Name: Hops in the Park
Start: 2026-11-07
End: 2026-11-07

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

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

Serves a Japanese and Sushi cuisine for lunch and dinner with dine-in or take-out available.

Narita Japanese Sushi Restaurant

Our restaurant offers a wide array of Chinese dishes. You can dine in or order your favorite dishes for take out.

China Kitchen

Are you looking for fun things to do near Richmond, VA? Check out The Escape Adventures Escape Room—Our veteran-owned & family-friendly escape room in Chester with thrilling adventures for groups of all sizes. You and your team must work together to spot clues and solve a mystery in 60 minutes. Choose from 2 escape games 1. Blackbeard's Revenge (a pirate adventure) 2. Lab Rats (set in a medical facility) Searching for a team-building event or a birthday party venue for kids? We have 3 team-building packages. Expect unique insights from our owner Robert, drawing from his time in the Army. Our birthday parties include loads of fun activities for kids & adults—hosted by a dedicated party host! Visit theescapeadventures.com and start booking!

Escape Adventures

Authentic Thai cuisine with soups, salads, entrees and desserts.

Bangkok Thai

Cesare's Ristorante & Pizza

Family-owned restaurant serving salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and seafood platters.

River's Bend Grill

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

Perfect for craft-beer fans, families, and fall festival lovers!  
At Hops in the Park, visitors can talk with historical interpreters about what it was like to live on the banks of the James River in the early 1600’s. Learn about Sir Thomas Dale, Pocahontas or just enjoy the views of the James River! Listen to live music at the blacksmith and bluff stages while you explore the park. Children are welcome and families are encouraged to explore the historic site; please supervise children at all times.  
3,000+ Yearly Guests  
Last year, over 3,000 guests joined us to celebrate Virginia’s craft beer and history! Come for the breweries, local vendors and the live music. Your support makes a real impact.

Hops in the Park

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