Images and editorial from Louisa County Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Small Town – Big Charm
Located in the heart of Central Virginia, less than an hour from Richmond, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg, Louisa County is a four-season region touted in both rural beauty and historical charm. It is home to one of Virginia’s largest freshwater inland lakes and is filled with country roads, rivers and streams, farm lands and rolling hills. It remains a growing community of businesses and entrepreneurs providing a diverse selection of endless opportunities for those seeking to experience the rural life in a variety of unique ways.
Discover Louisa County
Here in Louisa County, we recognize that both visitors and residents alike enjoy being a part of the experiences that are created here, which is why we believe in creating experiences that Build Community, Change Lives and Make Memories that we know will last beyond your stay with us. You have the opportunity to create endless memories that will last a lifetime; come be a part of the “Louisa Experience” by enjoying all that there is to offer, and what is yet to be discovered when you immerse yourself in the lifestyle and culture of Louisa.
Outdoor Attractions in Louisa County
Begin your journey with us on the serene waters of Lake Anna – a more popular vacation destination where you will find yourself simply relaxing, or out on the water fishing, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, tubing or canoeing. Just a short drive from Lake Anna, you can witness scenic attractions such as the Historic Courthouse and the Old Jail located on downtown Louisa, ride or walk the equestrian trails on the original battlefield of the Battle of Trevilian Station, or take a self-guided tour through a variety of different historical locations throughout the county. Did you know 150 years ago, the Battle of Trevilians Station in Louisa was the largest all-cavalry battle during the Civil War? In 2014, the town re-created this dramatic battle by bringing back hundreds of cavalry horses, mounted re-enactors, Infantry (foot soldiers), sutlers and townspeople, all whom were represented during this exciting, interactive weekend. Adults and children enjoyed living history talks, tours, entertainment and demonstrations, along with period dancing and games.
So Much to Do in Louisa County
In addition to our rich heritage, there are plenty of family-friendly activities and special events, local attractions, dining venues, our new cidery and award-winning wineries that are sure to offer you hours of entertainment.
Louisa County Events
Summer Events
Summertime kicks off our outdoor entertainment with a variety of summer concert events hosted at Lake Anna, and our annual “It’s Finally Friday” series designed for family and friends. The summer fun continues with Louisa’s annual, Heritage Day event where visitors are transported back in time to experience Louisa’s culturally diverse past, present and future through living history demonstrations. Be sure to visit us the second Saturday in June for Louisa County Chamber’s annual Street Festival where there will be more than 100 vendors, live music, carriage rides, fantastic food, kids activities and so much more! The last weekend in July, Louisa hosts a two-day event that has remained a county favorite for many years – The Louisa County Agriculture Fair. You will be sure to enjoy this old-fashioned event with many farm animals, antique farm equipment, games, food and entertainment!
Fall Events
As the weather cools down, our annual Fall Harvest Festival in October is the place to experience the best of Louisa as Louisa County Parks, Recreation and Tourism partners with the Mineral Farmers Market to host over 80 local vendors at Walton Park for a day of shopping, music and fun for youth. If you have the courage, join us the last two weeks in October for a walk or run through our “Haunted Trail” at the Betty Queen Center, or bring the kids to the new, “Happy Haunted” Trail that provides a variety of fun and exciting non-scary Halloween themed stations that your children are sure to love.
The fall months continue with Lake Anna’s annual, Grapes & Grains Festival and Louisa County Chamber of Commerce’s Corks, Forks & Memories Festival – both on the first Saturday in October. You will experience award winning wineries along with a variety of ciders, craft beers, local artisans, food vendors, demonstrations, book signings, live music and children’s activities. Louisa also offers a variety of charitable events in the fall months such an annual BBQ Competition and Car Show, a Chili Cook-off, a cycling event, a motorcycle benefit ride and much more!
Winter Events
We wrap up the family-friendly year with some wonderful, hometown events like our annual Louisa Christmas Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, Ugly Christmas Sweater walk/run and the Louisa Christmas Festival and Parade in December.
Outdoor Activities in Louisa County
Events and festival are not all there is to experience in Louisa County; for those with a taste for the outdoors, just a short distance from Lake Anna, you will discover the beauty of Louisa’s rolling hills and countryside that offers a wide variety of recreational activities such as: hiking, cycling, swimming, putt-putt, tennis, golf and even horseback riding. We also have playgrounds for your little ones at a variety of locations throughout the county. Our parks aren’t just for the little ones though, we also have a dog park on New Bridge Road that is open to the public for our four-legged friends.
Swimming, anyone? A public pool is available at the Betty J. Queen complex, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The pool’s reasonable prices and daily entertainment for youth make it a great place to spend summer days when you can’t get on the lake. You will also find a nine-hole disc golf course located at the Betty Queen Center which is free and open to all ages.
Louisa County’s Arts and Entertainment
Encounter Louisa’s culture of fine arts and theater when you experience the eloquence and quality of a Broadway performance in the setting of a rural community at the Louisa Arts Center – the epicenter of performance, visual, musical and cultural arts in Louisa. If you are seeking a performing arts venue, a place to enjoy artwork in a gallery setting, or participate in a painting class over a glass of wine with friends…this is the place for you!
Stay in Louisa County
Wind down after an exhilarating and full day of adventure by simply relaxing in one of our beautifully restored historical bed & breakfasts – Prospect Hill Plantation Inn, The Boxley Place, The Whistle Stop or the Ginger Hill Bed & Breakfast. You can stay at a breathtaking waterfront vacation rental at Lake Anna, or campout at one of our fun, family-friendly campsites – Small Country Campground or Christopher Run Campground – where you can take in the quiet and serene atmosphere of Louisa County at its finest.
Whether it’s a performance at the Louisa Arts Center, an outdoor adventure on the lake, exploring our rich heritage, enjoying our list of signature events, a place to enjoy a great meal at a local eatery, or a visit to one of our wineries and cidery – you can find out where to go and what to do at VisitLouisa.com and on our Facebook page, Visit Louisa Events Page. Both sites provide an ongoing, year-round events calendar. Each event offers a unique opportunity to connect with our small town charms that compel visitors to return to Louisa year after year.
When you visit Louisa County you will discover the authentic and creative experiences that come from a Small Town with Big Charm! This season, unplug, reconnect and discover Louisa County!
