17 Best Parks in Fredericksburg, VA

Fredericksburg, an Independent City, is in Virginia, United States. The entire area of this city is around 27 km square.

Fredericksburg, popularly known as the home of the iconic President George Washington, is filled with history, nature spots, and more.

It is also a fully packed tourist destination with fun and exciting activities. Whether searching for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, this city has something for everybody.

Are you planning a fun time in Fredericksburg? Here are the best parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

Parks in Fredericksburg, VA

1. City Dock Park

City Dock dates to the 16th century and, for years, had a ferry that transported people across the Rappahannock River to Ferry Farm, George Washington’s childhood residence.

At the time of the civil war, a pontoon bridge here granted access to Fredericksburg.

City Dock is a charming open park with a boardwalk area for fishing, a boat ramp, and benches. It is also an excellent place to launch your kayak or stand-up paddle board.

City Dock Park is open throughout the year, and public fishing is allowed the entire day every day of the week. It is inarguably one of the fun parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

Address:207 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States

2. Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is an almost 4-acre property and Fredericksburg’s first “smart” Park.

The Park features stunning Rappahannock River views and includes event and open spaces.

Riverfront Park also has a bike rack, a bike repair station, security cameras, and free Wi-Fi solar-powered lights.

The Park is the first in the region to provide these solar-powered lighting, free public Wi-Fi, security camera, and flood sensors.

The Wi-Fi services help guests to use the Internet through their phones and other wireless-enabled devices.

Address: 713 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, United States

3. Alum Spring Park

This hidden treasure in Fredericksburg is a perfect haven for every nature lover. It is one of the best parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

The beautiful Alum Spring Park, situated at the end of Greenbrier Drive, has everything you need for a day of outdoor adventure.

The Park has a horseshoe pit, grills, picnic tables, walking paths, and play equipment. You can cool off during the summer in the shade the trees provide or picnic with family and friends.

Alum Spring Park is open daily from dawn to dusk and is the ideal spot to visit if you want to escape urban life.

If you are visiting with family, this Park is also a fantastic place to stay with kids. Since the Park has grills, you can bring your lunch and spend a lovely day in the heart of nature.

Address:1 Greenbrier Dr., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States

4. Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area

Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area provides an ideal afternoon or weekend retreat from urban attractions.

The area is a delight for nature lovers, with over 800 acres of deciduous woodland encircling Motts Run Reservoir and over 12 miles of biking and hiking trail.

These trails meander through many woodlands and points from which to scan the lake.

While strolling through the forest, keep your eyes out for stately white-tailed deer or search the canopy for roosting great-horned owls.

Motts Run Reservoir is a haven for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. The Motts Run Nature Center offers several hands-on nature displays and other activities and programs. You can also bring your boat.

With the Park’s orienteering course, the nature center opening only on weekend afternoons, picnic tables, over 4 miles of hiking trails, canoes, picnic tables, and grill and kayak rentals, there is so much fun waiting for you when you arrive.

Address: 6600 River Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, United States

5. The Duff Park

The Duff Park Off-Leash Area is divided into two dog part sections and another section for all dogs, encompassing nearly seven acres of fenced land.

All three areas of the property contain plentiful grasses, agility equipment toys, shaded zones, and many places for visitors to sit.

The vast location of the Duff Park Off-Leash Area contains a small dog park unit for small dogs, a park for dogs weighing over 30 pounds, and a large off-leash area for all sizes of pets.

There are sports fields and nature trails that loop through the wood near the river, while the extensive grassy areas make this a perfect location for your pet to run, play and exercise during the day.

Duff Park Off-Leash Area provides bag and water dispensers so guests can clean up after their pets and keep the area tidy. There are also many trash bins around for owners to get rid of the waste bags.

Dogs are prohibited from the playgrounds and must always be leashed when leaving the designated area.

You can hike along the river or play fetch with your dog at the park area of your choice.

Plentiful vegetation is around, so you can take a calming stroll alongside your four-legged furry best friend while enjoying the fresh air.

The Duff Park Off-Leash Area is a fantastic way to spend a day with your furry friend.

Address:75 James Ashby Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, United States

6. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

This National Park in Virginia honors four main battles fought in the American Civil War: The Wilderness, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Spotsylvania.

Several memorials and monuments are located inside the Park, including the Fifth Corps Monument, the 127th Pennsylvania Volunteer Monument, and Humphrey’s Division Monument.

The Park is also home to four important buildings during the civil war: Salem Church, Ellwood Manor, Chatham Manor, and the house where Stonewall Jackson passed away.

During summer, guided walking tours are provided around the battlefields and the Park.

If you are visiting in the remaining seasons, you can take a personal walking tour and read the exhibits and plagues while you roam.

Address:1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States

7. Dixon Park

Dixon Park is a 46-acre park that features athletic fields, an outdoor swimming pool, a free playfield for community use, playground equipment, restrooms, 1.5 miles of trails, a Fitness Trail by Fit Trail, a bike rack, nature preserve areas, and an outdoor roller hockey rink. It is one of the top parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

The Park’s Jogging Walking Trail is paved and starts at the kiosk. It is marked to aid you in tracking your distance.

The Fit Trail contains ten interactive stations, including a side bend, balance walk, pull-up bar, hamstring stretch, calf stretch, sit-up bench, tension release, and hamstring pull benches.

Guests will discover these fitness stations along the 0.56 miles of asphalt looped path within the Park. The Trail is ADA-accessible and is open to all users.

Fit Trail produced the fitness trail kit, which contains features that work on all five fitness areas through a person’s muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.

The equipment is easy and uses an individual’s body weight for resistance. The Trail has a signage at its end, and all the stations contain tips on how to use the Trail.

Address:1300 Dixon St, Fredericksburg, VA 22407, United States

8. Old Mill Park

Old Mill Park is along the Rappahannock River, with convenient access to the water for swimming.

Many mills were in the Park’s current location from the 18th to the 20th century, giving it its name.

These were tremendously vital in the development of commerce along the Rappahannock River, which aided in the growth and development of Fredericksburg.

Old Mill Park features picnic shelters, soccer fields, outdoor grills, restrooms, a playground, and riverfront views. It also contains a kayak boat lunch and a canoe.

The Park is an idyllic place to relax on a warm day, so come with your loved ones and make the most of it. It is undoubtedly one of the best parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

Address: 2201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States

Virginia makes one of the top places to visit in the United States. Check out the list of things to do in Salem, and things to do in Portsmouth for a fun time.

9. Hurkamp Park

The historic Hurkamp Park, located in the center of downtown Fredericksburg features a fountain, public restroom, benches, and brick walls.

The Park is the location of the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market, where the playfield farmers sell their produce on some weekday mornings and Saturdays.

Craft shows, concerts, occasional events, and festivals also take place in the Park.

Stop by the Fredericksburg LOVE sign near the Park and take a picture to show your loved ones.

Hurkamp Park also has restrooms, bike racks, and bike repair stations.

The Park is open to the public and available for rentals every day except during Farmers Market hours.

Address: Prince Edward St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, United States

10. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge features more than 600 acres of protected forest, grasslands, and wetlands where native flora and fauna thrive.

This wildlife refuge is tucked in between the River Potomac and Occoquan.

Before it became a wildlife refuge, it served as a testing location for the United States Army.

Subsequently, it was taken over by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and turned into a wildlife refuge.

Visiting this natural attraction allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature overflowing with local wildlife.

You can also hike or bring your bicycle here and traverse its scenic trails.

Address: 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

11. Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve

The Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve is an incredible natural attraction near Fredericksburg.

It offers diverse nature exploration due to its unique landscape that transitions from forested areas to marshlands.

The whole wetland preserve encompasses 230 acres with a convenient trail to hike for guests. Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve is also a terrific spot for birdwatching.

Visiting this natural attraction allows you to appreciate the captivating views of the natural mosaic created from the gorgeous wetlands and forested areas.

The Julie Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve is in Woodbridge, VA, approximately 1 hour from Fredericksburg.

Address: 15875 Neabsco Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

12. Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is near Woodbridge’s three popular natural attractions: the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve, and Marumsco Creek.

After exploring these outdoor attractions, go straight to the Veterans Memorial Park, which is overflowing with exciting outdoor activities and sports.

As the city’s primary sports and recreation venue, the Veterans Memorial Park hosts countless local sports events, from volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and swimming.

If you are looking for where to stretch your muscle and get active in the neighboring city of Woodbridge, this is the ideal place to go.

You can partake in various sports, and if you have children, you can carry them to the Park’s playground.

Address:14300 Veterans Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

13. John Lee Pratt Memorial Park

The extensive John Lee Pratt Memorial Park is lauded for its numerous facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, a basketball and softball field, ten soccer fields, and a frisbee disc golf course.

This premier Park is ideal for competitive and fun use. It highlights a one-mile gravel track, horseshoe pit, nature trails, a one-mile walking and biking trail, a picnic pavilion with grills and tables, parking, a restroom, and a celebration stage.

Many rectangular fields and playground areas also make the Park perfect for lacrosse games and field hockey.

The younger visitors who can’t stay still will have the opportunity to burn off a little energy on the recreational playground. John Lee Pratt Memorial Park is undoubtedly one of the fun parks in Fredericksburg, VA.

Address:120 River Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, United States

14. Occoquan Regional Park

Occoquan Regional Park, located along the Occoquan River, has an excellent waterfront view.

At this 400-acre Park, you can begin your adventure at the Fairfax Cross Country Trail, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, or experience a section of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Occoquan Regional Park also has a 5-mile loop besides these famous tracks. Besides hiking, you and your loved one can play soccer on the field, hit the batting cages, take kayaks, or paddle on the river.

If possible, try to peek at the Packard Center’s interior to see the 1608 Room, which contains an interpretive art piece that represents John Smith surveying the Chesapeake Bay.

Address: 9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079, United States

15. Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge

The Featherstone National Wildlife is quite challenging to get to. Since it has limited access, guests can access this wildlife refuge via non-motorized boats along Neabsco Creek.

However, your struggle getting into the wildlife is paid off with stunning sceneries from its tidal marshes and wetlands spanning more than 325 acres.

Since the area is safeguarded, you will see many popular bird species, such as American Kestrels, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks, freely wandering there.

Address: 12638 Darby Brook Ct, Woodbridge, VA 22192, United States

16. Leeslyvania State Park

The Leeslyvania State Park is a sanctuary for outdoor lovers. The state park spans 500 acres featuring trails, camping grounds, boating docks, outdoor activity areas, fishing spots, and historical sites.

In those days, The Leeslyvania State Park was the home of Henry Lee II, the grandfather of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It is also believed that the state park was once a Native American Village.

During the civil war, Leeslyvania State Park served as a Confederate battery to fend off Union Navy ships attacking the area.

During your visit to the Park, you may come across the Lee residence and its chimney, while many graves remain untouched on the property.

Leeslyvania State Park’s eastern shoreline fronts the Potomac River. The waterfront setting draws many different water birds, such as terns, large waders, cormorants, gulls, and puddle and diving ducks.

The state park offers canoe trips from April to October to promote birdwatching opportunities in Powells Creek.

Aside from wetlands and water habitats, Leeslyvania State Park has six miles of trails through ancient deciduous forests where visitors can see woodpeckers, vireos, warbles, hawks, owls, and other woodland birds.

Guests should stop by the Park’s visitor center or office for extra information about the Park and its wildlife-watching opportunities.

Address: 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

17. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk permits you to enjoy the stunning view of the meadowlands and wetlands via an elevated boardwalk that extends for a mile along Occoquan Bay.

This natural attraction is a must-visit place for its gorgeous view of Occoquan Bay and its local wildlife.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is also a terrific place for birdwatching, where you will encounter mallards, herons, and blackbirds in their natural habitat.

Additionally, you will discover exotic insects and small reptiles in the area.

Address:15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States

Explore other parts of Virginia Check out our list of things to do in The Chantilly, things to do in Culpeper, and things to do in Ashburn.

Plan Your Trip to Fredericksburg

Although Fredericksburg contains many historical places for visitors interested in history, the city has other attractions.

The parks in Fredericksburg, VA, are great relaxation grounds. They are perfect for picnicking with loved ones and engaging in fun recreational activities.

Start planning your getaway or vacation in Fredericksburg now. A swell awaits you!