York River State Park Memorial Day Events

York River State Park Memorial Day Events 2026

York River State Park is an amazing park located near Williamsburg, Virginia. It offers year round programming that really picks up from the spring through the late fall. Programs below are free to attend. There is a parking fee of $5 or you can purchase an Annual Park Pass. This park has more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails allow visitors to explore the marsh, river shoreline and forests. A boat ramp, fresh and salt water fishing spots, a fishing pier, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Enjoy the following programs! More Information…

Living Shoreline Hike:
Friday, May 22 at 10 am
An adventure to a unique marine ecosystem. Meet at the Amphitheater.

Roaming Ranger:
Friday, May 22 from 1 – 3 pm
Saturday, May 23 from 1 – 3 pm
Monday, May 25 from 1 – 3 pm
Discover the wetlands and woods with a ranger who will highlight aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life. The ranger will be around the visitor center and Woodstock Pond.

Fossil Frenzy Hike:
Saturday, May 23 at 10 am
Travel back over 6,000 years to when the York River area was covered by a shallow sea full of marine life. Discover relics from the prehistoric ocean. Meet at the Amphitheater.

River Seining:
Monday, May 25 at 10 am
Find the creatures of York River State Park. Meet at seining beach.

MORE INFORMATION….

York River State Park is celebrated for its rare estuarine ecosystem, where freshwater and saltwater blend to create a vibrant habitat for marine life and native plants. Located along the York River, the park is part of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. This unspoiled landscape holds clues to a rich natural and cultural past, featuring fossil beds and artifacts from both Colonial and Native American history. Through ranger programs, hands-on activities, and engaging visitor center exhibits, guests can learn about the river’s ecology, wildlife, and historical significance. With more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, visitors can explore scenic marshes, wooded areas, and riverfront views. The park also offers a boat ramp, fishing pier, freshwater and saltwater fishing spots, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and seasonal boat rentals.

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.

Check program schedules online.

York River State Park
9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: 757-566-3036   Email Address: YorkRiver@dcr.virginia.gov
Web Site: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/york-river