Events in Virginia State Parks

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

From hikers, to dog-walkers, to bikers, and horse-riders, the park's trails are enjoyed by many kinds of people, pets, and wildlife!

Get to know the park's ambassador reptiles: a sweet juvenile cornsnake and a spunky mud turtle! You'll examine turtle shells, skeletons, and skins, and on feeding days you may even be able to watch as a park ranger feeds them their favorite meal.  All ages are invited. Those that may be familiar or even fearful these reptiles are bound to learn something new about these fascinating critters.

Walk through a shady riverine forest with your park ranger guide to look and listen for woodland birds and water-loving species. Colorful summer migrants have flown thousands of miles from Central or South America to raise their young here.

"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.

No matter where we go, tiny wonders can be found all around us.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Visit the Powhatan Library for a special summer program presented by the volunteers of Family Learning Adventures and park rangers from Powhatan State Park. This STEAM-focused "Nature Lab" series invites you to explore the different books, games, and learning kits you can check out and take home with you to learn more about nature and the environment.

Get to know the park's ambassador reptiles: a sweet juvenile cornsnake and a spunky mud turtle! You'll examine turtle shells, skeletons, and skins, and on feeding days you may even be able to watch as a park ranger feeds them their favorite meal.

Come experience the beautiful James River on this guided kayak tour with Virginia State Parks' Bay Experience team!

Put away your smartphone and plot a course for adventure with this introduction to the sport of orienteering.

With warmer wetter weather comes springtime fungi!

See the night-time world like you've never seen it before!

So many adventures happen on the James River, but what’s happening below the water surface?

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Get to know the park's ambassador reptiles: a sweet juvenile cornsnake and a spunky mud turtle!

Step back in time on a hike to the park's historic cabin ruins under a canopy of a mature mixed hardwood forest, where you’ll learn about the historical uses of native plants and trees, the story of the park's land, and how the remains of the cabin fits into its fascinating history.

No matter where we go, tiny wonders can be found all around us.

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

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Join artist and park ranger in this hands-on workshop for all ages, where participants will paint and draw with botanical inks made from plants, pigments from different soils, and natural charcoal.

Hike along the riverbanks of the James River through the park's riparian forest to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

You don't always need sophisticated tools to make quality art: people have been doing it for thousands of years with something as simple as mud.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

Visit the Powhatan Library for a special summer program presented by the volunteers of Family Learning Adventures and park rangers from Powhatan State Park. This STEAM-focused "Nature Lab" series invites you to explore the different books, games, and learning kits you can check out and take home with you to learn more about nature and the environment.

Hike along the riverbanks of the James River through the park's riparian forest to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

Come take a walk with us to search for some of the park's most elusive night-time predators: owls! As we walk along under the quiet cover of darkness, we'll listen for their haunting voices as they cry out across the landscape.

Teens and adults are invited to join a creative workshop at the Powhatan Library.

Join us for a leisurely walk outdoors as we search for bugs!

Enjoy a summer movie night featuring the small yet marvelous creatures seen in abundance throughout the summer: caterpillars!  "The Extraordinary Caterpillar", a beautifully shot 60-minute documentary reveals the vital, and often overlooked, role caterpillars play in our ecosystems. Before the movie begins, a park ranger will introduce the audience to a few live caterpillar species and discuss their important role in our world.  From blooming meadows to city parks and backyard gardens, this inspiring film celebrates the magic of nature while showing families practical ways to make a difference.

Stop by to visit the Nature Mobile parked in the Launch A parking lot to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Get to know the park's ambassador reptiles: a sweet juvenile cornsnake and a spunky mud turtle! You'll examine turtle shells, skeletons, and skins, and on feeding days you may even be able to watch as a park ranger feeds them their favorite meal.  All ages are invited. Those that may be familiar or even fearful these reptiles are bound to learn something new about these fascinating critters.

Walk alongside lush meadows and forest edges with your park ranger guide to look and listen for grassland birds, forest birds, and soaring raptors. Colorful summer migrants have flown thousands of miles from Central or South America to raise their young in Virginia.

Hike along the riverbanks of the James River through the park's riparian forest to discover the fascinating history and wonders of the pawpaw tree.

Step back in time as we uncover some of the mysteries of those at rest in the park's historic cemetery.

Join us after dark to observe moths and other insects of the night. Entomologists Dr.

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

From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Meet the park's ambassador reptiles: a sweet juvenile cornsnake and a spunky mud turtle! You'll examine turtle shells, skeletons, and skins, and on feeding days you may even be able to watch as a park ranger feeds them their favorite meal.  All ages are invited. Those that may be familiar or even fearful these reptiles are bound to learn something new about these fascinating critters.

"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.

You don't always need sophisticated tools to make quality art: people have been doing it for thousands of years with something as simple as mud.

With warmer wetter weather comes a bounty of fungi!

No matter where we go, tiny wonders can be found all around us.

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

Calling all Girl Scouts, girls, and women of all ages!

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

From antlions to zebra swallowtails, amazing insects are everywhere!

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

Learn about pawpaws and help collect them for our Pawpaw Festival! On the day of the festival, the fruits we collect will be offered as free samples for festival attendees to taste.

Learn about pawpaws and help collect them for our Pawpaw Festival! On the day of the festival, the fruits we collect will be offered as free samples for festival attendees to taste.

Learn about pawpaws and help collect them for our Pawpaw Festival! On the day of the festival, the fruits we collect will be offered as free samples for festival attendees to taste.

We are hosting Central Virginia's favorite fruit focused event, the 4th Annual Pawpaw Festival.

Come take a walk with us to search for some of the park's most elusive night-time predators: owls! As we walk along under the quiet cover of darkness, we'll listen for their haunting voices as they cry out across the landscape.

Let's take a hike in the great outdoors to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)!  From the beginning of DCR in 1926, to the first six Virginia state parks to open in 1936, to 44 state parks in 2026, DCR has created a legacy that will last for many years to come.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with adventure, exploration, and a little help for the planet!

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.

"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.

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

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

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

"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.

The Friends of Powhatan State Park is a group made up of citizen volunteers from Virginia’s Piedmont region who are passionate about supporting the park’s mission.

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

"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.

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