From a rural dairy farm to Henrico's largest public park, Dorey Park traces its history back to the early 1900s.

The 400-acre site, located just past the eastern edge of the city in Varina, entertained visitors a bit differently back in the day — with farmhouses, barns, chickens, cattle, and silos, according to the Henrico Historical Society.

The Dorey family ceased farm operations in the mid-1960s. The property was later sold to Henrico County, and Dorey Park opened to the public in 1984. Now that we've circled back in time, let's dive into what the expansive park has to offer today.

A trip to Dorey Park

Trail systems wind around the expansive area, forming a 1.8-mile loop. The trails are dog-friendly — just don't forget a leash. If you want to let your furry friend off the leash, there's also a dog park with an acre of space to run around. There are separate sections for large and small dogs, and a six-foot fence to deter any four-legged escape artists.

Five miles of equestrian trails offer local horse enthusiasts a place to ride. The trails are designed for horseback riding, as is the horse ring, which is open to the public on weekdays.
In addition to the park's own trails, there is a roughly .75-mile trail connecting to the Capital Trail. Around 9.5 miles on the trail will get you from the Dorey Park pond to the Great Shiplock trailhead.

Anglers love Dorey Park for the pond on its south end — the Dept. of Wildlife Resources keeps it stocked with catfish and trout. Pro tip: Virginia requires a trout license in addition to a freshwater fishing license between Nov. 1 and April 30.

Kicking up the active energy, Dorey Park has huge multipurpose athletic complexes, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Dorey Park has a large playground for families to enjoy. | Photo courtesy of Henrico Recreation & Parks

The splash pad is a hot spot when it's time to cool down. Open starting every May, Henrico Parks and Rec recommends swimwear and water shoes for kids looking to cool off in the space.

Dorey Park is open from dawn to dusk every day. Find out even more about its myriad amenities at the county's website.

Know more of your city

This article is part of our “Know Your City” series, where we take a closer look at hidden gems around Richmond. We’re always looking for more suggestions for where to explore. Tell us your favorites.