Unique bird habitats, access to the Chesapeake Bay, and ample recreational opportunities typical of the Atlantic coast are what you’ll find at the Kiptopeke State Park. A popular location for the military community that calls the area home and visitors alike. Camping, or simply a day trip, is a great way to reconnect with nature. However, among those out on a hike or looking to spot a rare glimpse of the Purple Sandpiper, there is a unique connection of the park to World War II thanks to its concrete fleet. Suggested read: The Navy’s Real Top Gun School Started in a Parking Lot

Where Is Kiptopeke State Park?

The Kiptopeke State Park is located at 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310. You can find the park just over 35 miles away from both Norfolk and Virginia Beach, a popular location for Veterans and active duty members alike. Within the Kiptopeke State Park campground, you’ll find cabins, lodges, and campsites for everything from a tent to an RV. Furthermore, it’s an easy drive away from major cities. You'll find Virginia State Park Kiptopeke only three miles from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT). Related read: Discover LA’s Japanese American National Museum

The McCloskey Concrete Ships

These days, the CBBT is the preferred choice of travel for many, regardless of the tolls you’re stuck paying. However, the previous Chesapeake Bay ferry terminal in the area has a unique feature. Visitors fishing off the pier near the Kiptopeke State Park can spot the Kiptopeke Breakwater aka concrete ships. A collection of nine concrete ships that were created out of the material during WWII. The ships of the concrete fleet at Kiptopeke State Park aren’t the only ones as the U.S. Maritime Commission created a total of 24 ships at the time. However, in 1948, the Kiptopeke concrete ships were brought in to protect the former terminal from harsh weather. Concrete isn’t the first material you might think of for building ships, yet steel was becoming scarce due to two world wars, and technological breakthroughs allowed concrete to be created lighter and used for ships. If you were to view the Kiptopeke Breakwater from north to south, these are the names of the ships as they appear today:

• S.S. Arthur Newell Talbot
• S.S. Edwin Thatcher
• S.S. Robert Whitman Lesley
• S.S. Willis A. Slater
• S.S. Leonard Chase Wason
• S.S. Ricard Kidder Meade
• S.S. John Grant
• S.S. William Foster Cowham
• S.S. Willard A. Pollard

Furthermore, each concrete ship was named after someone who helped pioneer and innovate within the concrete industry. Today, the concrete ships at Kiptopeke State Park sit on the bottom of the Bay, partially sunken, almost a quarter mile offshore. Birds and kayakers alike love the structures.

Plan Your Trip to the Kiptopeke State Park

Featuring a boat ramp, areas to host a picnic, a beach to swim, educational programs, and more, Kiptopeke has a lot to offer visitors young and old. You can access the park from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm, with overnight guest visitation also available. From April 1 until December 31, the pier is open 24/7 for visitors. You can’t bring firewood into Kiptopeke State Park, but you should bring your best walking shoes as there are more than 5 miles of trails for hiking and biking available. To learn more about the rules of Virginia State Parks, you can find them online, but the general idea is to be respectful of others and the park itself. Visiting the Kiptopeke State Park has many different perks. The concrete fleet is a unique feature that doesn’t just provide protection and help wildlife but provides a military community with an even stronger connection to the area. Read next: Your 2024 Government Shutdown Military Pay Questions Answered