Chippokes State Park Events for September 2023
Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. A working farm since 1619, the park offers modern recreational activities and a glimpse of life in a bygone era. Visitors tour the historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens, and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. They have a campground and four overnight cabins allow visitors to stay on the historic grounds. The park has a visitor center with a gift shop. It also provides opportunities to bike, hike, ride horseback and picnic.
If you are coming from the Williamsburg side of the James River just hop on the free Jamestown Ferry. The ferry ride is part of the fun! Keep reading for the programming this month…
Pasture Pals
Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Sept. 24, 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Did you know in the past of our Nation, historically, animals have been bred over time to develop certain traits? What is a heritage breed?
Come on out to the park and meet the ambassador farm animals (Tazewell the pot belly pig, Gabbi the donkey, Ruby the Milking Devon Cow, Curly the goat, Victor the Silver Rabbit, and our tiny community of ducks and chickens), during our Pasture Pals program.
Dugout Canoe Crafting
This ranger-led activity involves the creation of a special clay craft. Learn more about the history, purpose, popularity, and design of dugout canoes.
Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Seining on the James
Take a closer look at what swims in the James River. Seine with a Ranger to catch, identify and release different animal species.
Appropriate footwear for walking in the water and on shells recommended.
Park at the Farm and Forestry Museum to access the College Run Trail.
Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Historical Tram Tour
Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Chippokes welcomes you to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and stories of our park. Enjoy a relaxing tram ride as we explore the vast timeline and dive into the history of Chippokes. The historical tram ride will focus on the park’s historic buildings along Quarter Lane.
Space is limited to 16 participants/spaces and reservations are required, call the Visitor Center at 757-294-3625 to reserve a space.
National Public Lands Day – Beach Clean Up
Sept. 23, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Chippokes through public service. National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single day volunteer effort. A special day to give back while facilitating the connections between people and green spaces in their communities, inspiring continued environmental stewardship, and encouraging time spent in the great outdoors.
Volunteer at your local Virginia State Park to help us tackle the shoreline and tidy our beaches. All are welcome. All supplies will be provided and available for you at the Visitor Center.
Jones-Stewart Mansion Tours
Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a unique historical tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwelling on the grounds.
What do the remnants of the River House tell us of a time much different than today? What can we determine from the architectural design? Does this historic home represent a Tidewater Vernacular Tradition?
The River House today has permanently exposed structural parts and bones which help to showcase how the historic home has served as a direct witness to the history of Chippokes since 1837. We hope it helps give our visitors a sense of place and connection to the past.
Please note: The building tour requires careful navigation through several sets of old staircases. This is a historical building and we hope to continue to share it for many more years, children should be close-by and with their adult counterparts at all times, please be mindful and respectful, and stay with your interpretive tour guide.
Sept. 22, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 25, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 29, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Messages from Fossils
Sept. 30, 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Are you interested in learning about the most common and rare fossils that can be found along the James River? Why is it that we are able to find so many fossils here?
This program is a special introduction to the variety of fossils that adorn the Chippokes shoreline and allows guests a chance to familiarize themselves with the possibilities before hunting for shark teeth. Meet at the Quayle Classroom.
$7 per car park entry fee. For more information visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2021-11-17-15-28-29-407155-i5p
Chippokes State Park
695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883
Phone: 757-294-3728 Email Address: Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov
Web Site: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/chippokes-plantation
Check out our article on the best place to find sharks teeth near Williamsburg!
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