Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County will celebrate its 30th anniversary this weekend.

Once home to a 19th-century plantation, Belle Isle State Park joined Virginia’s state park system in April 1993. Thirty years later, the 892-acre park provides access to the Rappahannock River and welcomes more than 47,000 visitors annually to enjoy its nine miles of trails, seven miles of shorelines, visitor center and diverse wildlife habitats.In recognition of its anniversary, the park has planned several events for this Saturday, April 22, which is also Earth Day.

“The opportunity to celebrate a milestone like the park’s 30th anniversary with our community, Friends group, and park-goers is exciting, and to do so with volunteer-led events like the Rapp River Run 5K and Stellar Astronomy is even better,” said Park Manager Katie Shepard.

Noting that the initial land purchase for the park was made possible by funds from the 1992 Parks & Recreational Facilities Bond Referendum, S...