Summer may be half over, but there are still lots of programs at Belle Isle State Park. August brings more of the populat Music by the River series, canoe trips, Junior Rangers, and wonderful programs celebrating the natural world. Be sure and check these programs out.
Saturday, August 1
Music by the River with the Mullins Sisters 6-8 pm
These sisters sing country, folk, rock, and play great music, harmonizing the way only sisters can. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs or a blanket. Crafts and games for the kids. Concerts are free due to generous donations by area businesses and the Friends of Belle Isle.
Saturday, August 1
Full Moon Canoe Trip 8-10 pm
Paddle under a full moon as it reflects on the water. Learn about how the moon affects our tides, folklore and moods with an experienced guide. Canoe, life jacket, paddle, and instruction included. No experience necessary. Due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended. $6 per person. Meet at the Camp Store for equipment.
Monday, August 3
Flutterby Butterfly 10 am to noon
Discover some interesting facts about butterflies, make a butterfly craft, and use nets to catch them and release them after inspection. $2 per person, or $6 per family. Picnic area.
Tuesday, August 4
A Walk Through the Wetlands 10 am to noon
Wetlands provide nursery areas for animals, food for wildlife, protection from storms, and filtering of pollution. Learn more about them on this walk on paved areas through Belle Isle’s wetland areas. $2 person or $6 per family. Meet at Camp Store.
Wednesday, August 5
Full Moon Kayak Trip 8-10 pm
Kayak under a full moon as it reflects on the water. Learn about how the moon affects our tides, folklore and our moods with an experienced guide. Kayak, life jacket, paddle, and instruction included. No experience necessary. Due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended. $8 single kayak, $10 double kayak. Meet at the Camp Store for equipment.
Thursday, August 6
Goin’-N-Seine, 10 am to noon
Seining nets are long nets used to catch fish and other aquatic animals. Using a catch and release method, learn about various animals in and around the water. Picnic area beach. $2 person
Friday, August 7
Revolutionary Campfire 8-9 pm
Learn about the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, including some local battles. See uniforms and other equipment used by soldiers. Free. Meet at the amphitheater.
Saturday, August 8
You Too Can Kayak 10 am to noon
Kayaking is fun and easy if you know how. It’s also great exercise, and a way to get a close look at nature. This class will teach how to paddle and turn a boat, what to do in an emergency, and what to take with you on a trip. $8 a single kayak, $10 for a double kayak. Space is limited so registration is recommended. Meet at Camp Store for equipment.
Monday, August 10
Outdoors 101—Orienteering 10 am to noon
Learn how to use a map and compass to find your way around on a fun obstacle course. All equipment provided. $2 person. Meet at Camp Store.
Tuesday, August 11—Thursday, August 13
Junior Rangers 9 am to noon
Junior Rangers are All Wet is the theme of this program for 9-12 year olds. Learn about the waterways and wetlands of the Northern Neck through crafts, games, and a canoe trip. Cost is just $5 per day, and kids who complete all 3 days receive a certificate and patch. Registration is required.
Friday, August 14
Tall Tales Campfire 8-9 pm
Roast marshmallows as you listen to tall tales around a campfire. You’ll hear some old favorites and some new stories you are sure to enjoy. Free. Amphitheater.
Saturday, August 15
Getting Crabby Canoe Trip 7-9 pm
Learn about crabs and use chicken necks to catch some on a canoe trip. All equipment and experienced guide included. Meet at Camp Store for equipment. $6 person. Reservations recommended.
Monday, August 17
Cycle Through the Park 10 am to noon
Learn about Belle Isle’s natural areas and wildlife while bicycling through the park with an experienced guide. Bicycle included and helmets are available for children. $2 per person, or $6 per family. Meet at the Camp Store
Tuesday, August 18
FUN Together—Animal Parents and Babies 10 am to noon
FUN means Families Understanding Nature—Together! Discover new things about the outdoors while enjoying family time with a ranger. This session will explore animal parents and their young, and includes a craft, songs, and games. $2 per person or $6 per family. Registration requested. Picnic area.
Wednesday, August 19
GPS Games 10 am to noon
GPS means Global Positioning System. These hand-held systems can lead you to Geocaches, little treasure troves located throughout the park. Find out more about this new phenomenon sweeping the country and play some games. Equipment provided. $8 per team. A team can consist of 1 person, a couple, a family or a group of friends sharing one GPS unit. Limit of 10 teams—registration suggested. Meet at Camp Store
Thursday, August 20
Inspect an Insect 10 am to noon
Discover the difference between bugs and insects, how to identify some common ones, and catch some that will be released after inspection and identification. $2 per person, or $6 per family. Picnic area.
Friday, August 21
Creatures of the Night Campfire 8-9 pm
Hear about the owls, raccoons, opossum, and other animals that come out at night while roasting marshmallows at the Belle Isle State Park amphitheater. Free.
Saturday, August 22
Grand Ole Osprey Canoe Trip 10 am to noon
Learn about the ospreys and watch them from your canoe. Several ospreys nest and feed on the waters surrounding Belle Isle. $5/person Equipment and experienced guide provided. Due to space limitations, reservations are suggested.
Saturday, August 22
Music by the River with The Gurleys 6-8 pm
Bill and Macon Gurley return to Belle Isle with country, folk, rock, and gospel played on a variety of instruments. Crafts and games for the kids. Concerts are free due to generous donations by area businesses and the Friends of Belle Isle. Picnic area.
Tuesday, August 25
Goin’-N-Seine 10 am to noon
Seining nets are long nets used to catch fish and other aquatic animals. Using a catch and release method, learn about various animals in and around the water. Picnic area beach. $2 person
Wednesday, August 26
Nature’s Supermarket 10 am to noon
Learn how plants were used for food, clothing, and household goods on this guided walk. $2 per person, or $6 per family. Meet at the Camp Store.
Thursday, August 27
Outdoors 101—Hiking with Your Dog 10-11 am
Start planning some fall day-hike trips with your dog. Learn how to tell if your dog is a good candidate for hiking, what to bring, and how to make the experience better for everyone. Dogs should not be brought to the program. $2 per person. Picnic area.
Friday, August 28
Family Games Campfire 8-9 pm
Play some games together, and then roast some marshmallows around the campfire while sharing family time. Free. Amphitheater.
Saturday, August 29
Wild about Wetlands Canoe Trip 10 am to noon
Wetlands protect shorelines, filter pollutants, act as a nursery for most marine animals, and are some of the most fertile places on earth. $5/person Equipment and experienced guide provided. Reservations recommended.
Saturday, August 29
Music by the River—Southern Grace 6-8 pm
The Music by the River concert series ends with Southern Grace, a gospel band returning to Belle Isle with sweet Shenandoah harmonies. Crafts and games for the kids. Concerts are free due to generous donations by area businesses and the Friends of Belle Isle.
Belle Isle State Park is located on the Northern Neck, convenient to both central, northern and Tidewater Virginia. Come for a program and stay the day or plan an overnight camping trip at the park. Make camping reservations by calling 800-933-7275 or by clicking here for our online reservations. For more information on any of the programs, please call the park directly at 804-462-5030.