Three Lakes Park

A Natural Oasis with Three Lakes

Situated in Henrico County, Virginia, just a stone's throw from Richmond, Three Lakes Park offers a refreshing escape from city life. As the name suggests, the park is centered around three lakes - former borrow pits created during I-64's construction that have since transformed into thriving aquatic ecosystems.

Two of these lakes are open for fishing, so you can try your luck at catching some local species. The largest lake recently got an upgrade with a fully paved perimeter path, making it accessible for everyone - no matter if you're pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or just prefer a smoother walking surface.

Nature Center and Exhibits

At the heart of the park stands a 6,500 square foot nature center that is an educational hub. Inside, you'll discover interactive exhibits that bring the local ecosystem to life, offering insights into the plants and animals that call this area home.

The showstopper here is undoubtedly the 50,000-gallon in-ground aquarium where you can get up-close with the aquatic creatures that inhabit the park's lakes. Kids especially love this feature - watching fish swim by at eye level tends to spark wonder in ways that few other experiences can.

Trail System and Wildlife

The park's extensive trail system weaves through a patchwork of diverse habitats - from mysterious swamps and shaded forests to sun-drenched meadows and peaceful riparian woodlands. This variety creates a fantastic setting for wildlife watching.

Keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers tapping on trees, chickadees flitting between branches, colorful warblers, and if you're lucky, perhaps even an owl. The lakes are teeming with turtles that you can spot swimming or sunning themselves along the shorelines - a simple pleasure that never seems to get old.

The park has a prothonotary warbler nest box program, giving you the chance to glimpse these brilliant yellow birds that specifically require forest swamps with still or slow-moving water to thrive.

Playground and Recreation Areas

Little ones won't run out of energy here, thanks to two well-designed playgrounds catering to different age groups. Younger children have their own space, while older kids can enjoy more challenging equipment including slides, climbing structures, and swings. Safety is a priority with artificial turf padding throughout the play areas.

When hunger strikes, numerous picnic areas with tables and benches dot the landscape, including several covered picnic shelters that you can reserve for gatherings. Some spots offer lovely views of the lakes, and there are grilling areas available if you're in the mood for a cookout.

Ongoing Renovations

As of 2025, Three Lakes Park is getting a makeover to enhance its facilities. The improvements include a new entrance walkway with comfortable seating and lighting, an outdoor classroom, and upgrades to the trails.

Note that the nature center is temporarily closed during these renovations, which will bring exciting new features to the front entrance, improvements to the outdoor aquarium, and fresh living exhibits inside. The project should be wrapped up by Fall 2025.