Historic Midlothian Village: the coal mine ruins at Mid-Lothian Mines Park, Sycamore Square's shops, the rebuilt library and Midlothian Day each October.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Details come from Chesterfield County, Sycamore Square, the Midlothian Day Parade and Festival and each business’s own site, linked below.

Midlothian began as a coal village, and its old center is still the best place to understand the place. The ruins of the mines that probably gave Midlothian its name stand in Mid-Lothian Mines Park. Nearby, Sycamore Square’s colonial-style shops, the rebuilt Midlothian Library and a farmhouse cafe make a morning of it. Each October the whole community turns out for Midlothian Day.

Plan a visit

  • Mid-Lothian Mines Park: 13301 N. Woolridge Road, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily; tours 804-751-4946
  • Midlothian Library: 100 Millworks Crossing, 804-751-2275
  • Sycamore Square: Midlothian Turnpike at Crowder Drive
  • Midlothian Day: third Saturday of October

The village at a glance

Stop Address What it is
Mid-Lothian Mines Park 13301 N. Woolridge Road 44-acre park around the coal mine ruins, pond and boardwalk
Sycamore Square Midlothian Turnpike at Crowder Drive Shops, restaurants and businesses around village squares
Midlothian Library 100 Millworks Crossing County library branch, rebuilt and reopened in 2024
Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe 13872 Coalfield Commons Place Cafe next to the library, open 8 a.m. daily
Midlothian Village Park 13801 Westfield Road 6-acre park with 0.3 mile of unpaved trail

Mid-Lothian Mines Park

Coal was discovered near the French Huguenot settlement on the James River around 1701, and the first commercially mined coal in America was dug here, according to the county. The Mid-Lothian Coal Mining Company was chartered in 1835, and its coal fired the furnaces at Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond. Explosions killed 55 miners in 1855 and trapped 32 men in the Grove Shaft in 1882.

The county opened the park on 44 acres in 2004. The two-story granite Grove Shaft ruins, which once held the mine’s fans, boilers, pumps and hoists, are the only architectural remnant of the company and stand beside the pond the county calls Loch Lothian. A boardwalk and trails circle the water. The park is also where the Midlothian District holiday tree lighting is held and where the CarMax Tacky Light Run starts in December. Our history guide has the full timeline.

Sycamore Square

Sycamore Square sits on Midlothian Turnpike (U.S. Route 60) at Crowder Drive and calls itself “village squares that capture the feeling of Colonial America,” with specialty restaurants, shops and businesses. Its merchants are listed in the square’s online directory. Experience Chesterfield, the county’s tourism office, names it with Westchester Commons and Chester Village as decorated shopping districts for a December stroll.

The library and the cafe

The Midlothian Library, 100 Millworks Crossing, reopened in 2024 after being redesigned and rebuilt. It runs story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers most weekday mornings, plus book clubs and teen and adult programs; see the library calendar and our kids’ activities guide.

Next door, the Urban Farmhouse Market and Cafe, 13872 Coalfield Commons Place, 804-378-3366, is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, with a brunch menu; see our brunch guide.

Midlothian Day

The Midlothian Day Parade and Festival is held the third Saturday of October, hosted by Sanctuary Rescue with Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation. A parade runs from 9 to 10 a.m., then a free festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. fills the grounds of Midlothian Middle School, 13501 Midlothian Turnpike, with crafters, makers, food trucks, stage acts and children’s activities. The organizers say it has brought neighbors together for nearly half a century. The 2026 event was Oct. 17.

Getting there

Sycamore Square and Midlothian Middle School are both on Midlothian Turnpike (U.S. Route 60). Our getting around guide covers roads and bus service.

Frequently asked questions

How did Midlothian get its name?

Chesterfield County says the Mid-Lothian Mines probably gave the village of Midlothian its name. The Mid-Lothian Coal Mining Company was chartered in 1835.

Where is Sycamore Square in Midlothian?

Sycamore Square is on Midlothian Turnpike (U.S. Route 60) at Crowder Drive in historic Midlothian. It describes itself as village squares with specialty restaurants, shops and businesses.

When is Midlothian Day?

Midlothian Day is held the third Saturday of October each year, with a parade from 9 to 10 a.m. and a festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Midlothian Middle School, 13501 Midlothian Turnpike. The 2026 event was Oct. 17.

What are the hours at Mid-Lothian Mines Park?

Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 N. Woolridge Road, is open 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. Tour and program information: 804-751-4946.