Maymont

spouse and i went there to see the house. unfortunately had to drive through dirty Richmond to get there. ick. Parking was almost non existent. 35 min later, we almost gave up on a spot then one had just opened. The tour was a bit strange, all the other people in our tour seemed to be from Russia or some Slavic country. This placed is a typical period so i didn’t expect much, and was not disappointed. i only found the Swan bed interesting. there was a party going on in one of the property buildings so it was a bit disruptive.

Richmond is a small city, but, like all metropolitan areas, the dark gray of the streets and the trash that lurks in every alley wear one down gradually. It’s a sort of numbness, a familiarity that sets in, where you stop looking at the trees that line the roads and don’t notice the blooming sunflowers beside the coffee shop you go to every day. It’s during these phases that I go to Maymont. Overwhelming beauty fills your vision: gentle hills, an abundance of foliage, a surprising amount of wildlife, families and couples strolling through the sunlight. You reconnect with the child that you used to be, awestruck by the grace of nature and the simple joy of feeling grass beneath your feet. You remember how, as a child, you would roll down the hill, even though you knew the grass would cut you and you wouldn’t stop sneezing all night. You remember the one night when you accidentally squashed a lightning bug and cried because the night sky would be a little darker. You remember your mother dancing, sparklers in hands, as your older brother played guitar beneath the oak tree.
Throughout my time in Richmond, I’ve taken my old friends who visit to Maymont. I watch their faces as they see just how large it, as they become sort of mystified at this Eden’s existence right next to the concrete blocks of the city. I’m not sure they realize how much I’ve missed all of them. I think of all of my distant friends and the times we used to spend together, sitting on the grass and just talking about nothing. I take them to Maymont because those memories are alive there. Nothing is dead or lost, and we become the friends we used to be. My self, the other me, the one who existed before I changed, feels at home at Maymont. It is warm, and it is sunny. I can keep walking down the paths of Maymont, and I can keep walking down the paths of my mind.

A free attraction and a must see with the kids. A minimal fee to see the otters and other sea animals but the rest of the garden/​park is free. I saw bisons, bald eagles and numerous wildlife fowls. The Japanese garden was serene with beautiful landscape.

Such a beautiful place in Richmond. Their indoor «zoo» exhibit is very small but it’s only $ 3. When I visited last time, the otters did a small show and it was SO cute.

Maymont is the best park in Richmond! It’s so beautiful and so much to see. I’m so glad we took our engagement pictures here!

This place was so impressive. Our local friends brought us here and I was not expecting anything so massive and beautiful. I think it was $ 15 total for 5 of us. It is much like being in nature but better. I only wish I would have brought water and such so I was prepared to stay and walk around longer. I wish we had something like this back home !

Maymont is the East Coast version of Golden Gate Park. No matter the season, I try to get to this park whenever I am in Richmond.
I have been here several times and I have yet to get over to the wildlife center (with BEARS AND OTTERS) and have mostly stayed in the Italian Garden and Japanese Garden side taking millions of pictures and strolling around.
The park itself has abundant parking and several lots. The best lot to park at for the gardens and mansion is the the Hampton Street Entrance located at 1700 Hampton Street.
Maymont is in fact a photographers dream as other Unilocalers have mentioned. It is also a gardening fanatics dream come true with herbs galore and rotating flora. Gardening is a favorite hobby of mine since as I get older and the further I get into watching The Walking Dead, I feel as though my role in the zombie apocalypse would be more of a farmer than a fighter. So I need to develop my skills.
For gardening geeks like me, every year (April) Maymont hosts the Herbs Galore and More, where vendors from the mid-​Atlantic fill Maymont’s Carriage House Lawn with every imaginable herb as well as annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, and herbal products and crafts for this one-​of-​a-​kind event. Basically, you bring a wagon and load up on plants, also they have beer and cider.
Now more about the gardens, on a beautiful day, it is quite likely you’ll run into lots of engagement/​special occasion shoots here. It was quite the beautiful backdrop from the canopy arches covered in flowering vines in the Italian Garden, to the waterfall and Koi ponds in the Japanese Gardens. You’ll want to come here in late spring when the water is running. As of yesterday (5÷1÷16), the fountains were off, and the waterfalls were dry. It still makes for stunning pictures, but the grotto and falls are a lot more alive when the water is flowing.
On my recent visit here, the park smelled amazing. I respond to flower scents like a cat to cat nip. The smell here drove me mad (in a good way) I wish I could bottle the air up and carry it with me. Apparently, they dug out their old cactus gardens and replaced them with aromatic Victorian flowers, like lilacs and lilies. You’ll smell this all the way down in the Japanese Gardens even though the flowers are closer to where the bears are (probably to cover up the smell of bear poop).
When planning your visit, it’s safe to say just about anyone can make the trek down to the gardens, but as a warning for parents with strollers, there are lots of steps and stepping stones in the gardens, so it will get a little annoying to haul all that stuff. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and a camera, as well as snacks and water (you may want to picnic and stay awhile).

Yaaaas Maymont, yasss.
Such a beautiful place. Birds, animals, butterflies, and BEARS oh my.
Great for picnicking and getting a nice stroll in. Bring out-​of-​towners here!
I do wish they would do more concert series here again.

A wonderful place!!! This is the most beautiful park in Richmond, VA.
Me and my family go there a few times a year just because is kind of far from where we leave, otherwise would go way more often. Perfect for a walk or picnic of you are someone who likes the nature.
The Japanese garden is a gorgeous place as well!

What a blissful place in the middle of Richmond. I found my happy place! Such a great place for walks and hiking and everything really. I saw several couples getting engagement photos taken there and I can see why. My favorite was the Japanese Garden. Loved it!

Beautiful, beautiful place to enjoy a nice walk, visit with the barnyard pets, see some of the aquatic and reptile animals, or to have a picnic in the middle of any of the fields on this enormous estate. There’s a lot of history here. You can tour the mansion and some of the other buildings on the property. You also have the option to become a member (or not) to attend the numerous events and classes such as crafting, tending to the animals, behind the scenes of how the estate was ran during the slavery period, Christmas events, and much more. They even have a designated area for birthday parties with crafts, toys, learning activities and more.
We spent an entire day here appreciating the landscape, it’s so beautiful. Many benches and seating areas throughout. A wonderful place to escape to.

What a beautiful park! Maymont’s got 2 faces where the first part has wildlife they’ve rescued and then beautiful gardens and scenery since they’ve got acres of land they maintain. I especially enjoyed the Italian & Japanese gardens. I was amazed on how the park was able to transform the area into a surreal experience. This is great for friends, day at the park, picnicking and if you’d just want a good run. Park admission is free but please donate!

For those of us who grew up in RVA, this is a staple of our existence.
From the time I was a kid in the 60’s, I have always loved this place.
I have probably visited this place a hundred times and have always resonated to the Japanese gardens.
I went back a few years ago and saw they had added a petting zoo and nature center, both near the parking lot. If you choose to go there, don’t miss the chance for the walk down to the Japanese gardens. It’s a hike, but worth the effort.

A picture taking scene at every step!
I took my gf to Maymont on a warm spring Saturday. Perfect for a date! It’s a beautiful park and bring your camera. The Japanese garden and Italian gardens are wonderful. The park’s features include: a wooden bridge in the Japanese garden, koi fish pond, gazebos, water falls, and beautiful flower gardens.

How fun and cute this place is! A wonderful mix of things to do– between the gardens and animals it’s like a miniature botanical zoo! It was a beautiful spring day so that made the adventures that much more wonderful. My boyfriend and I were meeting up with long distance friends and their adorable two year old twins! This place was definitely fun for all ages!
The only reason I cannot give 5 stars is because some of the gardens were blocked off due to a wedding reception that was being held there. It was a little frustrating to not know ahead of time that this was happening as we are from out of town and will most likely not be able to come back any time soon. :(
I’m sure the gardens are lovely and I simply wanted to experience more! Perhaps post calendar of events on a more central place on the website? This would have helped with planning our visit.

Holy Shangri-​La. I seriously cannot believe that I’ve never reviewed Maymont before! Oh Richmond, I have failed you! Ok, enough with the dramatics. Let’s get on with the review.
So I think we can all agree on one fact: Maymont is *the* most heavenly oasis there ever was. Think of it as the Central Park of RVA. Hate to break it to ya though, but you’re gonna have to leave the pooches at home for this trip, my friends. No animals allowed on this very lush property. No domestic animals, anyway. But that’s ok. Would you believe me if I told you you won’t even miss those furry friends? You should. There are plenty of other animals and sights to keep you occupied during your visit.
So, I always enter at the nature center, which used to be free but is not anymore (freaking recession)! But when you step out on the terrace, all you see is rolling hills and I swear to you i want to start belting «The Circle of Life» and hold my proverbial lion cub high above my head for all the world to see. And then, I will proceed to tell that cub «Everything the light touches is yours». That should give you an idea of his grandiose and picturesque that view really is.
Throughout your visit to Maymont you’ll be able to see all types of animals from river otters to owls, Eagles, horses, and even a bear! I believe that these animals are being rehabbed (Don’t quote me on that) which makes me love this place even more. Then, when you’ve had your animal fix, lay out on a hill and crack open a good book or make your way through the mansion, Italian Garden, and Japanese Garden. One word: waterfall. Words can’t really explain how beautiful the gardens are, especially once Spring has sprung and everything is in bloom. When the bf and I come here, we make a loop around the whole park, not missing anything. The only thing we haven’t done is gone inside of the mansion! That’s on the bucket list though for sure. I am definitely ringing my portable Internet out here at least once a week this summer so that I can make Maymont my office. How are those views for inspiration. This is one of those places that makes you stop and be grateful that you’re alive.
Maymont will always hold a special place in my heart because it is where the bf and I had our first date 7 years ago! I hope to also get married here one day. I can’t think of a place that is more peaceful and gorgeous.

Maymont is an awesome park. We have attended two birthday parties there so far this year. The first was over by the children’s farm. The kids had so much fun feeding the animals and going on a hayride.
The second party we attended was a cupcake picnic. The kids had a great time running around the park and looking at the animals.

Oh my gosh… my friend and I were so excited to see this place but we went to the wrong section and didn’t see the best parts! Ugh… when you get there, you should probably get one of their maps so you won’t miss a thing like we did.
This place is beautiful and actually really big. The story behind this place is interesting. The land was donated by a wealthy couple who lived in the mansion and became a park. There are so many things to look at and do here and you can even just come for a peaceful picnic if you want.
It’s really nice to see a different part of Richmond like this and everyone should definitely stop by whenever they have the time.

Richmond, VA – Road Trip #3
The main purpose for this road trip was Maymont. With 100+ reviews and a five-​star rating, I needed to see what Unilocalers were talking about. Maymont is an extraordinary park with 100-​acres, and many things to explore. If any of my local friends are reading this, you must check out this place. A quick drive to Richmond is definitely worth it.
Around 1886, James Henry and Sallie Dooley purchased the land where Maymont resides. They lived there for thirty years, making it into a beautiful estate. When they died, they bequeathed Maymont to the city of Richmond. Now a private nonprofit organization called Maymont Foundation takes care of the property for the city. While Maymont was given to the city, there was no money to maintain it. This is why they ask for donations even though most of the park is free.
Now, let’s talk about what Maymont has to offer:
Gardens (free) —
Maymont has two gardens: Italian and Japanese. Both are beautiful with lots of flowers and interesting things to see. The Italian Garden was designed by Noland and Baskervill from Richmond, and this beautiful Victorian garden was finished by 1910. It has statuary, cascade, fountain, pergola, gazebos and gorgeous stonework. That day I spotted a Monarch Butterfly.
From the Italian Garden down to the Japanese Garden, you walk down exquisite stairs. The Japanese Garden was my favorite part of Maymont; the Dooleys hired a master gardener named Muto, but it was much smaller than the current Japanese Garden, which was renovated in 1978. I saw a waterfall, bridge, koi in the pond, stone lanterns, a bamboo structure and more. Words cannot describe this place – you must see it for yourself.
Mansion ($ 5 suggested donation) —
Maymont Mansion was built in 1893, and is the Romanesque-​style, with 12,000 square feet and 33 rooms. The Dooleys named their home «May Mont,» which was a combination of Sallie’s maiden-​name and the French word «hill.» The public is welcome to tour the mansion (Tuesday — Sunday, 12 pm — 5 pm); there is a guided tour upstairs and a self-​guided tour downstairs. I did not tour the inside of the home, but I will next time I visit.
Children’s Farm ($ 4 suggested donation) and Wildlife Exhibits–
The Children’s Farm has domesticated animals (i.e., pigs, sheep, cow, chicken, donkeys, rabbits, and ducks) and allows you to pet and feed them (only using their special feed). They also have «Adopt an Animal,» which helps to fund the Children’s Farm. You get to pick which animal you want, and the lowest level for donation is $ 25 up to the highest level of $ 500. You will receive a special certificate in the mail.
On the path to the Wildlife Exhibits from the Children’s Farm, you can see the butterfly gardens. The Wildlife Exhibits are available mid-​March through mid-​October. The native Virginia animals to see at Maymont are bears, birds of prey, deer, bison, fox and bobcat. I did get to see some action that day since it was overcast and cool, which animals enjoy.
(There is the Robins Nature and Visitor Center part of Maymont, but it has its own page on Unilocal.Because of that, I decided to write two different reviews. Besides, this review is already quite long. In addition, consider buying an annual membership. As a family, you can become a member for $ 60 for a year and includes two adults/​six children. There are benefits such as free admission into the Nature Center, 10% off off souvenirs, member-​only events and more.)
I was so impressed with Maymont; there is no other place like it. Not to mention, Maymont is a photographer’s dream – I had such a blast taking hundreds of photos. If you are visiting Richmond, I highly recommend that Maymont is top on your list. Combine with Byrd Park adjacent to Maymont, you could easily make it into a weekend. I can’t wait to go back!

I loved Maymont. LOVED.
An impromptu play-​date for mine and my best friends kids, was in order. And we needed a spot halfway. Maymont is was.
Petting zoo. Japanse tea Garden, Grotto, Koi ponds, hills, trees, benches, this place had everything and the grounds were pristine and absolutely beautiful. They ask for a $ 5 donation upon entering, but obviously this is not enforced. There is the cutest little old man at the entrance of the petting zoo, who plays his woodwind and serves ice cream. I wanted to hug him.
You could easily spend an entire day here exploring and taking in all there is to see and do. My favorite was the koi pond and the tea garden. Its a great place to take your kids, have a romantic picnic or just to go for a jog. I little diamond in the rough that is Richmond and I would love to visit again.