Wilderness Road State Park which is nationally known for its historical interpretation and history-making programs!
On Saturday, June 18, state parks throughout the Commonwealth will host a birthday party in celebration of Virginia State Park’s 75th birthday. Each park will provide its own twist to the celebration, a testament to the uniqueness of our parks. Want an example? How about Capt. Joseph Martin, from Albemarle County, commanding his militia to fire a 21-musket salute, or Sgt. Mordecai Hord, from Henry County, directing his company to fire the canon in celebration of this monumental occasion. Only one place can offer these authentic kinds of festivities and it is right here in the heart of Southwest Virginia, at Wilderness Road State Park.
As part of the birthday celebration, Appreciation Day from 8 am to 8 pm, featuring unique programs, activities, a hotdog lunch and birthday cake, all free of charge! Headlining the list of historical programs is Women on the Frontier; a look at women’s role in the westward expansion of our country along the early Virginia frontier; and Daniel Boone: Pathfinder; a first-person program performed by Scott New highlighting the life of one of America’s most recognizable pioneer legends. Other programs and activities include: Critters in the Creek, Our Neighbor the Black Bear, GPS Amazing Race (VSP 75 years edition), Karlan Mansion tours, live Bluegrass music, Melissa the Clown, a puppet show, nature walk and a horseshoe tournament. “What better day to celebrate state parks 75th birthday than Community Appreciation Day? The fact that we are celebrating 75 years of existence is made possible through community support,” stated park manager Jon Tustin.
The park offers a masterful blend of historical and nature related programs and both will be fully represented at the birthday bash. Special guest speakers will assist Tustin with welcoming ceremonies at 12 noon, followed by a free hotdog lunch, complete with chips and drinks. For dessert, the park will provide birthday cake while Melissa the Clown and a puppet show will entertain the children.
History has been kind to Virginia State Parks and has established a concrete foundation for the future. The same holds true forWilderness Road.
Building from that foundation, in 2009 the park placed a strong emphasis on creating new fun and educational programs and events beginning with Easter at Karlan, followed by our first annual Customer Appreciation Day and then our very popular Pumpkins in the Park. Wilderness Road State Park has added 20-plus more nature related programs as well as special events such as Christmas at Karlan and Just Kill Me Now (Aw, Shoot!), a mystery dinner theatre presentation that drew rave reviews.
These community-based programs and events along with the historical aspect, provided a strongWilderness Road State Park, we truly do, “Have something for everyone.”
As part of the 75th celebration, each park has created a video. Wilderness Road’s video highlights our various programs and activities and can be viewed on the web here.
For more information on the park or the programs we offer, please call our office at 276-445-3065 or visit Friends of Wilderness Road website here.
Virginia State Parks are key attributes to Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
