Events in Virginia State Parks

Discover what the tiny creatures living beneath the water’s surface can tell us about the health of a stream.

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.

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Have you ever wondered what swims in the shallows at Kiptopeke?

Discover our remote ranger station tucked into the salt marsh and learn about this unique ecosystem.

The Appalachian Mountains are home to many unique salamander species.

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

Spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by plants and fresh air in the Jean Livingston Brown Demonstration garden. Learn about pollinators, starting seeds, weeding, composting and more. .

Whether you're fascinated or a little rattled, snakes are a vital part of healthy ecosystems, and they’re not as scary as they seem.

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.

Scurry on over to investigate the secret life of a bug.

Ever cared to create art outdoors?

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

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog species and their tadpoles.

Experience an enjoyable ride on the lake while we watch the sun slip below the horizon.

Been itching to go fishing?

Join a ranger on a hike along the world-famous Appalachian Trail to the highest peak in Virginia: Mount Rogers. See incredible views from Wilburn Ridge, travel through globally rare spruce-fir forest, and possibly encounter Grayson Highlands abundant wildlife. You never know what you may find along the trail!

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Calling all bird lovers, do you know how to identify a bird by its song?

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

Let’s head over to Edmunds Lake and try to wrangle in some big fish.

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

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Discover your park perspective!

Ever wanted to learn how to fish, but never knew where to start?

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

Cast into one of our most popular outdoor pastimes with Fishing Fundamentals, a hands-on introduction perfect for new anglers and curious kids.

Enjoy a relaxing morning by taking a guided kayak paddle through the marshes of Back Bay.

Robin Hood, Katniss Everdeen, Hawkeye: fictional archers with real world skills.

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

Celebrate National Go Fishing Day with getting a closer look at aquatic life!

Discover what makes First Landing’s iconic Bald Cypress so extraordinary.

Birds need a home for their babies to survive, just like people.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Second only to humans in the ability to change their environment to fit their needs, learn just how smart a beaver can be.

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

Animals have some amazing feats and hold some amazing records.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Ever wondered what makes coyotes such successful survivors in our backyards and beyond?

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 an archaeologist and uncover the secrets of an owl’s diet!

Celebrate National Go Fishing Day with some fishing fun, on dry land!

Join us for an opportunity to get "a-head" on wildlife knowledge and learn to identify skulls based upon their characteristics.

It's none of your Beeswax!

It's feeding time in our Chesapeake Bay Lab!

Express yourself on the trail with a stylish and unique hiking stick you designed and decorated yourself.

Did you know the park's lakes were built by humans?

Just because we don’t always spot them, we know the animals are around by the tracks and traces they leave behind.

Step into the spirit of America’s fight for independence with this ranger-led VA250 bingo game at Fairy Stone State Park.

Who made those footprints?

Slither and splash into the world of reptiles.

Frogs, crawdads, and children - oh my!

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

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

"The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776 – The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial.

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

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

This three-hour class will cover the basics of paddling skills including how to select and fit a personal flotation device (PFD), different types of kayaks, planning and safety, reading the river, identifying river hazards, and proper paddling strokes.

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Bent Creek and Canoe Landing!

Let us teach you all the basics you'll need to know to get yourself started with one of our most popular outdoor activities, from tying on your hook and tackle to casting your line.

Early morning is one of the best times to experience the lake.

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.

Join us during the Sail 250 Post‑Parade Party for interactive activities inspired by our coastal heritage. Dive into hands-on maritime fun as you build a boat, practice knot tying, and explore Virginia’s waterways.

The Senior Ranger series is geared towards senior citizens who are interested in learning more about nature, outdoor skills, and history.

This place, this land, is as old as time itself.

Take a fascinating hike and discover the rich history of James River State Park, from ancient fossils to the American Civil War and beyond.

Join us as we learn more about the prehistoric history of Chippokes State Park through fossils that can be found right on our beaches!

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

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will kick off its “Lunch on the Lawn” summer music series on Friday, June 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. with a performance by Evan O’Quinn.

How can you determine the approximate age of a box turtle?

Join park staff, volunteers, and community partners for a series of events celebrating African-American culture, resilience, and joy.

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

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Insects may be ugly to some folks, but that "ugliness" allows for them to survive.

Try your hand at panning for gold in the James River while discovering Virginia’s unique geology.

What will we scoop up this time?

Find out what's at Staunton River State Park!

Meet Natural Tunnel's wildlife ambassador, Popcorn the corn snake.

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.

Have you ever heard the sound of a pack of coyotes howling in the middle of the night?

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

Upon visiting Chippokes State Park you'll find many historic buildings that are direct links to the property's past as a former plantation and active farm site. Beyond these fields and buildings, there are important narratives of the men, women, and children who worked and lived on property over the years as Chippokes has continuously evolved.

Robin Hood, Katniss Everdeen, Hawkeye: fictional archers with real world skills.

Learn about the long, rich history of Virginia’s tobacco production on a short hike around Smith Mountain Lake State Park’s tobacco barn.

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

Have you ever wondered what swims in the shallows at Kiptopeke?

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

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Trees are vital to our environment.

Dive into the history of the Occaneechi Tribe that once called Occoneechee State Park home.

Come say hello to Ranger Shelly, our red-eared slider and local shellebrity. Join us at the beach as she enjoys some sunshine and enrichment time.

Get creative and be inspired by the beautiful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

What track is that?

Yesterday was National Go Fishing Day!

Do you know the rich history of Virginia's Eastern Shore?

What is paracord, and what is it used for?

Celebrate DCR’s 100th anniversary around the campfire with s’mores and trivia!   .

End your week with a relaxing paddle along Swift Creek Lake.