Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.

Messages from the Miocene

This event has been canceled.
Canceled because of predicted adverse weather.
We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Location of Chippokes State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Quayle Classroom
Main Park Address: Chippokes State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883.

When

Feb. 7, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join us as we learn more about the prehistoric history of Chippokes State Park through fossils that can be found right on our beaches! This program will begin in the Quayle Classroom near the Farm & Forestry Museum and will be followed by a hike down to the James River to find and identify fossils. All ages welcome.

All guests are welcome and encouraged to collect shark teeth...yes, this does in fact include if you find a Megalodon tooth (finders keepers). If you find a Megalodon tooth, please do not be afraid to share your findings with a ranger, as we would love to celebrate your scientific discovery.

The walk to beach is approximately 0.3 miles.

A mollusk and shell fragments on the banks of the James River.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 757-294-3728
Email Address: Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov