Parks in Richmond, VA

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This 54-acre (21-hectare) island of the James River has undergone several avatars in its time. What once started as a home to a granite quarry, served the nation during the American Civil War by housing a prisoner-of-war camp. Today, the Belle Isle has shed that avatar as well to become a city park. A great destination for people fond of the great outdoors, Belle Isle gives visitors an opportunity for walking, biking, swimming, rock jumping, sunbathing, bird watching, kayaking and even boulder top picnicking. A natural habitat for wildlife, don’t be alarmed if you come across a raccoon or duck while you’re here. Belle Isle is accessible through pedestrian and bicycle traffic via McArthur Bridge.