Oct 27, 2022

The Woodbridge area offers an abundance of natural highlights for residents and visitors who want to get out and explore its natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a playground, picnic spot, historic site, or hiking trail, Woodbridge has picturesque destinations that will meet your needs. Check out these outstanding local parks the next time you’re itching to get out and about.

Leesylvania State Park

Image by Judy Gallagher is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Leesylvania State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The park boasts a rich history, having hosted Captain John Smith in 1608 during his voyage of discovery and some notable moments during the Civil War. Stop into the visitor’s center to learn more about the land’s historical and natural significance through engaging exhibits on everything from wartime history to native wildlife.

Situated along the banks of the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park is an ideal destination for water activities, such as kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and fishing. You’ll find a boat launch, canoe and kayak rentals, a convenient boat storage area, and a universally accessible pier to accommodate all your needs. The waters teem with bass, and the surrounding area offers a peaceful escape that’s perfect for getting away and relaxing.

And if you’re interested in upping your exercise routine, you can challenge yourself on the 20-station fitness trail or head out onto one of the park’s hiking trails. The park also offers a playground to keep even the youngest visitors entertained. And if you work up an appetite while you’re here, you’ll find a variety of tasty bites available at the snack bar.

Location: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge.

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park sits adjacent to Marumsco Creek. This is a prime place for recreation, hosting sports leagues for soccer, softball, baseball, football, and volleyball. Over the summer months, the Veterans Memorial Park Pool offers the ideal place to splash about and cool off. The aquatic center features two two-story slides, graduated entry and water features for children, and a 50-meter pool with plenty of swimming space.

The on-site community center offers even more fun with a spacious gym that can host basketball, pickleball, dance classes, sports classes, and summer camps. You can also drop in for open gym days and simply run off energy here any way you’d like. Teens and older kids may enjoy the Scott D. Eagles Skate Park. With a 6,300-square-foot course complete with a 60-foot kidney bowl, this is the largest skate park in Prince William County.

A playground, duck pond, picnic areas, grills, horseshoe pits, and restrooms round out the park’s amenities. Pack a lunch and plan to spend a long and engaging day playing here, as it can easily take hours to enjoy all the space has to offer.

Location: 14300 Veterans Drive, Woodbridge.

Neabsco Regional Park

Offering 300 acres of recreation and historical highlights, Neabsco Regional Park delivers seemingly endless opportunities for exploration. The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk crosses the wetlands and provides access to the beautiful Potomac waterfront. And in this rich habitat, you may spot great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, mallards, wood ducks, and more. Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the walkway connects to an 800-mile trail network that runs from the Potomac River to the Allegheny Mountains.

The park is also home to the Rippon Lodge Historic Site, where you can tour one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. The home was constructed in 1747 and still features some of its original furniture and decor. You can take a guided 45-minute tour of the house at select times between May and October or reserve a luncheon or picnic lunch to enjoy on the property. Rippon Lodge sits on 43 acres and includes formal gardens, a cemetery, and walking trails.

Location: 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge.

River Mill Park

River Mill Park covers just 1 acre, making it a compact little retreat. You’ll find a “LOVE” sign here that’s perfect for photo ops, giving a subtle nod to the state tagline, “Virginia is for Lovers.” The event pavilion here frequently hosts special events, making this the ideal spot for an outdoor concert or small family-friendly festival. Restrooms are available on-site. A short, paved walkway runs along the Occoquan River so you can take a quick stroll.

Location: 458 Mill St., Occoquan.

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re interested in seeing some of the local wildlife native to the Woodbridge area, you’ll love the sights in the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The lush landscape of marshes, grasslands, and wetlands creates a welcoming home for all manner of birds and mammals, including red foxes, deer, hawks, wild turkeys, hummingbirds, geese, and ducks. A 1-mile drive allows you to enjoy the park while breaking in your new vehicle. Or, if you’re ready to head out on foot, you’ll find 3 miles of hiking trails to explore.

The refuge is particularly popular for birding. In the Visitor Contact Station, you can view a collection of mounted songbirds and raptors for an up-close look at some of the species you might spot on your hike. The wildlife refuge also hosts an annual deer hunt to keep deer populations under control.

Location: 13950 Dawson Beach Road, Woodbridge.

Marumsco Acre Lake Park

Marumsco Acre Lake Park provides a peaceful retreat perfect for families who want a laid-back afternoon out. Parents can relax at the picnic tables or grill a meal while children run off their energy on the playground. The picturesque lake creates a charming setting while offering fishing opportunities for anyone who wants to cast a line. Bring a basketball, and you can strike up a game on the court while you’re there.

Location: 14398 Melbourne Ave., Woodbridge.

Do you know of any other great Woodbridge parks that we’ve missed? Contact our team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC and let us know. We want all the best recommendations for our customers looking for an exciting place to explore after they head off our lot.