Sully Plantation Park
Rate this placeNearby: Franklin Farm Park Franklin Glen Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Sully Plantation Park, located in Chantilly, Virginia, is a historic site with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
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Summary
There are numerous compelling reasons to visit this park, including its well-preserved plantation house, stunning grounds, and educational exhibits.
The main point of interest at Sully Plantation Park is the original house, known as Sully Historic Site. Built in 1794 by Richard Bland Lee, it is a magnificent example of Federal-style architecture. Visitors can explore the fully furnished house, which provides a glimpse into the life of the Lee family and the enslaved individuals who worked on the plantation. The house features original artifacts, period furnishings, and interactive displays that offer a comprehensive overview of the plantation's history.
Another highlight of Sully Plantation Park is its picturesque landscape. The park encompasses 2,850 acres of rolling fields, woodlands, and ponds, providing visitors with a tranquil and scenic environment. There are walking trails throughout the grounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Interesting facts about Sully Plantation Park include its connection to the Lee family, one of Virginia's prominent political dynasties. Richard Bland Lee, the builder of Sully, was the uncle of General Robert E. Lee. The plantation remained in the Lee family until the mid-19th century when it was sold to a series of owners.
The best time to visit Sully Plantation Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Springtime brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, while autumn treats visitors to a brilliant display of fall foliage. The park is open year-round, but it's worth checking their official website or calling ahead to confirm hours of operation and any scheduled events.
To ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to verify information from multiple independent sources. Consulting the official website of Sully Plantation Park, local historical societies, or reputable travel guides can provide additional information and details about visiting this remarkable historic site in Virginia.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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