Happy Garden

A single tree offers a great place to relax and commune with nature. But at the Chesapeake Arboretum, there are so many trees that your senses will be overwhelmed–but in a good way! This 47-acre garden features a staggering number of trees and also does an admirable job of championing the importance of environmental awareness through various exhibits and attractions. The Chesapeake Arboretum originally opened its doors in 1996 and has been welcoming hundreds of visitors on a regular basis ever since.

A fun, satisfying outdoor experience awaits the whole family when you plan a trip to the Northwest River Park and Campground. Located on the banks of the Northwest River, this 763-acre park perfectly combines the area's natural beauty with a variety of recreational activities. There are excellent camping facilities, nature trails, picnic shelters, fishing, swimming, play areas, and even a new “Dude Ranch” mini golf course attraction. The park features 70 campsites and two cabins that are available from April 1st to November 30th.

It is not often when you get the chance to not only revisit history, but to also walk along its path. You get to have that experience in a truly dramatic way when you visit the Virginia Civil War Trails that begin with the Village of the Great Bridge, which is located at the crossing of the Albemarle and Chesapeake canals. Other stops along the way inclusde Village of Deep Creek, Glencoe, Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery and Cuffeytown 13.

History and astronomy come together in a dazzling way at the Chesapeake Planetarium. From an historic standpoint, the facility is significant because it is the first planetarium built by a public school system in the state of Virginia. But this attraction also offers visitors a chance to gaze into the night sky and be amazed at the intricate patterns and formations that make up the constellations everyone has heard about. The staff is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have. Also, there are various lectures and special presentations on the schedule. And of course, the opportunity to see the stars up close is always available thanks to the high powered telescopes and other impressive equipment that is available here.