Lilly Pad

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

Osborne Park & Boat Landing, a 26-acre park on the James River in Henrico County, features three double boat slips and a canoe launch. An accessible fishing pier also extends out into the River. Adjacent to the Boat Landing, there is a playground, picnic areas/shelters, trails, access to the James River, and a handicap accessible fishing pier. The boat landing is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and managed by Henrico County Recreation and Parks. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

Osborne Park & Boat Landing

At the Fort Harrison Visitor Center, located in Henrico County, a self-guided, 20-minute walking trail takes visitors through the fort, which was captured by 3,000 Union soldiers on Sept. 29, 1864.

Fort Harrison Visitor Center

The Dutch Gap Conservation Area is 810 acres of diverse woods, wetlands and wildlife. Bordered by the beautiful and scenic James River, the area includes a blue heron rookery, the 4.5 mile Dutch Gap Trail, and the 2.5 mile Lagoon Water Trail. Fish along the River Trail and at five docks situated throughout the conservation area. The tidal waters include freshwater fish such as small and largemouth bass and blue catfish along with migratory species such as striped bass and American shad. Individuals and groups can schedule a private kayak/canoe tour in the tidal lagoon. A three-hour program includes nature guides, kayaks or canoes, paddles and flotation devices. Paddle time is about two hours. Minimum age is 7. For more information call 804-318-8735

Dutch Gap Conservation Area

Stand Up Paddle(SUP) The James River, Richmond, VA RVA, with the First ACA SUP certified Instructors in Central Virginia!

Black Dog Paddle-Chester

Upon returning to his prepared position on the Bermuda Hundred peninsula, General Benjamin F. Butler engineered a plan to build a canal across the small portion of land known as Dutch Gap. The canal’s intended purpose was to bypass Battery Dantzler and other Confederate fortifications along theJames River. The canal construction was begun in August 1864. Under the command of Brig. General D. S. Ludlow, construction was done primarily by African-American troops and continued well into December 1864 with over 67,000 cubic yards of material removed. All that was needed to complete the canal was the destruction of a dam and western bulkhead. On January 1, 1865 six tons of black powder were detonated under the bulkhead. However the bulkhead was not dislodged and the canal remained blocked. Soon thereafter the men working on the canal were assigned to the siege of Petersburg. In a January 4, 1865 letter General Grant requested that Butler be relieved of his command. The canal project was abandoned until after the Civil War. In the 1870’s Butler, then a member of the U.S. Congress, saw the canal completed. The Army Corps of Engineers widened the Dutch Gap Canal to its current extent in the 1930’s. The bluff at Henricus Historical Park marks the southern bank of Butler’s canal.

Dutch Gap Canal

Commemorating more than 400 years of history, Henricus Historical Park re-creates everyday 17th-century life in the second successful English settlement in North America and in the Virginia Indian site of Arrohateck. Due to its prime location as a military outpost on a bluff overlooking the James River, the site also boasts rich Revolutionary War and Civil War history, which visitors may experience through special events and programs throughout the year. Surrounded by the 810 acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area, the living history museum offers exceptional Pre-K-12 and adult education programs, and both indoor and outdoor meeting and special event space. Henricus Historical Park is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that operates in partnership with the Henricus Foundation and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico. For more information about Henricus Historical Park visit www.henricus.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Henricus Historical Park is located off I-95 at exit 61-A, at 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA 23836. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission fees vary.

Henricus Historical Park

One of Chesterfield County's earliest taverns, the Half Way House was constructed between 1815-1830. The tavern derived its name from its location halfway between Richmond and Petersburg. During the Civil War, the building served as a military hospital and medical supply depot. It also was used as the headquarters for Union Gen. Benjamin F. Butler during the Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff in May of 1864. Union troops rallied here during the withdrawal to Bermuda Hundred following the Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff.

Half Way House Restaurant

One of Chesterfield County's earliest taverns, the Half Way House was constructed between 1815-1830. The tavern derived its name from its location halfway between Richmond and Petersburg. During the Civil War, the building served as a military hospital and medical supply depot. The tavern serves hungry travelers still today with nightly specials.

Fort Stevens was constructed in 1862 after the Seven Days Campaign, as part of the defenses of Richmond. The fort was the pivotal point for a Confederate counter-attack during the Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff on May 16, 1864, where Confederates halted Gen. Butler’s Army of the James in its advance toward Richmond. This was the largest battle of the Bermuda Hundred Campaign, involving over 35,000 troops. The park includes picnic areas and a trail along the earthworks

Fort Stevens

The fort at Drewry’s Bluff was the anchor point for the main line of defenses protecting Richmond from a southerly approach. Located just 8 miles downriver from Richmond, the fort was the main obstacle to a Federal water approach in the early years of the war. From this fort, an inner line of earthworks extended south to Fort Stevens and then west to the Richmond & Petersburg Railroad. A secondary outer line ran southwest from Fort Stevens to Wooldridge Hill. On May 15, 1862, a Federal flotilla led by the ironclad USS Monitor attempted to force its way past the fort to bombard Richmond. For three hours the battle raged, while the fate of Richmond hung in the balance. Finally, the Federal commander realized that the river blockade could not be breached and signaled for his fleet to withdraw. Richmond was never again seriously threatened by a water-based attack. Drewry’s Bluff has a walking trail, interpretive signs, an artillery piece and a viewing platform for the James River. Living history events are frequently held at the park during the spring, summer and fall. A self-guided trail leads visitors to a well-preserved Confederate fort. Located 12 miles south of Richmond, just off of U.S. 1. Sunrise-sunset daily. Free.

Drewry’s Bluff

Our Chinese restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

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