River Seining — Ranger Gresham with visitors (pre-COVID picture)

York River State Park January Events 2021

The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park visitor center, office, and gift shop are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. This park has great events below, dock for canoes and kayaks, fishing, horse trails, hiking trails and some challenging mountain bike trails too! Canoe and Kayak rentals are closed for the season. York River State Park is located at 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Martin Luther King Day Pollinator Garden Refresh

January 15 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Butterflies are a symbol of hope. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of hope for brotherhood. On his birthday, let’s work together to restore our butterfly gardens. This past season, we saw many Tiger Swallowtails (our state insect) and many other species, including the rare Pipevine Swallowtail. By giving time to this project, you can promote beauty and fellowship for the New Year.

Three Rivers & Three Peoples Hike

January 17, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York Rivers are deeply intertwined in the history of Native, European and African Americans. Hike with us and discover stories of the heritage we share along these waters.

Waterfowl Watch

January 29 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bring your binoculars, cameras, and other viewing gear and enjoy the arrival of wild ducks on the river. You may see a few old favorites like buffleheads, canvasbacks and ruddy ducks. If you’re new to waterfowl, our friendly ranger will help you discover them.

Skulls & Skins

January 29 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What is the largest mammal found in our park? Are beavers and muskrat related? Which fox is native to Virginia, the gray or the red? For the answer to these and other wildlife questions, come to the Skulls & Skins table at the visitor center. Our ranger will reveal some wonders of mammal life along the river.

COVID-19 update: Take a moment to read this important park update. Last Update: Oct. 29, 2021

The park is known for its rare and delicate estuarine environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a rich habitat for marine and plant life. It is on the York River and is designated as a Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Programs, activities and visitor center displays focus on the history, use, wildlife and preservation of the York River and its marshes. More than 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests.