History and Culture Day
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Pocahontas State Park
Virginia’s state parks will host History and Culture Day on June 15, 2025, to celebrate Virginia State Parks’ 88th 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 43 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 89 years of conservation and recreation. From cultural demonstrations to kayaking tours, our parks will offer something for everyone on June 15.
Learn more about Virginia State Parks' history.
Upcoming Events
June 14, 2025 12:00 a.m. - June 15, 2025 9:00 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Come out to Leesylvania State Park to celebrate Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day.
June 14, 2025. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
In observance of Virginia State Park's History and Culture Weekend, the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park will offer a Civil War Bus Tour on Saturday, June 14.
June 14, 2025. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Join us for History & Heritage Day at High Bridge Trail State Park, where we will explore the fascinating past of one of Virginia’s most historic landmarks!
June 14, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Explore historic Prince Edward Lake on this guided canoe tour led by rangers.
June 14, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Learn about the park and lake's history by boat!
June 14, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Join a ranger as you unravel the many mysteries of the Natural Bridge.
June 14, 2025. 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, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Journey to Martin’s Station and find yourself immersed in Virginia’s frontier.
June 14, 2025. 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 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
In 1860, nearly half of Fauquier County's 21,706 residents were enslaved, with thirteen enslaved individuals living at the Mount Bleak Farm.
June 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
York River State Park
From the Colonial Era thru today, black watermen have been a part of the Chesapeake Bay seafood industry in all levels. Discover the communities built on harvesting fish and shellfish giving African Americans financial freedom even in the Jim Crow years. Even today, we can help improve the bay so that everyone can enjoy it’s beauty and bounty.
June 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.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 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Caledon State Park
Established as a private residence in 1659, Caledon has a long and storied history.
This event has been canceled.
June 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Become a prospector as we follow in the footsteps of "Stampmill Sam".
June 14, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
On June 14th and 15th, we invite you to visit the park's historic cemetery for Virginia State Parks History & Culture Weekend.
June 14, 2025. 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, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Pick up a copy of the self guided Cabin Creek Trail brochure at the Park Office or Visitor Center.
June 14, 2025. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 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, 2025. 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, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Please join us for a very special afternoon with Carl “Gump” Blair and Gene Dunford.
June 14, 2025. 11:00 a.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, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
This place, this land, is as old as time itself.
June 14, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Find time to head down to the Tunnel Platform where you’ll find amazing views of the 300-foot-tall amphitheater walls of the Natural Tunnel, rock pigeons, and if you’re lucky, a train.
June 14, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Park Interpreter Meg Doppée will take you on a slow hike around Farmstead Loop Trail.
June 14, 2025. 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
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.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Come discover the world of self-publishing!
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
All of the park's original facilities back in the 1930's were built by hand.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
In honor of Virginia State Parks History and Culture Weekend and in conjunction with Flag Day, the staff at Sailor's Creek Battlefield invite you join us for this exciting historical program.
June 14, 2025. 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, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Come learn about Palmer Hayden, a renowned Widewater artist who is known for his paintings of everyday life in African-American communities.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park
Belle Isle State Park was established in April 1993, but this 892-acre property has a long history.
This event has been canceled.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Join a ranger as you unravel the many mysteries of the Natural Bridge.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Clinch River State Park
Come join us here at Clinch River State Park for Virginia State Park's History and Culture Day!
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
Learn about the history of Westmoreland State Park as one of the original six Virginia State Parks and dive into the rich history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy.
June 14, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
The natural environment that cradles Bear Creek today is a new one.
June 14, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Did you know there was once a thriving "Boom Town" located where our lake is today?
June 14, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14. What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag in 1777, in the midst of the Revolutionary War.
June 14, 2025. 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, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Join us for a free historical tour of the Cedar Crest Conference Center.
This event has been canceled.
June 14, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.
June 14, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Park Interpreters will have a few historic games that kids would play in colonial times.
June 14, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Ever wondered how the cabins you stay in and the shelters you enjoy were built without modern technology?
June 14, 2025. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
How did soldiers sleep after a march?
June 14, 2025. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
The Indigenous History of Virginia is exciting, captivating and challenging to learn about.
June 14, 2025. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
How much do you know about Douthat State Park's past?
June 14, 2025. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Join our amazing volunteer Darin Handy as he shows us all sorts of amazing critters, live!
June 14, 2025. 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park
Join us on a ranger-led wagon ride through history. We will take you on a tour of our beautiful park, stopping at multiple places along the way to interpret the amazing history of Staunton River State Park.
June 14, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Spend a nice summer's evening sitting around the campfire with storyteller Melanie Smith as she spins tales that span Appalachian culture.
June 14, 2025. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Come with us to experience the beginnings of Bluegrass music and follow its evolution as it traveled across the ocean and settled in the Appalachian Mountains.
June 14, 2025. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Paddle through time and experience the rich history of Douthat State Park under the stars. Celebrate 89 years of Virginia State Parks with a special evening program where you'll glide across the lake in a canoe by moonlight.
June 15, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Visit the park’s Discovery Center (formerly known as The Spot, the interior portion of the concession stand) to check out the park’s display celebrating its civil rights history.
June 15, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Celebrate Juneteenth with fun, self-guided activities that celebrate the rich history of Twin Lakes State Park, available while supplies last.
June 15, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Hunting for hidden history on Twin Lakes State Park's trails is easy with the geocaching app.
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Journey to Martin’s Station and find yourself immersed in Virginia’s frontier.
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Calling all history (and kayak) lovers! Celebrate Virginia State Park's 89th anniversary with us on a guided kayaking tour!
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Travel through time during the 2024 Virginia State Parks History and Culture celebration at First Landing State Park. Visit the park on Sunday, June 15th for a field day focused on First Landing history, from the pre-colonial era to modern day. This celebration will be based at the Trail Center and go on throughout the afternoon.
June 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 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 the oldest dwelling on the grounds.
June 15, 2025. 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 15, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
On June 14th and 15th, we invite you to visit the park's historic cemetery for Virginia State Parks History & Culture Weekend.
June 15, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Mason Neck State Park
Celebrate the rich history and culture of Virginia's State Parks by diving into the archaeological work that has been done on Mason Neck.
June 15, 2025. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Step back in time and participate in games played in the 18th century.
June 15, 2025. 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
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.
June 15, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Did you know the park's lakes were built by humans?
June 15, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Celebrate Virginia State Parks History & Culture Weekend with us as we learn about the history of Fairy Stone State Park.
This event has been canceled.
June 15, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.
June 15, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
The Big Idea that led to there being a Bear Creek Lake State Park was really a collection of smaller ideas that came together at the right time.
June 15, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings. "Moonshine Murders" reveals the events which sparked a number of these murders. Due to the gruesome nature of this topic, we ask that no one under age 15 attend.
This event has been canceled.
June 15, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Get ready to catch gold fever and mosey on over to join our interpretive rangers on a quest for this elusive mineral.
June 15, 2025. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Green Pastures Recreation Area
Join us in celebrating 85 years of history, community, and resilience at Green Pastures. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 3-6 p.m., this special anniversary event will honor the legacy of Green Pastures and its significance to the region.
June 15, 2025. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
Did you know that Shenandoah County wasn't always called Shenandoah County?
