Three Lakes Park & Nature Center — Attraction in Lakeside

My husband and I visited Three Lakes Park for the first time in a few years last week, during the peak of Fall’s colors. Three Lakes offers a trail around three man made lakes, two of which do not allow fishing. The third is stocked for those who do enjoy fishing. Our goal was to spend time outdoors taking in the Fall colors and whatever wildlife we’d be lucky to see.

The first lake was chock full of turtles of all sizes, swimming and wandering about the water. We spotted a double-breasted cormorant diving for fish and popping up now and again from the lake waters. The Great Blue Heron across the lake was a treasure to spot, as these large birds are elegant and so beautiful to watch. Unfortunately, I don’t have a camera advanced enough to capture much, as you can see from these images, but being there in the moment was a breathtaking experience.

As we walked along the next two lakes, there were Canadian geese, more cormorants, fish of a few shapes and sizes, and another Great Blue Heron which may have been the one we saw at the first lake. There were others hiking the trail that weekday but it never felt crowded, and it was fun to see people’s dogs they brought with them. We stopped at several points along the way to take scenic photos of colorful trees reflecting in the lake waters.

We were disappointed that the Nature Center was closed and that there was no sign visible explaining what is happening with it (minus one star). The aquarium outside was empty. We didn’t bring any food to prepare or eat at the third lake, using the grills or shelters, so I can’t comment on the condition of those. My husband did use the facilities and had no complaints. There was a playground with a few children and it looked like people were having a good time.

For a quiet walk through nature, I would definitely return to...

I recently visited Three Lake Park, and it exceeded my expectations as a perfect spot for walking, running, and leisurely strolls with kids. The park's serene atmosphere, enhanced by its three beautiful lakes, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Each lake is surrounded by dense trees, creating a calming environment that is ideal for nature lovers. You can choose to circle all three lakes or enjoy each one individually, making it a versatile destination for different preferences. One of the unique features of the park is the opportunity to watch turtles, adding a touch of wildlife to your visit. Benches by the lakes provide perfect spots to sit, unwind, and soak in the scenic views, making it an excellent place to relieve stress.

The park also has a dedicated kids' play area, ensuring that children have a great time. Additionally, it is a calm place for fishing, appealing to those looking for a quiet activity. However, it's worth noting that the restrooms are not well-maintained, which could be improved to enhance the overall experience.

Despite the restroom issue, Three Lake Park remains a fantastic destination for outdoor activities, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful lakes and lush...

Three Lakes needs to get it's act together concerning it's Nature Center. I have been coming to this park since I was a pre-teen (37 now) and bringing my other two kids, who are 17 and 20, here for years as well. I now have a 2-1/2 yr old, who can't enjoy the nature center at a convenient time because the hours on the center are ridiculous now . They use to open early every day, despite what the gentleman I spoke to at the Henrico Park and Rec services stated. Now, it's not until 12 NOON, which is totally inconvenient for parents of babies and toddlers who want to spend the morning at the park before going home to get the children fed and down for naps. And even if they SAY the hours are different in the summer and they open at 10 AM, this is BS, as we came up 3-4 times this past summer and the doors were always locked, even though it was well after 10 am. So, why don't ya'll open the center at a SET FREAKING TIME ALL YEAR ROUND, for the parents of children who are not in school yet and want to enjoy the center in the quiet of the morning, before they have to rush off to get the kids down for nap and do other things...