The Mariners' Museum Park is 550 acres of privately maintained, naturally wooded property that offers visitors a quiet and serene place to walk, run, or picnic. Within the Park is the 167-acre Lake Maury, named for the famed 19th-century oceanographer and native Virginian.

Following the shoreline of Lake Maury is the five-mile Noland Trail. With significant financial support from the Noland Family, the trail has fourteen bridges, picnic areas, benches, handicap access, and mile markers. Each fall The Mariners' Museum hosts a 10K run on the Noland Trail.

The Mariners’ Museum Park is open daily to the public. Benches at approximately every half-mile offer places of rest along the trail, and views of Lake Maury can be found around every corner.  Learn More

The famous Lion’s Bridge, a dam that provides a breathtaking view of the James River, remains a highlight for visitors—a perfect family gathering place to enjoy the Museum Park. The beauty of the dam is enhanced by several fine pieces of statuary designed by Anna Hyatt Huntington, sculptor and wife of Museum founder Archer Milton Huntington. Four stone lions were mounted on the ends of the parapets of the dam in October 1932. Anna also created and dedicated a monument entitled Conquering the Wild that overlooks the Lion’s Bridge, the park, and Lake Maury.

Lake and Park Rules for Your Safety and Convenience

Museum Maintenance and Protection Services staff members are in the park at various times. Feel free to seek them out if you have questions or need assistance. The following rules were established to protect both the lake and park environments, and to help keep our pleasant, family atmosphere.

• Motorcycles, bicycles, and trail bikes are not permitted on The Noland Trail.
• For the comfort of all park visitors and the protection of wildlife, dogs must be on leashes at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet.
• Trash cans are located throughout the park for the convenience of visitors.
• For the safety of visitors and for environmental reasons, no fires of any kind are permitted.
• Swimming and wading in the lake are not permitted.
• No alcoholic beverages are permitted within the park.
• Visitors are expected to observe all applicable Museum, city, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Weapons are not permitted.

Paddleboats

Enjoy the scenic Lake Maury from one of our unique paddle boats. A gondola or a pirate ship are among the many to choose from. The paddle boats have been stored for the 2010 Fall/Winter season.

Boat House on Lake Maury

Boats seat one to six people weather permitting. Motors are not provided. Visitors may provide their own trolling (electric) motor, but gas-powered motors are not permitted. Fishing is catch-and-release. A state fishing license is required. The boat house is opening this weekend, April 10 & 11, 2010 and is available on Saturday's and Sunday's from 7 A.M. - 4 P.M. The Boat House will be open Labor Day weekend 2010, weather permitting.

Prices:
14' John Boats $4/hour or $15/day
18' John Boats $7/hour or $25/day
Canoes $5/hour or $20/day

For more information, call the Boat House at (757) 591-7799.

Park Rental

Portions of The Mariners' Museum Park are available for special events. For rental and reservation information, please call (757) 591-5124. Learn more about Outdoor Venues.

Annual 10K on the Noland Trail

Join The Mariners’ Museum Saturday, October 16, 2010 for the 10^th Annual 10K on the Noland Trail event. In addition to the 10K, there will also be a 5K race as well. Proceeds from the 10K (6.2 miles) provide support for park maintenance and preservation. Approximately 300 runners will participate in the Hampton Roads race on the Noland Trail, enjoying dramatic views of Lake Maury and the surrounding park. For more information or to register for this race, email events@MarinersMuseum.org or call (757) 591-5124.