Doswell, Virginia
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Region
Central Virginia
Type
Unincorporated community
County
Hanover County, Virginia
Known for
Kings Dominion, The Meadow, and the State Fair of Virginia
Doswell is a small community in northern Hanover County, Virginia, where two major attractions draw visitors from well beyond the area: the Kings Dominion amusement park and The Meadow Event Park, home of the State Fair of Virginia. The Meadow also has an equine legacy: Secretariat and Riva Ridge were among the celebrated horses raised there. [1][2]
Doswell’s appeal is focused rather than spread across a large downtown: plan around a park day, a fair or event, or a look at the community’s railroad and horse-racing history. The former Hanover Junction developed where the Virginia Central and Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroads met, and the county identifies that crossing as central to Doswell’s story. [3]
Plan a trip to Doswell
Why visit Doswell?
Doswell works best as a destination for a particular event or attraction. Kings Dominion offers a full day of rides and entertainment, while The Meadow Event Park hosts the State Fair of Virginia and events throughout the year. Their schedules differ, so check the official calendars before setting out.
Beyond the attractions, Doswell offers a glimpse of a community shaped by rail connections and horse culture. Visitors interested in local history can connect the old junction, Civil War-era supply routes, and the nearby Doswell family racing farm to the area’s wider story.
What to see and do
Plan a day at the amusement park in Doswell. The park’s calendar, admission details, directions, and visitor policies can change; confirm current information with the official site before visiting.
The Meadow Event Park is associated with Secretariat and Riva Ridge and serves as the site of the State Fair of Virginia. It also hosts other events; check the venue and fair websites for the current schedule and access details.
The Meadow Event Park describes its equine history as a reason for its National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register designations. The venue lists self-led tours among its visitor offerings, but tour arrangements and availability may change; confirm details directly before going. [4]
History and character
Doswell was formerly known as Hanover Junction, a name reflecting the meeting of two railroad lines. The intersection helped make the community a transportation and commercial center, and railroads were important to Confederate supply movements during the Civil War campaigns of 1862–1864, according to Hanover County’s historic overview. [5]
The area was also known for thoroughbred breeding and racing. The county’s historic overview notes that the Doswell farm east of the junction had a racetrack, while the National Register documentation for the nearby Meadow describes the farm’s equine heritage and the significance of its horses. [6][7]
Planning a visit
Doswell is primarily a driving destination. Kings Dominion lists its address as 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia; The Meadow Event Park lists 13191 Dawn Boulevard. Check each venue’s current hours, calendar, tickets, parking, and directions before travel, as park operations and event access vary by date. [8][9]
The State Fair of Virginia is a scheduled event rather than a year-round attraction. Its official planning page is updated as annual programming is confirmed; check it for the latest fair information and use The Meadow Event Park’s event calendar for other dates. [10]
Nearby places and attractions
Ashland
A nearby railroad town with a historic station, local shops, and access to Hanover County attractions.
Hanover County
Explore the county’s historic sites, rural communities, and visitor destinations.
Richmond
The state capital offers museums, historic districts, restaurants, and riverfront attractions.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Directions, Kings Dominion, Six Flags. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ The Meadow Event Park, The Meadow Event Park. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures in Hanover County, VA, Hanover County Economic Development, Hanover County, May 26, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ The Meadow Event Park, The Meadow Event Park. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures in Hanover County, VA, Hanover County Economic Development, Hanover County, May 26, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures in Hanover County, VA, Hanover County Economic Development, Hanover County, May 26, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ The Meadow Event Park, The Meadow Event Park. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Directions, Kings Dominion, Six Flags. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ The Meadow Event Park, The Meadow Event Park. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Trip, State Fair of Virginia. Retrieved October 24, 2026.