Fredericksburg, Va. – In the Fredericksburg area, adults and children alike enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature at Lake Anna State Park, located in Spotsylvania County. Along with the 35 other parks throughout the Commonwealth, Lake Anna is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Virginia state park system June 13 through October 31 with special programs, contests, activities and more.

To observe the anniversary, Lake Anna State Park is offering free admission to the park from June 13 – 19. Regular park admission is $2 per vehicle during the week and $3 on weekends. Starting June 15 through Sept. 5, visitors to Lake Anna State Park, as well as all other state parks in Virginia, can participate in the “75 Days of Summer” contest and enter a grand prize drawing for a pop-up trailer from Coastal RV. Other contests and sweepstakes are available starting June 15 with a variety of prizes and daily winners. Prizes vary daily and include a camping trip with a fully-furnished camper from Road Trip Rentals and season passes to concerts and interpretive programs at various parks throughout Virginia. A photography contest will also be held from September 5 through October 31 inviting visitors to submit their state park photos for a chance to win overnight camping accommodations. Visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/75days.shtml for information on how to enter.

Nearly 100 years ago, travel became more prevalent as automobile sales soared throughout the country. During this time, Americans traveled more often and sought after affordable accommodations combined with fun and outdoor recreation for the whole family. On June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire statewide park system all on the same day with the opening of six state parks. The original six-park system has grown to 35 parks which host more than 8 million visitors each year. Lake Anna State Park was established in 1983 and is host to more than 200,000 visitors each year.

Prior to its designation as a state park, the land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as “Gold Hill” and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered in 1829 with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. In 1971, Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Dominion Power’s nuclear plant before the park was opened in 1983.

Today, visitors to Lake Anna State Park can rent a cabin or campsite to enjoy the various outdoor activities that the park offers. Immerse yourself in nature and explore more than 15 miles of hiking trails. Visitors will also enjoy picnic areas, a guarded swimming beach, a children’s play area, a boat ramp, food concession stand, a bathhouse and a children’s and handicapped fishing pond.

On summer weekends, participate in interpretive programs and tours to explore and learn the nature and history of the area. Take a moonlight canoe tour through a historical cove while learning about the moon’s phases. Tour the ruins of the Goodwin Gold Mine and learn the history of gold mining in Spotsylvania County, or learn about native plants that reside at the park.

Visit the Fredericksburg area to discover the many outdoor activities, adventures and programs at Lake Anna State Park. For more information on the 75th Anniversary events, or to find out more about the “75 Days of Summer” contest, visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/75th.shtml. For media information and images, visit www.fredpressroom.com.

The Fredericksburg Area, which includes the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford, is a classic blend of modern life with small town charm. Conveniently located along I-95, between Washington and Richmond, the area features a variety of chef-owned restaurants, numerous art galleries, a wide range of specialty shops, and one of America’s most authentic, historic downtowns. Stafford is home to George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm and Belmont, the residence of 20th Century American impressionist painter Gari Melchers. Spotsylvania is not only the site of 4,400 acres of Civil War battlefields; it also boasts the beautiful Lake Anna Winery. The Fredericksburg Area rests on the banks of the picturesque, pristine Rappahannock River. For visitor information and online trip planning, visit www.VisitFred.com. For media information and digital images, click on www.fredpressroom.com.Visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitfred.

Contact:

Fredericksburg Area Tourism | 540.372.1216 | khedelt@fredericksburgva.gov

Kari Journigan BCF | 757.497.4811 | kjournigan@boomyourbrand.com