Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation

Friendly staff and a very knowledgeable docent (thank you, John!) made the visit even more enjoyable. Every local child should learn this rich history. The museum itself is small, but be sure to explore the surrounding trails along the waterway - they’re well worth the time.

The Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterway museum is another Hidden Gem I believe in the Hampton Roads community. I used to drive over the Great Bridge every day to go to work and I knew very little about the incredible history of the battle here or the small museum with big heart. We were fortunate enough to attend 250 anniversary reenactment of the battle of great bridge. I can't say enough how well it was done and how it brought history to life. It was a joy to take my boys to the museum after the reenactment to further learn more details about this battle that helped Virginia push back the British and I believe turn the tide of the Revolutionary War for the patriots. Is the museum pieces were absolutely fascinating an incredible to get to take pictures of pieces of our history. The docents and volunteers were welcoming and warm and made it very educational and enjoyable experience for me and my family. I had my sons and nephews with me ages ranging from 15 to 6 and everyone got something from the museum. I would highly recommend everyone checking out this lovely little Museum and taking a stroll along the beautiful water side.

I attend a group tour with my Ft.Nelson DAR chapter. The presenters did a wonderful job explaining the creation, funding, and importance of the museum. The signage and wall displays were beautifully presented with archeological findings.The outside walking trail has new markers and interesting facts. I have lived in Chesapeake for 35 years, and I was amazed how they were able to put the local names and places into a cohesive story of the region. I will definitely be back with my family!

Fantastic Museum and Battlefield experience in Chesapeake, VA! A must visit if nearby or in the Hampton Roads area. The Museum is worth the $8 Adult price to visit and the Battlefield park is very well detailed and walkable! The staff and guides were very kind and knowledgeable about the event. I will come back and recommend others to visit also!!

Amazing staff and friendly people. Yes Lexington and Concord is overrated. This was the first actual land battle sorry Massachusetts you'll always be second to Virginia in actual history 😁. Very informative staff and docents. If your interested in the revolutionary war then this place is for you!

We stopped in from Minnesota during our vacation because my husband loves history. It was a great “cold” day activity. We had our 3 month old daughter with us and it was perfect. We went on a Friday morning and had the place to ourselves. Bill was our guide and it was clear this is a subject he loves and is passionate about. He gave us a great tour and knew answers to every question we asked. Would highly recommend it was really cool to see and if you enjoy revolutionary war history we think you’d enjoy the museum!

Today, my best friend Natasha and I finally visited the Great Bridge Battlefield Waterway Museum, a place we’ve walked by countless times while exploring the outdoor trails with Brady, our two-year-old dog. These trails have been a backdrop to many beautiful moments: discovering and sharing kindness rocks, marveling at butterflies perched on stones, and simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings. But today was different—we stepped inside the museum for the first time, and it was indeed an unforgettable experience. Living so close, I felt a twinge of guilt, realizing how little I knew about the area's rich history. Thankfully, Bill, one of the museum staff, was an incredible guide. His kindness and patience were unmatched as he generously answered our many questions and shared his wealth of knowledge. His passion brought the history of the Great Bridge to life in a way a self-guided tour never could. As we wrapped up our visit, we stopped by the gift shop, where Sebastian, who had also helped us with tickets earlier, showed the same kindness and warmth. Despite it being close to closing time on a Saturday evening, he never made us feel rushed or unwelcome. He went above and beyond—when I mentioned to Natasha that I wished they had ghost story books for sale (after Bill had shared some eerie tales about the area), Sebastian surprised us. He gifted us a Virginia ghost storybook! Their kindness and enthusiasm transformed our visit into something extraordinary. Thank you, Bill and Sebastian, for making this experience one we’ll never forget.

Love this park! There are several types of peaceful trails to choose from that take you along the marsh, into the woods, or along the water. There is also a paved trail in front of the museum. It's quiet, clean, and family-friendly with plenty of spots to sit and relax and take in nature. The museum is informative and interesting for us history buffs.

The Museum was closed when I was here but the park remains open until dusk, which gave me the opportunity to walk around. There are a number of monuments and memorials here and of course, you can walk over and watch the Great Bridge Bridge open and close if you're fortunate. One highlight is the obelisk commemorating the Battle of Great Bridge. It is a tribute to the Patriot soldiers who fought and died in one of Virginia's earliest Revolutionary War victories. It is a classic granite shaft, inscribed with tributes to the men who helped drive British forces from the colony on December 9, 1775. If you're able, tour the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Museum. Lots of history on the Colonial Era and the brief but decisive clash that marked a turning point: colonial forces routed British troops under Lord Dunmore, effectively ending royal control in Virginia and forcing the British to retreat to Norfolk. [Review 901 of 2025 - 1490 in Virginia - 24457 overall]

We love this park and it's nice and close to home. Sadly I haven't been into the museum yet. But the nature and the paths to walk are nice. In the front you will find a concrete path with information along the way. The path away from the water has been Newley done with concrete used to be gravel. It will lead you to a oversight and can take you along another path to walk down. The path near the water will take you all the way down to the high bridge. It's a very nice walk and sand at the end with water. Just don't forget some bug spray! And watch for snakes. Also in the front past the building you can find lots of picnic tables to have some hangout time or some lunch. It's in a perfect location lots of places to grab food near and drive to sit and eat.

"A little rebellion now and then is a good thing." --Thomas Jefferson One day when I was driving across the Deep Creek Bridge on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Chesapeake, I spotted a park. When I got home, I had to search for it because there wasn't much information about it on Yelp. It turns out there is wonderful, rich history at the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Park (GBBWP). The Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775 played an important role in American independence--it was the first land battle of the American Revolution in Virginia, and America's first victory. That victory resulted in the Virginia Convention adopting their first public declaration expressing a spirit of independence. On December 9, 1999, The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation was formed by dedicated citizens who wanted to save this American history. The Foundation's main goal is to build a visitor's center here at the park and they are in the process of getting bids. The 12,000 square foot visitor center/museum will have permanent and changing exhibits. There is no timeframe for when the building will be open, but it's exciting to think about. It sounds amazing! Even though the visitor's center is not built yet, you can still go and enjoy: * A dock to watch the bridge and boats * View of the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal * A large and very nice picnic table area * Memorial/historical walkthrough * Trail through the woods (approx. 2 miles) * Marsh Overlook/Eco Preservation Area * No restrooms but there is a port-a-pottie I love GBBWP because it's quiet--hardly anyone goes here. I'm sure that will change once they start building the visitor's center, but until then, you should check it out. Once you're done, stop by across the street at Great Bridge Locks Park--it's actually part of GBBWP. Great Bridge is one of my favorite areas in Hampton Roads. If you haven't been there before, I hope you will discover it for yourself.

What a hidden treasure! Visiting family who recommended this museum and were glad we stopped in for a couple hours. Was not aware of how vital this defeat of Redcoats was in furthering our cause for independence. Museum makes a great use of space with displays, exhibits, signage and short two-screen movie. Docent Bill was great: happy to answer questions and provide clarification or additional information but "not intrusive" while interacting. Saw several boats come under raised drawbridge which was an extra treat. Great morning

Nestled right next to the Great Bridge, it's a great place to walk the dog, hang out with the significant other, or simply sit on one of the many park benches and relax. As of the beginning of 2018, there is a large on-going construction project that is taking up some serious real estate right along the waterway. Based on the progress as of March, it looks like it will be complete by the end of summer.

Great little park with water views, walking trails and historical significance. Tons of parking and its central location make this a must see. This park was newly created and is well maintained. Lying alongside the intercostal waterway you can't beat the views as boats wait for the Great Bridge bridge to open.

Its is now out of the construction phaze and ready for visitors! Its a true quaint little jem of a place. Great for photography and watching beautiful boats go by. Not an "all day" type of park, but an hour or two is sufficient to see and experience everything they have to offer.

I came here on a Wednesday for a Food Truck Hump Day event. This isn't my first time however. Every time I come here I have such a great time. There were several food trucks out this evening. Bros Fish Tacos, Sofritos, CaptCrab, Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, and Bodacious Pizza. We had a great time watching the Great Bridge High School band play music live. My 3 year old had a great time walking the trail and seeing the various plant life and flowers. As usual, the Chesapeake Fire Department had their fire engines out for the children to take pictures on. They even offer free kayak rides. This place is wonderful to take the family on every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month! It's definitely a family thing for us!

Great historical site! The museum is very nice and the docents are spectacular. The outside grounds are nicely kept with many informative signs. A great place to visit in Virginia Beach!

Nice little park nestled at the edge of Chesapeake. Good river views and nice wooded hiking options.

This park is hidden. If you turn off of Battlefield you may wonder if you hit a dead end. Make a right and you will find the entrance. The park is mostly a parking lot with some grassy areas along the dock where boats can tie down. Until Oct 2015 the Hump Days on the Waterways where all the food trucks gather for dinnertime is the main attraction. I know around Halloween they have a train that is staged here. I believe the City of Chesapeake also brings other shows here. For these purposes the large parking lot works. There is a tree covered trail. It is a nice walk that has a view of the river and Yacht Basin across the way. For a park it does not have a lot of grassy area. The trail is pretty nice and long, but I think the main draw is the waterviews of the bridge and passing boats. Beware, one side of the dock needs some work.