Food, utility costs cited for Hungry Mother's decision to end catering services
A conference space at Hemlock Haven at Hungry Mother State Park.
The Lakeview conference and event space lives up to its name, offering views of Hungry Mother Lake.
Catering will no longer be available with special event space rentals at Hungry Mother State Park.
Kevin McDonald, park manager, said, “The buildings themselves will still be accessible to rent as they have been, just without the option for the park to provide food.”
He attributed the change to “ever increasing food and utilities costs as well as challenges with hiring and maintaining staff to assist with those events.”
Regarding employees, McDonald said, “We will be maintaining our current staffing levels in that section, which is tremendous news. Some employees will be assuming other duties from what they currently hold, but we do not anticipate any staffing losses as a result.”
The Marion state park has two popular special event rental options: Lakeview Event or Ferrell Hall Conference centers.
A state Department of Conversation and Recreation news release said, “Hungry Mother remains strongly committed to offering high-quality, accessible event spaces for the public. The Lakeview Event and Ferrell Hall Conference centers will continue to be available for weddings, meetings, conferences and other special gatherings, and the park will actively support renters in utilizing these facilities and finding caterers that fit their dietary needs.”
McDonald noted that the park doesn’t have “a formal operating procedure at this time for outsides catering services but we will most likely be directing folks to the chamber if they are looking for outside caterers.”
The change is effective immediately.
The DCR said, “Hungry Mother will continue working closely with local stakeholders and partners as the park transitions into a venue space operation only to ensure the greatest benefits for the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and all its visitors who enjoy and support the park.”
“The park appreciates the understanding and continued support of its visitors as it adapts to a changing business environment, while remaining dedicated to providing an exceptional visitor experience and responsibly stewarding park resources,” said the release.
McDonald did not respond to a request for additional comments on the reasoning behind the service’s and if staff would be impacted.
Ferrell Hall at Hemlock Haven has been open for meetings and conferences since 1989.
Lakeview Event Center was previously a restaurant that operated within the park.
At a February 2025 meeting with the Marion Town Council, several citizens asked McDonald about prospects for a restaurant reopening inside the park.
He told citizens and the council that the park restaurant was unsuccessful financially. It was “severely not profitable” when it closed, he said.
For more information about facility rentals or park services, individuals may call Hungry Mother State Park at 276-781-7426.
