Maymont Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maymont Park is a 100-acre public park located in Richmond, Virginia.


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Summary

It was once the private estate of James and Sallie Dooley, who donated the property to the city of Richmond in 1925. There are several good reasons to visit Maymont Park, including its beautiful gardens, animal exhibits, nature center, and historic mansion.

One of the main points of interest at Maymont Park is the Japanese Garden, which was added to the property in 1912. It features a large pond with koi fish, a waterfall, and several bridges and pagodas. Another popular area is the Children's Farm, which has a variety of domestic animals including goats, chickens, and cows.

The Maymont Mansion is also a must-see attraction. The mansion was built in 1893 and features 33 rooms, including a ballroom and a billiards room. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about the Dooley family and their life on the estate.

In addition to these attractions, Maymont Park also has a nature center, where visitors can learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems. There are also several hiking trails throughout the park, which offer scenic views of the James River and the surrounding forest.

Interesting facts about Maymont Park include its history as a private estate and its role in the preservation of Richmond's natural beauty. The park is also home to several species of native and exotic plants, as well as a variety of wildlife including foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey.

The best time of year to visit Maymont Park is during the spring and summer months, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is mild. However, the park is open year-round and offers seasonal activities and events throughout the year.

Overall, Maymont Park is a beautiful and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or just a relaxing day outdoors, Maymont Park is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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