Belle Isle State Park (Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belle Isle State Park, Virginia, USA |
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2012 photo of Bel Air Mansion on park grounds
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 Belle Isle State Park, Virginia, USA
Location in Virginia
Belle Isle State Park, Virginia, USA
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Lancaster County, Virginia |
| Area | 892 acres (361 ha) |
| Governing body | Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Belle Isle State Park is a beautiful park found in Lancaster County, Virginia. It sits right on the Rappahannock River, a large river in eastern Virginia. This park is like a special piece of land that belongs to everyone, and it's a great place to visit.
The park covers about 892 acres (or 3.6 square kilometers). It has lots of fun things to do, like camping, fishing, boating, and having picnics. Belle Isle is a peninsula, which means it's land almost completely surrounded by water. It's bordered by Deep Creek and Morattico Creek, and also by the marshy areas of the Tidewater region.
You can see lots of amazing wildlife here! Keep an eye out for graceful blue herons, soaring osprey, and powerful hawks. You might even spot a majestic bald eagle! White-tailed deer often roam the park, and there are many different kinds of reptiles and amphibians too. The park is close to small towns like Litwalton, Morattico, and Somers.
History of Belle Isle Park
This land has a long and interesting past. In the 19th century, it was a large plantation, which was like a big farm where crops were grown. The land was first bought in 1692 by a person named John Bertrand.
The Belle Isle Mansion
The main house, known as the Belle Isle mansion, was built around 1760. It was designed in the Georgian style, which was popular for grand homes back then. A man named Raleigh Downman built it.
- In the 1940s, the mansion was carefully fixed up and restored.
- The architect who led this restoration was Thomas Tileston Waterman. He was also the first director of a group called the Historic American Buildings Survey.
- Some parts of the mansion's inside, like special wooden panels, can now be seen at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware.
- Even though the park surrounds it, the Belle Isle mansion is still privately owned. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, which means it's an important historical site.
Bel Air and Other Rentals
There's another house on the park grounds called Bel Air. It's a colonial revival style house, also designed by Waterman. You can actually rent Bel Air for overnight stays! There's also a smaller cottage available for rent if you want to spend a night or two in the park.
Fun Things to Do at Belle Isle
Belle Isle State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages. It's a fantastic place to enjoy nature and have an adventure!
Camping and Stays
If you love spending time outdoors, the park has a great campground.
- You can bring your own RV or tent.
- They also have trailers you can rent if you don't have your own camping gear.
- It's a perfect way to experience the park's beauty day and night.
Boating and Water Fun
The park is right on the Rappahannock River, making it ideal for water activities.
- There's a special place to launch your own boat.
- You can also rent boats directly from the park.
- It's a wonderful way to explore the river and enjoy the peaceful waters.
Trails for Adventure
Belle Isle has a network of trails for different kinds of outdoor fun.
- Some trails are just for hiking, where you can walk and explore the natural surroundings.
- Other trails are "multi-use," meaning you can hike, bike, or even ride horses on them.
- These trails let you discover the park's diverse landscapes and spot wildlife up close.
