Honestly, most people treat Chesterfield County like a giant suburb of Richmond. They see the strip malls along Hull Street or the commuters flying down Midlothian Turnpike and figure they’ve seen the whole story. They haven't. If you actually slow down, you’ll find that the list of things to do in Chesterfield VA is surprisingly weird, historic, and rugged in ways the marketing brochures don't always capture.
You've got 17th-century citadels sitting next to modern breweries. You have trails where you can find 11,000-year-old artifacts. It's a place where you can go from a world-class award-winning brewery to a swampy conservation area in about ten minutes flat.
The Great Outdoors (Without the Crowds)
Most folks head straight to Pocahontas State Park. Look, it’s 7,900 acres of gorgeousness, and for good reason. It’s huge. But if you want to do it right in 2026, skip the main pool area during the summer peak. Instead, hit the Beaver Lake Trail for a sunrise hike. The way the light hits the water through the cypress trees is basically spiritual.
If you’re into something a bit grittier, check out Dutch Gap Conservation Area. It’s tucked behind a power plant, which sounds sketchy, but it’s actually one of the best birding spots on the East Coast. You’ll see bald eagles and blue herons just hanging out. The loop trail is about 4.5 miles. It’s flat, easy, and feels like you’re deep in the bayou.
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Water and Wheels
- Swift Creek Reservoir: This is the spot for kayaking. You can't swim in it (it's a water source), but paddling out there at dusk is the move.
- Rockwood Park: They have a public archery range. Seriously. Just bring your own bow and arrows.
- Mid-Lothian Mines Park: This place is spooky and cool. It’s the site of the first commercial coal mines in America. The ruins of the old stone stack look like something out of a Scottish moor.
The History You Weren't Taught
Everyone knows about Jamestown, but Henricus Historical Park is the "second" permanent English settlement (founded 1611). It’s a living history museum, but it feels less "theme park" than Williamsburg. You can walk through the recreated Powhatan village and the English fort. They don't sugarcoat things here; the interpreters will talk your ear off about the "Starving Time" and the brutal realities of the 1622 uprising.
Then there's the Magnolia Grange House Museum. It’s a Federal-style plantation house built in 1822. It’s basically a time capsule of how the upper crust lived before the world changed. If you’re a Civil War buff, you’ve got to hit Point of Rocks Park. You can still see the physical earthworks left by Union soldiers. It’s a sobering reminder of what happened in these woods.
Where to Eat and Drink Like a Local
Forget the chains. If you’re looking for the real Chesterfield, go to Three Leg Run in Chester. This place is a brewery, winery, and meadery all under one roof. It’s named after a Jack Russell Terrier that refused to use all four legs. Their "Working an Angle" English amber ale literally won a medal at the World Beer Cup. It’s legit.
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Casual Bites and Fine Dining
For something classic, the Half Way House is a must. It was built in 1760. Famous people like Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette actually ate there. It’s fine dining now, but the atmosphere is heavy with history.
On the flip side, if you just want to grab a beer and some pizza with the kids, Uptown Alley is the chaotic-neutral choice. It’s got bowling, an arcade, and surprisingly good food. For a more "date night" vibe, The Boathouse at Sunday Park offers views of the reservoir that make the bill feel a lot more reasonable.
Hidden Gems for the Family
The Metro Richmond Zoo is technically in Chesterfield (Moseley, specifically), and it’s surprisingly interactive. You can feed giraffes by hand. It’s a bit of a trek, but it beats driving all the way to DC or Norfolk.
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If the weather is trash, the Children’s Museum of Richmond has a satellite location in Midlothian. It’s smaller than the downtown one but way easier to park at. Also, don't sleep on the Unplugged Games Café. You pay a small fee and can play any of their 1,300+ board games while eating a sandwich. It’s a great way to kill three hours without looking at a screen.
Practical Tips for 2026
- Traffic is real: 288 and Powhite Parkway get clogged. Plan your travel between 10 AM and 2 PM if you can.
- Park Fees: Pocahontas has a parking fee (usually around $7-10 depending on the day). Most other county parks are free.
- Reservations: For places like Henricus or specialized tours at the historic jails, call ahead. They aren't always open for walk-ins on weekdays.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip this weekend, start your morning at Pocahontas State Park for a trail run or bike ride. Grab lunch at a local spot like Fest Biergarten in Midlothian for some German-inspired comfort food. Spend your afternoon at Henricus to get your history fix, then wind down with a mead tasting at Three Leg Run.
Chesterfield isn't just a place you drive through to get to Richmond; it’s a destination that requires a bit of dirt on your boots to truly appreciate.