Did you know June 15 is History and Culture Day in Virginia State Parks? That was the date when Virginia’s resident state park system was formally established, back in 1936. At first, Virginia had only six state parks to its credit—Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, Hungry Mother, and Westmoreland. Now, 89 years later, the park system has flourished extensively, currently comprising 43 versatile parks, all offering up a wealth of onsite opportunities, activities, and amenities. From 2,000+ campsites, close to 300 cabins, and over 500 trails, Virginia State Parks provide plentiful pleasures to locals and visitors alike. Most Virginians live within a convenient hour-or-less driving range to at least one state park!
In commemoration of History and Culture Day, all of Virginia’s State Parks are hosting a series of specials via an entire History and Culture Weekend. From special hikes and themed tours to hands-on activities and special ranger/volunteer-led programs, the offerings are abundant both Saturday (June 14) and Sunday (June 15). You will find engaging endeavors unfolding at any Virginia State Park you explore this weekend. Here are some examples of what’s happening at the original antiquated six.
Douthat State Park
14239 Douthat State Park Road
Millboro, VA 24460
Tools of the Trade: Crafting Douthat’s Legacy
June 14, 2025. 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This informative program provides insight into how all those cabins and the shelters throughout the park were built, long before the persistent use of modern technology. Find out more here.
‘Step Back in Time’ History Walk
June 14, 2025. 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Take a step back through time with this fascinating walk by the lake to explore Douthat’s history and visit some of the park’s oldest structures. Click the link to learn more.
Paddle Through Time
June 14, 2025. 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This guided moonlight canoe experience combines observing the natural wonders of nature at night while discovering the fascinating history behind the park’s founding, with special focus on the lake’s construction and the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Visit the event link for more information.
First Landing State Park
2500 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Walk Through Time at First Landing
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
An all-out celebration will be ongoing throughout the day at First Landing. Check out the replica artifact touch table and participate in games inspired by the indigenous cultures of Virginia Tribal Nations at the Trail Center Picnic Tables. Then consider attending one of the ongoing guided hikes focusing on the park’s history, the role of the CCC, and the Cape Henry region. Discover more by clicking on the link.
Fairy Stone State Park
967 Fairystone Lake Drive
Stuart, VA 24171
Lakeshore Trail Hike
June 14, 2025. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
A ranger will lead a guided walk along the park’s scenic Lakeshore Trail, highlighting beauty, nature, and park history. Click here to find out more.
Fayerdale: The Missing Town
June 14, 2025. 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In this program, you will learn all about the once-thriving “Boom Town” that was on the site where the lake now sits. The presentation will be followed by an optional guided hike to the Iron Mine and Upper Stuart’s Knob Trails. Visit the site to learn more.
Bluegrass Music in the Park
June 14, 2025. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This toe-tapping program focuses on the beginnings of Bluegrass music, following its evolution as it traveled across the ocean and settled in the Appalachian Mountains. Visit the event link for more information.
Moonshine Hollow Hike
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
On this guided hike, you get to visit the remains of two old moonshine stills and learn about the fascinating, and sometimes tragic, history of local moonshining activities around here. Find out more on the website.
Whiskey Run Guided Hike
June 15, 2025. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Another fascinating guided hike, this one explores the evolution of mining to ‘shining in the area once the iron industry moved away, leaving residents to thrive by alternative means. Discover more by clicking the link.
Moonshine Murders
June 15, 2025. 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This program focuses on the dark past of murders that unfolded in the area throughout the 1920s and 1930s, all connected to the controversial moonshining operations that rocked the region. Find out more by clicking here.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
1035 Fort Hill Trail
Randolph, VA 23962
Camp Life in the Civil War
June 14, 2025. 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Learn about the living conditions surrounding Civil War encampments in the area, including how they slept and whether or not they even could sleep under such conditions. Visit the website to discover more.
Wagon Ride Through History
June 14, 2025. 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On this ranger-led wagon ride through history, you’ll be treated to a parkwide grand tour, stopping at multiple places along the way. Click here for details.
Hungry Mother State Park
2854 Park Blvd
Marion, VA 24354
Historical Canoe Tour
June 14, 2025. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Learn about the park’s history and heritage via this guided canoeing excursion. Visit the website for more information.
The Tools That Built Us
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This program offers an insightful look into the park’s original facilities, all of which were built by hand using more primitive tools. Explore more by clicking the link.
Appalachian Animals with Darin Handy
June 14, 2025. 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Join the park’s amazing volunteer, Darin Handy of All Are God’s Creatures Sanctuary, as he showcases all sorts of amazing critters, live onsite! Learn more here.
Campfire Storytelling
June 14, 2025. 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Nothing beats sitting around the campfire, swapping stories about history and heritage. That’s just what you’ll do with storyteller Melanie Smith as she spins tales that span Appalachian culture. Click the link to discover more.
Westmoreland State Park
145 Cliff Road
Colonial Beach, VA
Virginia State Parks History and Culture Weekend: CCC Talk
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For this engaging program, you will learn all about the history of Westmoreland State Park as one of the original six Virginia State Parks. You will also gain vast insight into the rich history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Find out more here.
These are only a few of the countless delights to delve into this weekend at Virginia State Parks. For a complete listing of all up-to-date happenings, visit the Department of Conservation Website’s History and Culture Day link.