henricus historical park

cherylh903

We've seen the brown sign for this probably 100 times or more and finally decided to take a side trip and check it out. Henricus was founded in 1611 by English settlers coming from Jamestown. Sir Thomas Dale named the site "Henryco" in honor of Henry, Prince of Wales. It's a living history museum that shows you the life of the second successful English settlement in North America. It covers 32 acres on the James River. You can also explore an Arrohateck Indian village. The most interesting part to me was an armor breastplate that showed different bullet holes from different types of guns and from different distances.

Chanteuse45

The guides were fantastic, full of information and excitement about the discovery of the early settlement at Henricus and insights into the life of the settlers there.

lisah291

My husband and I happened upon this wonderful under-appreciated and under-publicized state park in Virginia while driving I-295 south. It is probably more closer to being the true site of Pocahontas' english conversion than any other place in Virginia. We visited the colonial triangle and enjoyed our visit and the reenactments but this stop at Henricus Park enlightens and provokes you to definitely rethink all you have learned in grade school about the life in the colonies pre Revolution. The staff was fascinating and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend a stop by this state park and while there walk behind the fort for a breathtaking view of the James River. I am not sure why this app made me select type of visit while i was with husband, it is definitely family oriented or couples with even a five mile loop that many people were cycling or walking.

SanDar1972

This is a very interesting historic park that is often overlooked. Parks and Recreation really does a nice job of maintaining this park and the attendants are all very informative. I would recommend it, especially if you're a history buff.

HCrowder

Conveniently just a few miles from the I-95 Chester/Hopewell exit this is a blooming gem that is well worth the visit. With care and attention to detail they are growing into a first-class attraction that very nicely compliments other colonial attractions like Jamestown and Williamsburg. There's a nice marriage of the Native Americans and the early settlers interpretive exhibits and demonstrations.Perched on the cliffs overlooking the James River you'll have great views.Close proximity to conservation areas offer chances for running, hiking, cycling, birding and kayaking/canoeing.

WhitO5214

I learned so much! My husband decided to stop here to break up a road trip, and I'm so glad we did. The interpreters were very knowledgeable and exceptionally friendly. I recommend a visit and hope others will discover this hidden gem soon!

BajanMike

Step back in time to 1611 and experience the real colonial military outpost. Forget the disney version of Pocahontas. This is the real deal. The replica encampment built on the original location is staffed with very knowledgable individuals who dress in period garb and walk the walk, plant tobacco, tend the pigs and all the related tasks you had to do to establish an outpost in those dim days of the past. Fun for people of all ages from kids that like the armour, swords and rifles to adults that want to understand the varieties of tobacco or politics of the Powhatan confederation. You can find it all here. The real deal!!!

kkeith34

Really enjoyed the views of the river from this park. The historical part of this park is much larger and kept up than I expected! Also has trails, picnic tables, a small dock, visitor's center with restrooms, and plenty of parking.

Clevleand

I visited the fort and the people there are dressed in the 1600's era. They are extremely knowledgeable about the Native Americans and the English settlers. This is a good family fun place to visit. They have on their calendar events for children and adults. Being able to walk around and be guided through the fort was a great experience. The Native American side holds the old traditions of living.

jeannettey_12

lived in Richmond area over 3 years and finally decided we MUST go see HENRICUS; what a wonderful surprise . beautiful park; trails, ospreys, eagles, great blues, green herons, egrets great PHOTO OPPS.........we took the 4 hour SAT 8 am kayaking adventure, the guides whose names were DOT & DOT.........were wonderful, got some great photos and had a great time with the group..............BE sure you register ONLINE before going......you may not get in group if you just show up........it's reasonable and really a FUN NATURE FILLED ADVENTURE there is also a 3 hour option.......we also did some hiking near the Henricus village; quite a few miles of trails, see wildlife; hawks, deer, osprey etc.........

ron006

My wife and I stopped by on our way to the Colonial Triangle (Jamestown/Yorktown/Williamsburg). While much smaller than these other sites, Henricus was very much worth the time. The physical structures of the English and 'Natural' villages were very well done and the interpreters were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and happy to spend their time with you. Out the back of the village is a park with a stunning overlook of the river. Well worth the time!

librarysal

The review of this sounded interesting and was cheaper than Jamestown or Williamsburg, so we went. While this is a nice place for school groups, there was too much walking around to see very little. It was raining (drizzle when we first arrived) so we were only able to see a bit before thunder and lightning made it dangerous to stay. Skip it and head to Jamestown.

PolishGirl54

We were in the area for the night, saw the sign on the highway and trip advisor reviews so gave the park a try. We enjoyed our visit despite all the second graders on field trips. The interpretive guides were wonderful and recreation very well done.

eugenes843

My family and I went there on a Sunday. I think it would have been a lot more fun on another day. There were only two reinactors there and not many people. Many stuff was under construction, but the buildings were all very nice and the people that were there were very helpful and informative.

nnsanci

This site is wonderful, and much better than Jamestown in many ways. The site hosts a lot of school groups, so the presentations are done with kids in mind -- but it is still a delightful way for adults to spend an afternoon. The site is much less crowded than Jamestown and much more authentic. Every staff member I encountered was very polite and kind and willing to share their knowledge of this important site.