Northumberland County Between Two Rivers

Northumberland County lies between the Potomac River and the Rappahannock River on the Northern Neck peninsula. Historic sites, agricultural history, and nature observation give your trip different focal points: you can explore the area’s maritime past, see exhibits on agricultural equipment, or focus on wetlands and birds.

Wetlands and Birdwatching

Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve encompasses significant wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay that are important to marsh bird communities. It also includes a beach habitat that is particularly significant for the federally threatened northeastern beach tiger beetle. The area shows how different habitats meet along the coast.

At Hughlett Point, you can observe a variety of songbirds and hawks during the spring and fall migration seasons. Shorebirds, ospreys, bald eagles, and wintering waterfowl also make for rewarding wildlife watching. At Bush Mill Stream, a well-marked trail leads from the parking lot to an observation platform over a freshwater tidal marsh. There, you can observe shorebirds, bald eagles, ospreys, and mallards; you may also spot a river otter. Seasonal birdwatching at Hughlett Point and the platform over the tidal marsh offer two different nature experiences.

Local History in Heathsville and Reedville

The Heathsville Historic District includes 100 contributing buildings, most of them in vernacular architectural styles. Heathsville is also home to the headquarters of the Northumberland County Historical Society. It has a genealogical and historical library, as well as a museum with local historical artifacts. The first-floor meeting room is wheelchair-accessible via a ramp.

The Historical Society’s historic building served as the county jail from 1839 to 1958 and has been repaired and restored. In Reedville, the history of commercial fishing tells the story of the industry’s development in the late 19th century: in 1874, Elijah Reed moved his menhaden fishing operation from Brooklin, Maine, to the Chesapeake Bay. Main Street also offers a tangible connection to local history. It is a one-mile-long National Historic District, flanked by water on both sides.

Discover Agricultural History

The Northern Neck Farm Museum was founded in 2006 as a regional museum serving five counties. Its mission is to share the history of agriculture on Virginia’s Northern Neck. Exhibits range from tractor models covering the period from the 1920s to the present day to specialized farm equipment, including a unique dog-powered tread mill and a hand-operated seed cleaner.

The museum also offers hands-on and family-friendly activities. The Lutherville area includes child-friendly replicas of typical farm buildings that children can explore. Educational programs combine hands-on activities with the Virginia Standards of Learning. A visit lets you explore different aspects of agricultural history, from machinery and farm equipment to interactive activities.

Hours and Trip Planning

The Heritage Arts Center’s Artisan Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check the hours before you arrive. For a trip from Reedville to Tangier Island, Tangier Island Cruises has offered daily ferry service across the Chesapeake Bay since 1970. Schedules and fares may change; check the latest information before planning your trip.

If you’re looking for a hotel, first decide which themes you’d like your stay to focus on: local history, agriculture, or nature observation. These interests can help you plan a trip that suits you without combining the different places and activities into a single trip theme.

Discover more destinations: Heathsville, Reedville, Virginia Beach, Falls Church, Suffolk City, Arlington, Stafford, Prince Edward County.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.