Richmond, Virginia Area Family Day Trips, Drewry's Bluff & Fort Darling

You live around Richmond, Virginia and you need an inexpensive afternoon trip for the family? Would you like to get to see a lot history and wouldn't mind a little nature thrown in? Then there is just the place for you.

Fort Darling at Drewry's Bluff overlooking the James River in Chesterfield County was the site of the major Confederate defensive work along the James below Richmond during the War. It was also the location of the Confederate Naval Academy and the Confederate Marine Corps Camp of Instruction.

Two Federal attacks on Richmond, one by land and one by ironclads on the river were beaten back at this important defensive installation. Today you may walk around the remains of the earthworks and view one of the cannon with its commanding view out over the bend in the James River. As you do so, just imagine this gun booming out its defiance at the US ironclads Monitor, Galena along with three other gunboats on May 15, 1862. Look over the wooded interior of the fort and imagine it as it once was, cleared and full of eager young naval cadets, ready to serve a new nation. Right or wrong, whether you believe in their cause or not, they gathered here to serve should be remembered.

Today the Fort is part of the National Park Services' Richmond National Battlefield Park, headquartered at Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond. While the whole Richmond Battlefield Park is of course worth visiting, realistically you cannot hope to take in the entire thing in one day. However, Fort Darling does make a nice afternoon activity for a family. You may consider combining an afternoon at Drewrys' Bluff with a morning at the nearby Bellwood Flea Market on a Saturday; they are only about two miles apart.

The fort sits on a high bluff over the river and getting to it involves a pleasant walk through the woods. You are likely to see some Virginia wildlife during your visit. Needless to say, you should stay on the marked paths and avoid direct encounters with the any wildlife which you do encounter. Staying on the path will also help prevent you coming across any poison ivy which does grow in the area.

You should definitely bring your camera as there are some spectacular views of the James River to be had from the top of the bluff. Try and pick a nice day, weather wise, for your visit and dress appropriately. Each season of the year have its own unique beauty on this high bluff above the scenic James River.

Both parking and admission are free at this site so gas getting here are your only cost. The park is open sunrise to sunset every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. You may get to the park by taking either Interstate 95 or US Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway) south, out of Richmond. Before you get to Chester, Virginia, near the Bellwood exit, you will find a sign for "Fort Darling/Drewrys' Bluff." Simply take this exit and follow the signs. The entrance to the unit is actually visible off of I-95, from the northbound lanes since the fort is located to the east of the interstate.

Remember, if you go, dress appropriate to the weather since this is an outdoor activity. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended. Do not forget your camera and a set of binoculars might be nice for the view from the top of the bluff. Enjoy yourself and remember to treat this historical site with respect.