Doswell offers a range of day-out themes: roller coasters and water attractions alongside horse history, agricultural events, and trails with historical connections. If you’re planning a stay, it helps to consider these themes separately. That way, you can first decide whether you’re more interested in rides, an event, Secretariat, or a historic landscape.
Rides and Water Park
Kings Dominion has 13 roller coasters and more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions in total. The two figures refer to different things: 13 counts roller coasters alone, while the total also includes shows and other attractions. These numbers may change as attractions are added or modified. Soak City offers something different: the water park features extreme water slides and the redesigned Coconut Shores play area. Choosing between the two amusement offerings means weighing a mix of rides and shows against a water park with slides and a play area.
Secretariat’s History at Meadow Event Park
Meadow Event Park, formerly Meadow Stable, is connected to several early stages of Secretariat’s life: the horse was born, raised, and first trained there. The foaling barn brings this history into focus in a single building. It is the very structure where Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970. The building was moved from its original location and is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places. Here, the focus is on one racehorse and a specific place in its history—a different historical approach from visiting a battlefield or agricultural exhibits.
State Fair: Entertainment and Agriculture
The State Fair of Virginia takes place annually. Its 2026 program includes more than 300 hours of family entertainment, an action-packed amusement area, and agricultural education offerings. Details may change from year to year, so check the dates and current program before your trip. This will help you plan around that year’s fair.
Heritage Village features tractors, steam engines, tools, and children’s toys used in Virginia since the early 20th century. The Natural Resources Area includes exhibits from Virginia state agencies, a giant tortoise, and horseshoe crabs. The presentation may vary from one fair season to the next. Together, these areas give the event an agricultural and nature-focused dimension in addition to entertainment.
North Anna: Battle History and Trails
North Anna Battlefield Park was the site of the Battle of North Anna in May 1864. It covers 172 acres and has more than 6 miles of walking trails. These figures describe different aspects: the battle gives the park its historical significance, the acreage indicates its size, and the mileage refers to the length of its trails. The park thus combines a specific historical connection with opportunities to walk its trails. Unlike Meadow Event Park, whose history centers on Secretariat and one particular building, this park is about a historical event and a network of walking trails.
A Water Feature in Doswell
There is a small boat ramp at North Anna Ramp in Doswell. It differs from the extreme water slides at Soak City: here, the boat ramp is a single feature at the launch site, while Soak City offers a broader water park experience with slides and Coconut Shores.
Discover more destinations: Mechanicsville.
For the county-wide travel overview: Hanover County.
