There are many things to do in Louisa County, Virginia. The county is located in the Virginia state, and as of the 2020 census, had a population of 37,596. The county is home to Lake Anna State Park and Michie Tavern. You can enjoy these attractions as well as other attractions throughout Louisa.
Lake Anna State Park
Lake Anna State Park is one of Virginia’s best state parks. The site of the park was previously the Goodwin Gold Mine. Later, it was renamed Lake Anna. The lake was also built to cool a nuclear power plant operated by Dominion Power. Today, it serves as a scenic getaway for visitors.
The park offers camping, lodges, and bunkhouses. There are also fishing and water sports available. Accommodations are located along the lake’s shores. Many are waterfront and offer a great view of the lake. Visitors can even book a cabin or bunkhouse that sleeps several people.
The park is one of Virginia’s premier fishing spots, featuring striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. There are also plenty of fishing tournaments held on the lake. There are more than half a dozen marinas and boat launching sites. The lake is monitored by conservation officers from the Department of Wildlife Resources, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Lake Anna Flotilla #87.
Lake Anna is one of the top bass fishing locations in northern and central Virginia. It regularly hosts local fishing tournaments and consistently ranks in the top three statewide rankings for Largemouth Bass. Even with such intense fishing pressure, the lake manages to maintain excellent catch rates of fish in the four to six-pound range.
Lake Anna State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure or relaxation. It is located 25 miles southwest of Fredericksburg, Virginia. There are many activities and nature programs to engage in. This park has plenty to offer for any family. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, this park is a must-see.
If you have kids, don’t miss the Michie House, which was built after the Revolutionary War and is representative of the other thousand buildings that were built in Louisa County. Built of oak, the timbers will endure for another two hundred years or so. If you want to learn more about the history of Louisa County, there are hands-on educational programs for you and your family.
History buffs can also enjoy the one-room schoolhouse that was used as a school in the early 1900s. The family that owned it continued to maintain it after it was closed. The schoolhouse is now part of Heritage Farm, which provides educational programs to visitors. Costumed interpreters let visitors experience what education was like not too long ago. In addition to the schoolhouse, the park has eight miles of trails to enjoy.
Michie Tavern
A traditional tavern from the 18th century, Michie Tavern features period costumes and a buffet dinner. Visitors will be treated to southern fried chicken, marinated baked chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, stewed tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and buttermilk biscuits. The Michie Tavern also offers a self-guided tour of the oldest section of the building. Afterward, shoppers can peruse the four shops inside.
This historical pub was built in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie and served as the social center of Earlysville, Virginia. After Michie’s death, the pub was owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, which continued to operate it until 1927. It was then moved to its current location, where it has been operated by the current owner, Josephine Henderson. Today, this historic building sits a half-mile away from Monticello.
Michie Tavern is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October. In November through March, the pub serves lunch thirty minutes later. During the rest of the year, it serves authentic southern cuisine at its restaurant and pub. While at Michie Tavern, visitors can sample hickory-smoked pork barbecue and southern fried chicken.
