Virgin Islands National Park is more than just beautiful beaches. Hike to plantation ruins to learn about a time when sugar dominated the island. Visit the ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino Indians along the Reef Bay Trail. Come snorkel the coral reefs to discover hidden marine life.
Virgin Islands National Park encompasses over two-thirds the island of St. John, and almost all of Hassel Island, making it a unique destination for visitors from around the world. It is one the few National Parks that is open year round, 24 hours a day. Much of the prehistoric past and over a hundred historic sites comprise one the most comprehensive and undisturbed Caribbean landscapes
After Columbus’ arrival, the Virgin Islands became one of the first cultural melting pots, made up of people from around the world. Northern European powers competed for strategic and economic control. They brought enslaved workers from Africa to build plantation estates with great houses,warehouses, windmills, and factories. In addition to hundreds of architectural remains of these plantations, there are at least two-thousand sites where the houses (huts) and graveyards of the enslaved workers exist.
Plan to stop at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay for maps and more information about the history of our park and its future.
