Attractions & Recreation

Courthouse Village – With a very quaint feel and small town charm, the Historic District of Powhatan Courthouse Village is the centerpiece for many annual activities and events including parades and festivals. It features a mix of historic homes, office and commercial space, restaurants, an historic bed and breakfast inn, and a 55-year and older retirement village. National Register of Historic Places www.powhatanva.gov

Powhatan Historical Society – Founded in 1977 and located in the “Old Jail” building behind the Courthouse, the Powhatan Historical Society has a small museum dedicated to Powhatan history. They have tours and publications for anyone interested in learning more about Powhatan County, and conduct a bi-annual historic home tour. 804-598-1139 or www.powhatanhistoricalsociety.org

Powhatan Fairgrounds – Conveniently located on Route 60, the fairgrounds play host to numerous events throughout the year to include the following: Lawn Mower races sponsored by the Virginia Lawn Mower Racing Association in June, Mahone’s Forge (an historical adventure for school children) in the Fall, and the County fair in September. 804-598-2924 or www.powhatanfair.org

Powhatan State Park on the Historic James – A 1,564-acre state park located on the northernmost tip of Powhatan is in the planning stages and development will occur pending state funding. www.dcr.virginia.gov

James River, public boat ramps – The Virginia Department of Game and InlandFisheries maintains two public boat landings on the James River, located at Beaumont, just south of Maidens on Route 522, and Watkins Landing, located off of Huguenot Trail Road. www.dgif.state.va.us

Appomattox River – Powhatan claims as its southern border this scenic and historic river.

Powhatan Wildlife Management area –Under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Powhatan’s Wildlife Management Area covers 4,462 acres, which provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking. www.dgif.state.va.us

Belmead Mansion – Built in the mid 1800’s, is located on approximately 1,200 acres of land overlooking the James River. A slave cemetery is located on the premises, but only one grave is marked. Horse lovers from near and far come to to ride over 30 miles of trails located on the property (Stables and Riding Club, 804-598-4907). National Register of Historic Places.

St. Emma –Formerly located on the property of Belmead, St. Emma Military Academy opened in 1895. St. Emma was exclusively for African-American men and in 1964 had a peak enrollment of 370 cadets. Mainly due to desegregation, St. Emma closed its doors in 1972. Sometime thereafter, the majestic school was demolished.

St. Francis – Established in the late 1800’s, St. Francis de Sales School for Girls still stands on the property adjoining Plantation. St. Francis was an exclusive Catholic school for Native and African-American women. St. Francis closed in 1970. A foundation has been established in an effort to restore and reuse the buildings of St. Francis. The two majestic castles of Belmead Mansion and St. Francis, located less than a half mile from each other, overlook the historic James River. www.katharinesfoundation.org

VA Civil War Sites – Powhatan County has five sites that are part of the Virginia Civil War Trails system. Although Powhatan was not the nation. General Richard S. Ewell and his troops split up and crossed the Appomattox River in southern Powhatan in two places. Retreating Confederate soldiers passed through the Courthouse area. General Robert E. Lee spent his last bivouac in the Huguenot Springs area after visiting his brother’s Powhatan farm. Huguenot Springs was also home to a Confederate convalescent hospital, where locals volunteered their time and limited resources to care for the wounded soldiers. A memorial remains honoring the 250 soldiers buried in a mass grave nearby. After spending time in Richmond, General Lee moved to Powhatan in June 1865 to a home he called “Derwent.” While there, he encouraged unity and peace “to obliterate the effects of the war.” www.civilwartraveler.com

Cozy Acres Family Campground – Family owned and operated, Cozy Acres offers over 100 sites for tents and RV’s, a rustic cabin with no amenities, and two cottages with kitchen and bath. Other facilities include a swimming pool, fenced in kid’s pool, clubhouse, large picnic shelter, bath house, laundry room, trading post, arcade, volleyball area, horseshoe area, and catch and release pond with gazebo. For a fee, you may try your luck at the farm-raised catfish pond. 804-598-2470 or www.cozyacres.com

Fighting Creek Park – This 220-acre park is home to the Powhatan Public Library, the National Guard Armory, the YMCA, numerous athletic fields, a large playground, hiking trails, and picnic shelters. 804-598-5764 or www.powhatanva.gov

Golf – Powhatan has three 18-hole golf courses. Mill Quarter Plantation (804-598-4221 or www.millquarter.com )and the Independence Golf Club (804-897-8641 or www.independencegolfclub.com ) are open to the public. The Foundry at Fine Creek is a private golfing facility. The Independence is also home to the Virginia State Golf Association golf and Education Center.

The Mill at Fine Creek – A beautiful and enchanting gem, the Mill at Fine Creek has facilities for weddings, banquets, or other special events. Catering and flowers are also available. On this 10-acre historic property, you will find remnants of an old gristmill; remnants of Fine Creek Manor built in the 1700’s, but destroyed by fire in 1928; beautiful landscaping, and the Fine Creek itself running over a vast area of solid rock. National Register of Historic Places 804-379-8211 or www.themillatfinecreek.com

Performing Arts Foundation of Powhatan – Established in 2005, the PAFOP has the purpose “to advance artistic and cultural diversity in Powhatan for the enjoyment and education of our citizens and as a means of building community”. The PAFOP hosts and has hosted events, such as, the Shanghai Quartet, the Latin Ballet of Virginia, Taste of Powhatan, Jazz in July, and art exhibits at the library. 804-598-6969 or www.artsofpowhatan.org

Powhatan is for Film Lovers – Powhatan welcomes and encourages the film industry to explore the County. HBO Films has been in Powhatan filming scenes for their miniseries on our second President, John Adams. Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks is the film’s producer. Powhatan’s farmland proved perfect for some of the more rural scenes of the film.

Oakdale Farm – Powhatan’s premier equestrian facility is located on Cartersville Road. From beginner to advanced, Oakdale Farms offers dressage clinics, cross country jumping, indoor and outdoor rings, and horse trails. 804-379-9007 or www.oakdalehorsefarm.com

Scottville Connector Trail – A walking trail is being planned to connect the County’s premiere 55-year old and older community with Fighting Creek Park (home of the public library and YMCA).