Northern Virginia Resources for Tracking Updates and Closures

Updated on March 22, 2024 by Julie McCool

These useful Northern Virginia resources help locals track updates from government health sites; park departments, popular destinations, tourism sites; and other local organizations. Follow the links for information on closures, special offers, and online resources.

Please note that this is a collection of public websites run by other organizations. We do not create or maintain any of the sites listed below, and we can not guarantee that they are up-to-date or complete.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you.

Guidelines and closures are changing quickly, so check with local destinations for the latest updates. We will do our best to keep this listing updated as we get new information.

Virginia and Northern Virginia Region Websites

Visit the Virginia Government website for the latest statewide guideline. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission regional site links to health departments, public schools, government alerts, transportation, food banks, and other philanthropic resources in Northern Virginia. There are also links to regional and national resources for kids and for small businesses and tracking maps from the Virginia Department of Health.

Northern Virginia Resources for Parks and Historic Sites

Here are links to Northern Virginia park websites and a summary of current closures.

Shenandoah National Park – Open with Restrictions

Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours daily and most amenities are now open.

Normal Park Entrance Fees apply or use your National Park Pass. Visitors can also purchase a Shenandoah Park Pass in advance through Recreation.gov.
Boundary trail access is open, including Old Rag and White Oak Canyon. Entry fees will be collected at the boundaries and parking will be limited to available parking spots in designated parking areas only. Vehicles parked along the roadside will be ticketed and towed in all boundary areas.
Campgrounds are open. Reserve a campsite at http://www.recreation.gov/. A small number of first come-first served sites are available daily.
Backcountry camping is permitted; register at kiosks. Backcountry cabins are available for weekend rental from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club at patc.net.
Concessionaires are open including Big Meadows Wayside, Elkwallow Wayside, Loft Mountain Wayside, Skyland Lodge, Big Meadows Lodge, Big Meadows Showers and Woodyard, Lewis Mountain Cabins, and Campstore, and Loft Mountain Campstore are all open.
An outdoor contact station and park stores at Byrd Visitor Center and Dickey Ridge Visitor Center are open daily, 9:00 – 5:00. Exhibits are closed.
Consider downloading a park map before you arrive. The park lists suggested hikes and trail maps here. Our Day Trip Planner for Shenandoah's Central District highlights some of our favorite overlooks and hikes in the park.

Check for the latest updates and visit the park from home with these online resources:

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is collecting entrance fees. Parking, restroom facilities, trails, and picnic areas are open. The Visitor Center and other indoor facilities are closed. Visitors should practice social distancing in the park.

Warm weekends often lead to overcrowding at Great Falls. If the lots are full, consider these 10 Great Falls Park Alternatives.

Check the Great Falls Park website for the latest updates and guidelines.

Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are open with regular admission fees. Trails, restrooms, picnic tables, and picnic shelters are open. Campgrounds, cabins, lodges, and group sites are open but may have reduced capacity. Visitor centers, gift shops, and other buildings are open on a park-by-park basis. Some ranger-led programs may be available. Tidal beaches are open at Mason Neck and Leesylvania. Swimming pools are closed for the 2021 season.

Check the Virginia State Parks website for additional guidelines.

NOVA Parks

Northern Virginia Regional Parks are open including trails, golf, mini-golf, batting cages, boat rentals, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and some indoor facilities. Cabin and campground reservations are open. Waterparks will open on May 31. Summer camps are back for the 2021 season. Brickmaker's Cafe at Occoquan Regional Park is open daily for indoor and outdoor dining.

Find the latest updates on the NOVA Parks website.

Arlington County Parks

Arlington County park trails, playgrounds, restrooms, athletic fields, batting cages, tennis and pickleball courts, skate parks, tracks, dog parks, and picnic shelters are open. Spraygrounds and Nature Centers are closed. Many events and classes are back in 2021.

Find the latest updates on the Arlington County Parks website.

Fairfax County Parks

Fairfax Parks and most amenities are open including picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields, marinas, boat launches, mini-golf, skate parks, dog parks, golf courses, and outdoor fitness equipment. Most indoor facilities including Nature Centers, visitor centers, historic buildings, Rec Centers are also open. Waterparks reopen for the season on Memorial Day weekend. The Park Authority is offering a mix of virtual and in-person programs and camps.

Find the latest updates on the Fairfax County Parks website.

Loudoun County Parks

Loudoun County Parks are open for trail and leisure use, including fishing and water activities. Tennis and pickleball courts are open. Aquatic, recreation, and community centers and the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center are open. Outdoor and indoor pools are open for lap and recreational swimming (reservations required) but water play features may be closed. Check the park website for the latest classes and events.

Find the latest updates on the Loudoun County Parks website.

Prince William County Parks

Prince William County trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and parking lots are open. Golf courses, skate parks, dog parks, fishing access, boat launches, historic sites, and many restrooms are open. Outdoor pools and waterparks, recreation centers, and community centers are open or will open for the summer season. Check the park website for the latest schedule of summer events and camps.

Find the latest updates on the Prince William County Parks website.

Historic Sites and Gardens in Northern Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery is open and tram tours are operating. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Iwo Jima Memorial, and Visitor Center are open. Arlington House and the Memorial Amphitheater bowl are closed for restoration work.

George Washington's Mount Vernon is open including the mansion and museum exhibits. The food court and tavern are open daily. The Distillery and Gristmill are open weekends. You can also check out digital experiences and virtual tours online

Gunston Hall is open 9:30 – 6:00 daily including the Mansion, Visitor Center, Museum, and grounds. Plan your visit with our guide to Gunston Hall.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is open. The National Museum of the United States Army reopened on June 14, 2021.

Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center is open but you need to reserve your free, timed entry tickets online. Plan your visit with our guide to the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Woodlawn and Pope-Leighy House is open for the summer season. Plan your visit with our guide to Pope-Leighy House tours.

Workhouse Arts Center is open Friday – Sunday, noon – 5:00. The Lucy Burns Museum is open Saturdays from noon – 5:00.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts grounds, park trails, and restrooms are open and performances returned in June 2021.

Check the status of Smithsonian and other Washington DC closures here.

NoVA Tourism, Restaurant, Winery, and Brewery Info

These Northern Virginia tourism offices offer updates on special events, deals, and other useful information.

Virginia Wineries and Breweries

In addition to the tourism sites listed above, Virginia Wine is maintaining a helpful listing of winery carry-out and delivery options and special deals at local wineries. Here is the list for Northern Virginia wineries.

Breweries in Northern Virginia are open for outdoor seating and limited indoor seating. Some breweries offer reservations and food pre-orders. Explore local breweries with our guide to the LoCo Ale Trail.

Follow Fun in Fairfax VA on Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram