The Mattaponi River and the history of small towns give Caroline County two distinct directions to explore. Along the river, shorelines and wildlife watching take center stage; in Port Royal and at historic buildings, you’ll encounter other chapters of the region. You can shape your stay around your own interests without confusing nature destinations with historic sites.
Riverbanks and Wildlife Watching
The Mattaponi Bluffs WMA covers 470 acres and borders the Mattaponi River for about 1.5 miles. Bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons are often seen there. The figures for the area and its river frontage make its scale tangible; at the same time, the birdlife points to a special focus for nature enthusiasts.
Farther southeast, between Frog Level and Aylett, lies the Robert W. Duncan WMA. It covers more than 1,300 acres and borders the Mattaponi River for about three miles. It is therefore larger than the Mattaponi Bluffs WMA in both area and river frontage. The river offers opportunities for wildlife watching, including bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, migratory warblers, shorebirds, and amphibians.
Wildlife and wildflowers offer additional subjects to observe at Pettigrew WMA. The plants include the rarely found showy orchis; otters and muskrats are also among the wildlife you may see there.
If you’re interested in trails and waterways, there are other named destinations to explore. The Caroline Woodland Trail is on Devils Three Jump Road in Ruther Glen. The Bowling Green Walkabout is a pedestrian destination on Main Street in Bowling Green. The Port Royal Water Trail includes a canoe and kayak launch at the end of King Street. These three names point to different ways of getting around: a named trail, a pedestrian destination, and a water trail with a launch.
Traces of Local History
Five Virginia Civil War Trails stops are located in Caroline County. The Caroline County Courthouse tells an earlier story of construction: it was built in the early 1830s, replacing a nearby former courthouse. Old Mansion dates back even further. The building was constructed in 1741; during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and his troops camped on the grounds.
Port Royal was founded in 1744. Largely contained within its original boundaries, the town preserves the character of an early Tidewater river town. This date and historic character offer a different perspective from the building histories of the Courthouse and Old Mansion. The Caroline Historical Society also features exhibits on Caroline County history.
Events and a Look at Everyday Life in the County
Meadow Event Park is a multi-purpose event venue in Caroline County and hosts the State Fair of Virginia. The 331-acre property includes original structures; its horse-racing history is linked to Riva Ridge, Secretariat, and the broodmare Hildene. Self-guided tours are currently available there. The site brings together historic structures, horse-racing history, and a present-day role as an event venue.
The Caroline County Agricultural Fair is a local tradition dating back to 1918. Its offerings include food and an interactive milking experience for all ages. The Jane & Arthur Flippo Foundation Heritage Center explores the history of agriculture, lumber processing, trade, everyday life, and education in and around Caroline County. Together, these offerings provide insight into different aspects of life in the county, from its agricultural heritage to education and trade.
If you’re visiting the visitor center, you can plan around its listed hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the hours again before your visit.
Discover More Destinations
Amherst County, Botetourt, Culpeper County, Chesapeake, Dinwiddie County, Northampton County, Pulaski County.
For the parent travel overview: Virginia.
