?

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.

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

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

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.

Join us for a Kayak Paddle trip to fossil beach!

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

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

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.

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

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.

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

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?

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

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

Spiders, friend or foe?

This October, homeschoolers will delve into the world of shadows and mystery, unveiling the truth behind some of nature's spookier subjects.

"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.  .

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

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

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

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

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

Meet with a ranger and go on a guided hike along the Lakeshore Trail (0.81mi.).

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

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.

Window glass is one of the most common artifacts found at colonial-era archaeological sites, but it often gets overlooked.

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

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

Calling all homeschoolers!

Meet with a ranger and go on a one-mile guided hike along the Oak Hickory Trail, rated as a moderate hike.

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

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.

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.

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!

Virginia is home to a very smart, and often mischievous animal, Ursus americanus, or the American Black Bear.

Have you explored Virginia's newest state park and visited the Eagle's Rest Overlook?

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

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.

Stop by for a sneak peek into the developing Virginia State Park's B.A.R.K Ranger program and upcoming dog-focused events at Belle Isle.

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

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?

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

Practice starting a fire using natural materials and a 'ferro' rod, then gather around a crackling fire to hear stories shared by a park ranger. Some stories will tell of this region's history, and some will feature adventure, mystery, or spooky experiences in the outdoors.

Welcome to Fairy Stone State 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.

'Whooo' will hear 'whooo' first?