Arrowhead hunting in Virginia is a popular hobby, with many local archeological organizations and historical societies actively seeking new sites.
Below we’ll investigate the 5 places to find arrowheads in Virginia.
Note: Arrowheads, spear points, and other primitive cultural artifacts and tools are highly regulated and often protected. Always consult with the local, state, and federal laws in your area before looking, and never search on private property without permission. It is illegal to remove arrowheads and artifacts from public land.
Table of Contents
- Where To Find Arrowheads In Virginia
- Rivers And Water Bodies
- Construction Sites Particularly By Virginia Beach
- Join An Archaeological Society
- National And State Parks
- Farmer’s Fields
- Digging And Collecting Arrowheads In Virginia
- Related Posts
Where To Find Arrowheads In Virginia
Virginia’s best-known places to seek out arrowheads include rivers and creeks, construction areas, national and state parks, and farmers’ fields.
Areas of Interest Include:
- Virginia Beach
- Dinwiddie County
- Alexandria
- Appomattox-Buckingham and other state forests
Rivers And Water Bodies
Most of the American Indian settlements were located close to water bodies. This proximity, and the natural drainage effect, mean that rivers, creeks, and lakes are good locations to investigate, provided you’re searching on private property (with permission).
The challenge in Virginia is that many navigable river beds are privately owned, which means access is further limited to the public.
While the public has no right in non-navigable streams, they are the best place to look for arrowheads if you can get landowner permission.
Important Rivers Include:
- Potomac
- James
- York
- Appomattox
Construction Sites Particularly By Virginia Beach
In 2015, Archeologists discovered a Native American Indian settlement from roughly 1500 years ago by Virginia Beach close to the Great Neck Road.
Private property owners were busy developing the area when they discovered artifacts.
Other construction sites on private property around the area (and down towards Broad Bay) close to rivers, creeks, and forests are great potential sources of arrowheads.
Ensure you get permission before going onto the property and access it when they’re not busy.
Join An Archaeological Society
Virginia has a rich history and active archaeological societies.
If you love history and anthropology and would love to look for artifacts, joining the society as a volunteer is a phenomenal way to access digs and assist archeologists in their finds.
To volunteer at an Archeological society, visit their website.
National And State Parks
Although you won’t be able to remove the arrowheads, searching in National and State parks, forests, and cultural sites, is a great way to find arrowheads. Many of these parks and sites offer archaeological dig opportunities for volunteers.
Parks and Heritage Sites Include:
- New Quarter Park- occasionally offers volunteer archeologist programs.
- Russell Cave National Monument
- Peaks of Otter Recreation area (close to Abbott Lake)
- Holiday Lake State Park – evidence of an Indian Preserve from 500 years ago.
Check with park rangers and ask if you can volunteer on any archaeological digs.
Farmer’s Fields
When setting out to collect arrowheads, private property is your best bet. Provided you receive the land owner’s permission, you’ll be able to scour their fields/property and keep (again, make sure they give their permission) whatever you find.
Farmers’ fields boarding rivers, lakes, and creek beds, close to forests, and near American Indian settlements are a great starting point.
Try to target areas that were recently plowed, and if you go arrowhead hunting after recent rain, it’ll improve your chances.
Digging And Collecting Arrowheads In Virginia
As with most other states, digging for arrowheads on public land (federal and state land) is illegal. Furthermore, removing any surface arrowheads from these areas is also illegal.
When collecting from private land (with the landowner’s permission), you should try to record your findings (with photos). This information is important for archeologists.
Note: Arrowheads, spear points, and other primitive cultural artifacts and tools are highly regulated and often protected. Always consult with the local, state, and federal laws in your area before looking, and never search on private property without permission. It is illegal to remove arrowheads and artifacts from public land.
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