Doswell – Attractions, Horse History and Hiking Trails

Start with Your Travel Interests

Would you like your stay to focus mainly on rides, horse history, an agricultural event or hiking trails? First decide which focus matters to you. That way, you can plan your trip around your interests rather than combining different experiences under a general theme.

Theme Park and Water Park

Kings Dominion has 13 roller coasters and offers more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. The first figure refers to a single category, while the second covers several types of offerings. The number of roller coasters may change with future additions or other changes; the overall range of offerings may also evolve over time. If roller coasters are important to your trip, the specific number is a helpful point of reference, while the broader figure also includes shows and other attractions.

Soak City features extreme water slides. The water park also includes Coconut Shores, the redesigned play area. This describes different water park offerings: slides alongside a specially designed play area. If you’re planning your trip mainly around theme park and water park activities, you can consider these separately.

Horse History and the State Fair

Secretariat was born, raised and first trained at Meadow Event Park, formerly known as Meadow Stable. The foaling shed is the same structure in which Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970. The shed was moved from its original location and is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. The biographical story and the precisely dated building offer two different perspectives on horse history.

The annual State Fair of Virginia offers more than 300 hours of family entertainment, an action-packed amusement area and agricultural education programs. The program may change from year to year, so check the event dates and the schedule for that year if the fair is a deciding factor in your trip. Heritage Village displays tractors, steam engines, tools and children’s toys used in Virginia since the early 20th century. The Natural Resources Area display includes facilities belonging to Virginia state agencies, a giant turtle and horseshoe crabs. Exhibits may vary by fair season.

Battle History, Hiking Trails and Water

North Anna Battlefield Park is the site of the Battle of North Anna, fought in May 1864. It covers 172 acres and has more than 6 miles of hiking trails. These figures describe different measures: the area refers to the park, while the trail length refers to its hiking trails. Visitors interested in the battle’s history will find a specific historical connection here; for hikers, the trail length is a separate factor to consider when planning.

North Anna Ramp in Doswell offers a different focus, with a small boat launch. The interests described here are therefore quite distinct, ranging from hiking trails and a historic site to a facility related to boating.

Discover more destinations: Mechanicsville.

For the wider travel overview: Hanover County.