New for 2012!  Spiritriders Covered Wagon Rides at Virginia's Explore Park.
Begins Memorial Day Weekend and runs through the weekend of November 4.

Climb aboard the covered wagon for a ride through the pristine beauty of Virginia's Explore Park and travel back in time as you walk through the 19th Century Village and marvel at the extraordinary historic cabins, barn, blacksmith shop, one room school house and the old grist mill.

Historic narration is provided by Spiritriders’ Susan C. Hall, who is well-versed in the real life character she portrays. Her musical renditions of traditional tunes are always enjoyed by the folks who leave wanting more of her spunk and talent.

Bring your appetite too, as Spiritriders offers a full catered meal at the Saturday evening event. On Friday nights and Sunday afternoons a lighter meal is offered. The food is prepared by Roanoke’s finest who take pride in preparing homemade bread, hearty side dishes and extraordinary barbeque. Reservations are a must as we take pride in offering great meals in a remote area, so planning is a necessity.

On Saturdays, come out for Ladies of the Lake, a group of three well-seasoned women with big voices, great musicality and a love of Explore Park and history. The Ladies perform every Saturday night during our 4-hour event. Their costumes and songs reflect a time in history in keeping with the 19th Century Village. These women are fun, highly gifted and just simply fun to listen to. As guests of Spiritriders you will hear some great ole’ time tunes that will bring a smile to your face.

For prices, reservations and times, please call Mikel at (540) 597-4931 or email .

VRFA Meeting Notice: April 17, 2012 

Located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke, VA, Explore Park’s 1100 acres provide nature lovers the opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty and wild life while hiking, riding a mountain bike, or just strolling through the area. The Park’s IMBA-sanctioned 9 miles of mountain bike trails, a one mile Foresters Interpretive Trail, and Rutrough Point on the Roanoke River are open for your enjoyment. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the Roanoke River can be accessed at the Park’s Rutrough Point at the end of Rutrough Road. The outdoor areas are open year ‘round for your outdoor fun.

See our Biking and Hiking Trail Map for more information.

Explore Park is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center where visitors will find information about the Parkway and the Roanoke Valley and enjoy the unique gift shop featuring gifts, candies, and Parkway memorabilia. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm May through October.

Explore Park also has numerous historic structures from the region which were carefully reconstructed on site in its living history museum; however, the living history museum is currently closed to the public, while the park’s governing body, the Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, develops plans for the future.

Virginia Recreation Facilities Authoity meets the third Tuesday of every month. For more information, contact Judy Cunningham or Executive Director Debbie Pitts.

The Board is seeking partners to develop outdoor recreation venues and events, provide outfitter services, programs, and retail opportunities. If you would like to get involved in this planning process, present a proposal, or would like more information, please email Debbie Pitts, Executive Director.