Events

Gold Panning Demonstrations
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Every Sat and Sun, 11am - 1pm at Bridgeport
Meet at the troughs by the visitor center (donations welcomed)
Docents will demonstrate how to pan for gold in our troughs which are very likely to yield a bit of gold for most everyone. Practice in the troughs, then try your hand in the river. Remember, only pans and hands allowed in the park.

Bridgeport History Station
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Every Sat and Sun, 11am - 2pm (no fee)
You will find a history station staffed by friendly docents who will explain the history of the bridge, barn, wagons, and the pioneers who lived here.

Wildflower Walks
March 6, 2010 - May 16, 2010 (tentative May dates; call to confirm)
Every Sat and Sun, 11am at Bridgeport ($3 suggested donation)
Meet at the North parking lot. The Buttermilk bend trail is well known among locals for its spectacular explosion of wildflowers most springs. The display changes every week, so come more than once! Docents will identify the flowers and explain some of their natural history and traditional uses. Plan on 1.5 hours and 2 miles. No dogs.

Living History Day and Art Show
Sunday May 1, 2011
11am - 4pm at Bridgeport
Docents in period costume demonstrate blacksmithing, basket weaving and tell tales of days past. Local artisans display their nature themed art for sale. Find a display piece for your home or give a cherished gift.

Bird Walks
Fall, Winter and Spring
Sun, Jan 24, 2010 8:00 am
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 8:00 am
Sat, Mar 20, 2010 8:00 am
(no fee)
Meet at the Bridgeport parking lot. Our docent and resident bird expert, Bill Cortright, will lead an easy 2 hour stroll around Bridgeport to spot our local bird residents. Bring binocculars and a field guide if you have one. You might spot the Canyon Wren, American Dipper, Acorn Woodpecker, Golden Crowned Kinglet, Bald Eagle and more.

Pine Needle Basket Weaving Class
Spring and Fall
9am - 11am in Bridgeport’s visitor center (fee)
Our docent and accomplished basket weaver, Judy Nichols, will demonstrate and teach you the skills to weave a pine-needle basket. All participants can expect to complete one small basket in class.

Bridgeport Fall Festival
Last Sunday in October
11am - 4pm at Bridgeport
Live music, living history, games, crafts, wagon rides, pumpkin painting, food and ice cream await you at our annual Fall Festival. Come see what’s new this year!

Calling Back the Salmon
October
11am - 3pm at Bridgeport (no fee)
This Maidu ceremony commemorates humans’ age-old relationship with the salmon and the interdependence of all living things. Salmon once made an annual migration up the river, a journey that is recreated by running a single salmon upriver to Bridgeport, followed by a traditional meal. No photos allowed of the sacred ceremony.

Auto Tour
Call to schedule (fee)
Your guide will give a personal tour to your car club or group describing the history of transportation at Bridgeport. You will then drive on a piece of the historic Virginia Turnpike and pose with your car at the entrance to the covererd bridge for a photo.

School and Group Tours
Call to schedule (fee)
Bring your group of children or adults to Bridgeport for a diverse day of history, nature and hands-on activities. Our docents will explain the covered bridge, our collection of historic wagons, local plants and animals, and teach how to pan for gold. Children may keep the gold they find.