Fluvanna County has abundant natural resources, including the James, Hardware, and Rivanna Rivers. These waterways, along with other natural areas, provide ample opportunity for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Within the county are the state operated 1,034 acre Hardware River Wildlife Management Area, the Rivanna Conservation Society’s 100 acre Scheier Natural Area, and the Fluvanna County Heritage Trail Foundation’s trails (between historic Palmyra on Rt. 15 and Pleasant Grove on Rt. 53). Ruritan Lake is a particular favorite of outdoor enthusiasts.
Note: Effective January 1, 2012, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) requires an Access Permit to department-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public fishing lakes for visitors who are age 17 and older, unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration.
The County Parks and Recreation Department operates a gymnasium and community center and sponsors over 33 programs and five athletic leagues. There are nine ball fields and two tennis courts. The county also owns a 969 acre property, “Pleasant Grove,” near Palmyra.
Activities open to residents and property owners of the Lake Monticello community center around a 352 acre man-made lake. The main lake is open for swimming, boating, water skiing, diving, and fishing. There are five beaches for access to the water and a marina with a boat ramp for trailer accessibility. In addition to the water activities, the LM community offers a par 72, PGA championship golf course; basketball courts; a baseball field; a soccer field; and two playgrounds with cook-out facilities.
Lake Monticello’s beautiful semi-private 18-hole, par 72 golf course is ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The thoughtfully designed course takes full advantage of the natural contours and features of the lovely rolling landscape of the Virginia’s piedmont. Fairways are open but there are out of bounds, woods, and/or water on every hole. Pro Shop, practice facilities, and snack bar are available. Everyone is welcome to enjoy golf at Lake Monticello.
Cultural Activities
With the completed renovation of the Carysbrook Auditorium in 1997, Fluvanna County gained a home for the arts: The Carysbrook Performing Arts Center. With concerts, community theater productions, lectures and other events provided September through May by the Fluvanna County Arts Council, Inc. county residents are provided with exciting activities to suit every taste. With its close proximity to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Washington D.C., Fluvanna County is in a unique geographic location to offer easy access to the widest range of cultural events.
The Fluvanna County Public Library has approximately 60,000 volumes, videos, and compact discs in the facility that opened in 2008. The library also sponsors a wide variety of programs for the benefit of children and the adult population. The library has a computer lab with internet access for public use.