Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
History and Culture Weekend
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Pocahontas State Park
Virginia’s state parks will host History and Culture Weekend on June 13-14, 2026, to celebrate Virginia State Parks’ 90th anniversary. The park system opened on June 15, 1936, with just six parks — Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, Hungry Mother and Westmoreland. They offered modern outdoor recreational facilities while protecting areas with significant natural resources.
Since then, the system has grown to 44 parks, with one located within an hour’s drive of most Virginians. They offer more than 2,000 campsites, nearly 300 cabins, more than 500 miles of trails and convenient access to Virginia's major waterways. In addition, parks hold thousands of nature and history events every year.
Join us for History and Culture Day and help us celebrate 90 years of conservation and recreation. From cultural demonstrations to kayaking tours, our parks will offer something for everyone on June 13 and 14.
Learn more about Virginia State Parks' history.
Upcoming Events
June 6, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
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.
June 12, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Welcome to Fairy Stone State Park!
June 12, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park invites you to witness the spectacular sight of nature's fireflies by the thousands in the treetops below the historic High Bridge.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Step back in time and watch stone come to life during a flint knapping demonstration by local artisan Gene Blevins.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Watch history come to life during this traditional hand crafts live demonstration with John Alexander, featuring basket weaving, broom making, and toy making.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
This place, this land, is as old as time itself.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners from decades gone by.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Tucked away in a shady grove of forest, the park's historic cemetery holds the graves of an estimated 70 people...what do we know about their lives, and what remains a mystery? While most of the graves are unmarked, three headstones show the names of loved ones longs since passed: Alpheus Hudson, Reverend Samuel Jasper, and Toney Funn. Park rangers will be on site from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., offering guided tours and sharing information that has been uncovered through ongoing research.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
New River Trail State Park
Join us as we open the doors to the old Norfolk and Western caboose 518517.
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
First Landing State Park
Hop on for a fun and informative wagon ride that brings history to life!
June 13, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Occoneechee State Park
Discover the Panhandle Multi-Use Trail on an Extended Hike Embark on a longer hike to explore the Panhandle Multi-Use Trail, which boasts a rich history.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Join us as we celebrate 90 years of Douthat State Park and honor the Civilian Conservation Corps: the men whose hard work and dedication built the foundation of the park we enjoy today.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Join us every second Saturday at the Mayo River Trails to explore the future Mayo River State Park. You will also discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, and about the exploration of the area by William Byrd.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Journey to Martin’s Station and find yourself immersed in Virginia’s frontier history.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Established as a private residence in 1659, Caledon has a long and storied history.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Ever wondered what early inhabitant's lives were like in the Highlands?
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Belle Isle State Park
Join a ranger aboard our Time Traveler Wagon to learn about three important historic events that took place here in our Commonwealth; the American Revolution 250 years ago, the Department of Conservation and Recreation 100 years ago and 90 years ago, Virginia opening the first six state parks.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Join park staff and volunteers for presentations relating to our special exhibit A Century of Care: A Legacy of Parks Step back in time and experience the incredible story of how the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has worked for a century to protect the Commonwealth’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clinch River State Park
Join us for History and Culture Day, explore the historical settlement atop Sugar Hill and uncover the intriguing history of the house that once stood there.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
York River State Park
From the Native American nations to our modern military bases, the history of the York River has been intertwined with our nation. Join us for a special hike, or spend some time browsing our Visitor Center displays commemorating highlights of the past. .
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
How did Pocahontas State Park come to be? What are the "Original 6" State Parks?
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
Step back in time and discover the rich history of Virginia's Eastern Shore and Kiptopeke State Park.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Celebrate Virginia history and culture with a tour of the Goodwin Gold Mine at Lake Anna! Follow the journey of prospector Stampmill Sam as we explore the lives of Virginia gold miners and the lasting legacy of the Virginia Gold Rush on the Lake Anna area. Dive deeper into the ancient history of our landscape and learn how forces of nature brought gold to the surface of Earth. Then, we’ll pan for gold in the same stream where prospectors once hunted for this elusive mineral. Please arrive at the Visitor Center 10 minutes before the start time of your tour. Guests will be collected from the Visitor Center for a 5-10 minute drive to the mine site. The tour will last 1 hour and includes 0.5 miles of hiking over hilly terrain with frequent stops. Wear sturdy walking shoes that can get wet.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Explore the park's artifact collection, see photos from the past, and listen to tales of days gone by under the Natural Bridge itself. Stop by the visitor center's Base Camp to see artifacts from the park's past on display for today only, and check out photographs dating back to the late 1800s showing what was once here. At 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m., a ranger will give a talk at the Natural Bridge about its the first American owner and our first park ranger - Thomas Jefferson and freeman Patrick Henry.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
James River State Park
Celebrate Virginia State Parks History & Culture Weekend with a journey through time at James River State Park.
June 13, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
What did kids do for fun 160 years ago?
June 13, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.
June 13, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Did you know that Westmoreland is one of the original State Parks in Virginia?
June 13, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Go back in time in the historic village of Foster Falls.
June 13, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Cartography, the study and practice of drawing maps, has been around since at least the 6th century BCE, with the earliest known drawn map being on a small clay tablet found in Iraq.
June 13, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Hear the tale of star-crossed lovers that the trail is named after and view the tunnel from above.
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Step inside the Discovery Center to learn from a park ranger about local wildlife, the park's history, and the New River! All ages welcome.
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
When armies clashed during the American Civil War, often times following a battle bizarre, inexplicable, curious, strange twists of fate and ironic circumstance astonishingly revealed themselves.
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Celebrate Virginia history and culture with a tour of the Goodwin Gold Mine at Lake Anna! Follow the journey of prospector Stampmill Sam as we explore the lives of Virginia gold miners and the lasting legacy of the Virginia Gold Rush on the Lake Anna area. Dive deeper into the ancient history of our landscape and learn how forces of nature brought gold to the surface of Earth. Then, we’ll pan for gold in the same stream where prospectors once hunted for this elusive mineral. Please arrive at the Visitor Center 10 minutes before the start time of your tour. Guests will be collected from the Visitor Center for a 5-10 minute drive to the mine site. The tour will last 1 hour and includes 0.5 miles of hiking over hilly terrain with frequent stops. Wear sturdy walking shoes that can get wet.
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Stop by our pop-up booth on the boardwalk and test your knowledge of First Landing State Park!
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Occoneechee State Park
Explore the history of the Occoneechee Plantation on this guided, one mile hike around the Plantation Trail.
June 13, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
James River State Park
Step back in time during Virginia State Parks History & Culture Weekend and discover how children in the 18th century played right here in the region that once bustled with commerce, travel, and early American life.
June 13, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Come discover the world of self-publishing!
June 13, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.
June 13, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
All of the park's original facilities back in the 1930's were built by hand.
June 13, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
James River State Park
Discover the role the James River played in shaping early Virginia by exploring one of its most important innovations—the batteau.
June 13, 2026. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Explore Machicomoco's interpretive area as we unveil the past of the land making up Machicomoco, from geological formation, early human use, farms, all the way to its future!
June 13, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Join a Campfire Celebration as we honor the 90th Anniversary of Virginia State Parks.
June 13, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Dive into the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Virginia's state parks on History and Culture Day!
June 13, 2026. 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park invites you to witness the spectacular sight of nature's fireflies by the thousands in the treetops below the historic High Bridge.
June 13, 2026. 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
This campfire program is being held at the park's original stone fireplace from 1940.
June 13, 2026. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Gather around the campfire for an evening of warmth, wonder, and discovery.
June 13, 2026. 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Join us for an original play highlighting the moonshining activity in our local area.
June 13, 2026. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Join us fireside for the story of First Landing State Park; from a land once desired, to a land intentionally preserved, to a land we now share.
June 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.
June 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Journey back in time on Lee's Woods Trail to discover hundreds of years of human history.
June 14, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
First Landing State Park
Hop on for a fun and informative wagon ride that brings history to life!
June 14, 2026. 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Ride with a park guide as we experience Smith Mountain Lake from a boat.
June 14, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Journey to Martin’s Station and find yourself immersed in Virginia’s frontier history.
June 14, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Long ago, giant beasts roamed the lands we now call Virginia...put yourself into the shoes of an Ice Age hunter in this spear-throwing workshop using an ancient spear-throwing device: the atlatl! The atlatl was used on the North American continent and all over the world, enabling both men and women to efficiently hunt megafauna such as woolly mammoths and giant ground sloths.
June 14, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Calling all history (and kayak) lovers! Celebrate Virginia State Park's 90th anniversary with us on a guided kayaking tour!
June 14, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
How did Pocahontas State Park come to be? What are the "Original 6" State Parks?
June 14, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Watch history come to life during this traditional hand crafts live demonstration with John Alexander, featuring basket weaving, broom making, and toy making.
June 14, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.
June 14, 2026. 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Ride with a park guide as we experience Smith Mountain Lake from a boat.
June 14, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?
June 14, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Come join us to learn about two of the historical figures who helped shape the Widewater Peninsula. Margaret Brent - English colonist, Catholic landowner, attorney - An unmarried woman who moved to the colonies, and stayed unwed, was strange enough.
June 14, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!
June 14, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Stop by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center and learn more about the people who lived on the Wilderness Road frontier.
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Join us at Sky Meadows State Park for a celebration of history and culture as we recognize the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s 100th Anniversary and Virginia State Parks’ 90th Anniversary on Sunday, 14 June 2026. The program will kick-off with a one hour Range-led presentation and question-and-answer period in the Carriage Barn adjacent to the main parking lot. Trace the history of the preservation and protection of natural, historical, and cultural resources through the evolution of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia State Parks, culminating in the story of Sky Meadows and ongoing efforts to serve future generations.
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Head on over to the park to learn about Ranger Parker Red Fox, the Virginia State Parks mascot.
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
When armies clashed during the American Civil War, often times following a battle bizarre, inexplicable, curious, strange twists of fate and ironic circumstance astonishingly revealed themselves.
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Celebrate Virginia history and culture with a tour of the Goodwin Gold Mine at Lake Anna! Follow the journey of prospector Stampmill Sam as we explore the lives of Virginia gold miners and the lasting legacy of the Virginia Gold Rush on the Lake Anna area. Dive deeper into the ancient history of our landscape and learn how forces of nature brought gold to the surface of Earth. Then, we’ll pan for gold in the same stream where prospectors once hunted for this elusive mineral. Please arrive at the Visitor Center 10 minutes before the start time of your tour. Guests will be collected from the Visitor Center for a 5-10 minute drive to the mine site. The tour will last 1 hour and includes 0.5 miles of hiking over hilly terrain with frequent stops. Wear sturdy walking shoes that can get wet.
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Come to the Visitor Center and learn about local artist, Palmer Hayden, before grabbing a watercolor kit and finding a nature scene at the park to paint in your own style!
June 14, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Stop by our pop-up booth on the boardwalk and test your knowledge of First Landing State Park!
June 14, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
This is a “casting” call for miniatures enthusiasts and historic craft fans!
June 14, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mason Neck State Park
Pottery and ceramics have been made and used by humans across the world for nearly 30,000 years.
June 14, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Learn about the fascinating history of our park, our lake, and the surrounding area.
June 14, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Be on the lookout for a roaming ranger with a mini-program and learn something new.
June 14, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Ever wonder what dolls of the 18th century frontier looked like or what they were made of?
June 14, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Join our rangers on a short stroll and tour of the historic Howe House as we discuss how the park came to be.
June 14, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Bring the whole family for a fun and interactive look at how camping in Virginia State Parks has changed over the last 90 years!
June 14, 2026. 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
August 30th is National Beach Day!
June 15, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hayfields State Park
Help us celebrate Virginia State Parks 90th Birthday! While Hayfields may not have been a state park 90 years ago, we are one of the newest parts of Virginia State Parks history.
