chesterfield county va tourism

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• Attractions

Chesterfield County Community Guide

Chesterfield County, founded in 1611, is an urban and rural suburb directly south of Richmond in Central Virginia.

Popular attractions in the county include Pocahontas State Park and Swift Creek Mill Theatre.

Demographics The county has a population of more than 350,000 people, according to the 2019 U.S. Census. It is 68 percent White, 24 percent Black and 8 percent other.

About 92 percent of the residents are high school graduates and 40 percent have a college bachelor’s degree or higher.

Real Estate More than 134,000 housing units have an average of 2.7 people per household. Owners occupy 76 percent of the housing. The median gross apartment and housing rent is $1,250 a month.

Schools The Chesterfield County Board of Education has five representatives.

The system has 39 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 11 high schools, and two career and technical centers. The total student population is nearly 63,000.

The main board of education office is located at 9900 Krause Road, Chesterfield, VA, 23832.

Government Joseph P. Casey is the county administrator. There are five county supervisors elected by district. They are:

• James Holland, Chair, Dale District
• Christopher Winslow, Vice Chair, Clover Hill District
• Kevin Carroll, Matoaca District
• Leslie Haley, Midlothian District
• Jim Ingle, Bermuda District

The government center is located at 9901 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. County services for the public include 10 libraries.

Economy The median household income is nearly $83,000 and the median per capita income is more than $37,000. Less than 7 percent of the population lives in poverty.

History Tobacco was first cultivated scientifically in America in 1612 at Bermuda Hundred by John Rolfe. Bermuda Hundred was incorporated as a town in 1614. It was the first incorporated town in America.

In 1614, Bermuda Hundred was incorporated as the first town in America.

Falling Creek was the first iron furnace in the New World and the first lead mines in America in the early 1620s.

During the 1700s, Mount Malady near Dutch Gap was the site of the first American hospital. Midlothian had the first commercially mined coal in America.

In the early 1800s:

– Bosher’s Dam near Bon Air became the first large multipurpose dam in Virginia – Midlothian Turnpike was the first paved road in Virginia. – The county had the first commercial tramway in America. Tramways were predecessors of railroads. – The first school for deaf mutes in America opened.

During the Civil War, corporal John B. Mackie became the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for a U.S. Marine. The Bermuda Hundred campaign was the only campaign fought all in one county.

Towns, Cities and Zip Codes Unincorporated towns include Bellwood, Bensley, Bon Air, Brandermill, Chester, Enon, Ettrick, Manchester, Matoaca, Meadowbrook, Rockwood CDP, Woodlake.

Zip codes include 23112, 23225, 23803, 23234, 23831, 23235, 23832, 23236, 23834, 23113, 23237, 23114, 23838, 23836, 23120, 23806, 23297.

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Come for the fields. Stay for the fun.

Chesterfield County has it all. Home to elite venues and an endless passion for the game, Play Chesterfield invites you to experience sports like never before. We know what’s important, and we get it right. From the field to the fun, your time in Chesterfield is what drives us. Come for the sport, and stay for the experience. 

Ideally situated in the Mid-Atlantic, Chesterfield County, Virginia is a premier sports destination located just two hours south of Washington, D.C. and within a six-hour drive for 30 million people. Our ample parking, safe communities, top-notch amenities, and enviable dining and lodging options separate Chesterfield from the rest. 

We’re ready to welcome you, and we’re committed to the win.

Featured Facilities

Bird Athletic Complex

Midlothian Tennis Club

Rockwood Park

River City Sportsplex

Richmond Volleyball Club

Horner Park

VSU Multi-Purpose Center

Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds

Pickleball Courts

Play chesterfield news & highlights.

Recreational Improvements Aim to Enhance Residents’ Quality of Life, Diversify Economy

When it comes to recreation in its many forms, Chesterfield has a solid foundation – “good bones,” some would say – and yet still so much room for growth. Accessing…

Diamonds In The Rough: Chesterfield Plans To Create Destination Softball Complex at Daniel Park

Based on the success of River City Sportsplex as both a community amenity and a sports tourism asset that drives economic activity through visitor spending, Chesterfield is working to apply…

Copa Talento, A Youth Soccer Clinic and Showcase Tournament, Coming to Chesterfield in July 2024

What “American Idol” has done for singers, Darwin and Anthony Murrillo are trying to do for youth soccer players. Recognizing there are many talented young people in America, particularly among…

International Soccer Friendly Showcases River City Sportsplex As High-Quality Event Venue

Since Chesterfield acquired River City Sportsplex in 2016, the 105-acre athletic facility has hosted thousands of athletes, coaches and families for a variety of sports tournaments. It has never come…

Meet the Team

J.C. has a passion for sports and the community. He’s a former college athlete who’s been involved in the region’s sports scene for 15 years. J.C. serves as the county’s first executive director of sports, visitation and entertainment and is ready to help make your next event a success in Chesterfield.

Katie Hardell

With 13 years in sports tourism, Katie pulls from her experience as a competitive high school and collegiate athlete to help ensure everyone’s time in Chesterfield is nothing short of elite. She works closely with venues, vendors and visitors to create seamless and memorable events throughout the county. An avid sports fan, Katie roots for the Kansas City Royals and the Tennessee Volunteers. When Katie isn’t working, she’s often serving as a referee for women’s college basketball and lacrosse.

Matt Mullen

Matt knows Chesterfield well as he grew up playing sports throughout the region before playing baseball at the collegiate level. As events & operations manager, Matt’s goal is to show others the fields and the fun in Chesterfield County by delivering an unparalleled experience from start to finish. Outside of Play Chesterfield, Matt enjoys cheering for the Richmond Spiders and rarely misses a Spiders’ home basketball game.

Elizabeth Hart

Elizabeth (Liz) has over 10 years’ experience in the social media/marketing industry and applies her knowledge to help build the Play Chesterfield brand. As a former collegiate athlete, she understands the importance of teamwork, communication and passion. When not at work, you can find Liz out and about either hiking Chesterfield County trails with her family, or helping friends and family buy/sell their homes as a licensed real estate agent for a local brokerage.

Chesterfield County - 14 Attractions You Must Visit

Contents in This Page

About chesterfield county, types of attractions in chesterfield county.

• Activities and tours in the region

List of Attractions in Chesterfield County

A county located just south of Richmond in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is the fourth-most populous county in Virginia. Blessed with natural beauty and so many historic places.

6 National Parks

Show More (12)

Activities Around

BENSLEY PARK

This 17-acre park provides several recreational amenities, including tennis courts, ball fields, walking trails, a picnic area and a playground. The Bensley Recreation Center, which is located within the park, also hosts a variety of programs and events for youths, adults, and seniors.

Centre Hill Mansion

Iconic buildings.

The Centre Hill Mansion was built in 1823 by Robert Bolling IV, a Revolutionary War veteran and member of a prominent Virginia family. The house is a combination of Federal, Greek Revival, and Colonial architectural styles. The house remained a residence until 1936. Today Centre Hill is a historic house museum owned and operated by the City of Petersburg.

Henricus Historical Park

National parks.

Henricus was one of the earliest English settlements in the New World. It was located on the neck of a peninsula later known as Farrar's Island, a former curl of the James River about 12 miles southeast of the modern city of Richmond, Virginia.

Magnolia Grange House Museum

The Magnolia Grange is a historic mansion located across from the Chesterfield County Courthouse in Chesterfield. This brick plantation house was built in 1823 and is a two-story, five-bay, brick dwelling in the Federal style. It is known for its elaborate woodwork and ornamental ceiling medallions. It now operates as a museum and has a lot of ancient collections.

Metro Richmond Zoo

A privately owned for-profit zoo which was in Chesterfield county has an area of 70 acres and houses around 2,000 animals representing over 180 species, including reticulated giraffe, white rhinoceros, snow leopard, cheetah and Grant's zebra.

Mid-Lothian Mines Park

Midlothian Mines Park is a park developed in Midlothian, Virginia which promotes educational tours and nature trails about the history of the pioneer mining and railroad industries in Chesterfield County,

Pamplin Historical Park

A 424-acre private sector historical park located near Petersburg, Virginia. The park preserves open space and serves the dual use of preserving a significant fragment of the Petersburg Breakthrough Battlefield, a National Historic Landmark, and key components of the Third Battle of Petersburg. The park also provides a footprint location for the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, which is located within the park.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield is a National Park Service unit preserving sites related to the American Civil War Siege of Petersburg. It is centered on the city of Petersburg, Virginia, and also includes outlying components in Hopewell, Prince George County, and Dinwiddie County. Over 140,000 people visit the park annually.

Pocahontas State Park

This is a state park located in Chesterfield, Virginia. It was laid out by the Civilian Conservation Corps along the Swift Creek. The park is the site of the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum with exhibits about the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Virginia. The exhibits include photographs, artifacts and personal mementos.

Presquile National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife sanctuaries.

One of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Established to protect habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, Presquile is an important component in the network of refuges on and around the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The refuge is primarily hardwood swamp, with a fringe of marsh and 300 acres of upland fields.

Richmond National Battlefield Park

The Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates 13 American Civil War sites around Richmond, Virginia, which served as the capital of the Confederate States of America for most of the war. The park connects certain features within the city with defensive fortifications and battle sites around it.

St Paul's Episcopal Church

This is a historic Episcopal church in Richmond, Virginia. It has long been a popular house of worship for political figures, including General Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 as St. Paul's Church.

Varina-Enon Bridge

Notable architectures.

Varina-Enon Bridge is a 1426 meters long cable-stayed bridge that carries Interstate 295 across the James River near Dutch Gap between Henrico County near Richmond and Chesterfield County near Hopewell, Virginia. It was opened to traffic in July 1990 and has six lanes.

Violet Bank Drive

Plantations.

Violet Bank is a historic plantation house and museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today the home is a superb example of Federal design and American interior decorative arts. The museum interprets the period from 1815 to 1873 and displays a wide array of Civil War era artifacts.

Map of attractions in Chesterfield County

For more information about Chesterfield County , visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesterfield_County,_Virginia

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Spring Run Vineyard.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Spring Run Vineyard. - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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15 Things To Do In Chester Virginia

Chester, Virginia is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of things to see and do in this beautiful part of the state. Here are 15 exciting activities to add to your to-do list on your next trip to Chester, Virginia.

• Visit the Chesterfield County Courthouse: This historic building, built in 1750, is one of the oldest in Virginia and is a testament to the area’s rich history.
• Explore the Chesterfield Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Chesterfield County, and it offers a wealth of information and exhibits on the area’s past.
• Take a walk along the James River: The James River is a beautiful waterway that winds its way through Chester, and there are plenty of scenic spots along its banks where you can enjoy the views.
• Visit the Swift Creek Mill Theatre: This historic theatre is one of the oldest in the state, and it offers a variety of live performances throughout the year.
• Explore the Chesterfield Farmers Market: This lively market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and other locally-made goods, and it’s a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.
• Visit the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex: This impressive facility is a hub for sports and recreation in Chester, and it offers a wide range of activities and events for visitors of all ages.
• Take a tour of the Confederate Memorial Chapel: This historic chapel is a reminder of the Civil War and its impact on the area, and it’s a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history.
• Visit the Chesterfield Historical Society Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Chesterfield County, and it offers a wealth of information and exhibits on the area’s past.
• Take a hike in Pocahontas State Park: This beautiful park is home to miles of trails and a variety of wildlife, and it’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
• Explore the art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: This museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country, and it offers a diverse collection of works from artists both local and from around the world.
• Visit the Agecroft Hall and Gardens: This stunning estate is a beautiful example of a Tudor-style home, and it offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience life in the 15th century.
• Take a bike ride along the Virginia Capital Trail: This scenic trail takes you along the James River and through some of the most beautiful countryside in Virginia.
• Explore the Chesterfield Towne Center: This shopping center is a great place to pick up gifts, clothing, and other items, and it offers a variety of dining options and entertainment as well.
• Visit the Chesterfield Berry Farm: This family-friendly farm offers a variety of activities, from picking your own fruit to petting the animals, and it’s a great place to spend a day with the kids.
• Take a boat tour of the James River: The James River is one of the most beautiful waterways in the country, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see it from a different perspective.

Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and relaxing day out, Chester, Virginia has something to offer. So why not plan a visit today and experience all that this charming city has to offer!

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Local Economic Impact of Sports Tourism

Sixty-two sports events attracting athletes, families and coaches from across the nation and several countries saw sports tourism’s local economic impact reach $41 million in fiscal 2018. It’s an increase of nearly $2.4 million over the previous year, as Chesterfield County matures as a sports destination. Sports tourism and the visitor spending it generates drove nearly $1.5 million in local tax revenue collected for the year.

River City Sportsplex, which the county acquired in December 2016, continued to establish itself nationally, earning SportsEvents Magazine’s acknowledgement as an “Ultimate Soccer and Lacrosse Destination and Venue, as well as a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for Chesterfield’s efforts to transform the once-fledgling venue into a premiere sports destination. River City Sportsplex’s share of the total sports tourism economic impact was $32.3 million. The facility hosted 549,000 visitors, including event participants and citizens making use of open-play opportunities — a benefit touted by local officials when deciding to purchase the facility. River City Sportsplex hosted 26 sports tourism events, growth that is providing significant support to local businesses.

Regional Impact

In addition to events at River City Sportsplex, Chesterfield hosted numerous other events throughout the county, highlighting 14 sports.

Events took place at 13 facilities, including county-owned and private venues, such as USA Swimming’s Futures Championship at SwimRVA and the Professional Putters Association Eastern Open at Putt-Putt Fun Center. A new Richmond Volleyball Club facility also debuted in fiscal 2018, built in partnership with Chesterfield, and playing host to the Amateur Athletic Union Bid Tournament and Championship for girls volleyball, among other events.

The 62 sports tourism events held in Chesterfield saw 14 new events, including the Club Champions League II Fall and Spring festivals for boys and girls soccer. The Club Champions League now chooses to hold five of its events in Chesterfield. U.S. Lacrosse, the national governing body for the sport, also brought its U15 Nationals girls lacrosse tournament to Chesterfield.

Regionally, sports tourism showed an $84.1 million economic impact, compared to $81.7 million in fiscal 2017. Such parallel growth to the local impact is no accident as Chesterfield works with its neighbors to expand the region’s sports tourism capability. An example of the regional impact is that weekend hotel stays, for the first time, surpassed weekday business stays.

• ACCOUNT SETTINGS

J.C. Poma joins Chesterfield County, Va., as director of sports

April 20, 2023

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – Chesterfield County, Va., has hired J.C. Poma as its first-ever executive director of sports, visitation and entertainment effective May 1.

Poma comes to Chesterfield from Richmond Region Tourism, where he has worked for seven years. He currently serves as vice president of community relations for the region’s official destination marketing and tourism organization. As a member of its senior leadership team, Poma developed connections within the U.S. tourism industry and built working relationships with a variety of stakeholders across the Richmond region.

“I could not be more thankful to the board of supervisors and county administration for choosing me to execute their strategic vision and maximize the benefit of sports, visitation, and entertainment to Chesterfield residents,” Poma says in a news release. “While the county has experienced steady growth in its sports tourism portfolio over the past decade, it has the potential to reach far greater heights. I’m excited to be part of that endeavor and can’t wait to get started.”

Poma, who holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Georgetown University, began working for Richmond Region Tourism in 2016 as a sports development manager. He was promoted to director of sports relations in 2019, then assumed his current position in 2021.

Honored in Style Weekly ’s Top 40 Under 40 last year, Poma currently is an advisory board member for the United States Sports Congress and serves on the board of directors for the Sportable Paralympic Sports Club.

“We are grateful for J.C.’s leadership and passion over the last seven years at Richmond Region Tourism and look forward to working closely with him in his new role,” says Katherine O’Donnell, executive vice president of Richmond Region Tourism. “As the region’s localities continue to invest in sports tourism facilities, it enables us to partner to bring in more tournaments, athletes, families, and fans who support local businesses. The entire region benefits. I look forward to a continued bright future for sports tourism and regional collaboration with J.C.’s leadership in Chesterfield County.”

During 2022, Chesterfield hosted 63 sports-related events–an increase of 24 percent over the previous 12 months—that included 253,111 attendees and generated $34.4 million in direct economic impact, as well as $1.28 million in direct local tax revenue. Participants booked 26,000-plus room nights at hotels in the county.

To look through our extensive directory of destinations and venues, enter a keyword, sport, and/or state below and click search.

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Chesterfield County Virginia Local Business Directory

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• Montgomery Irrigation

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