Historic Jamestowne
Step back to 1607 at the site of America's first permanent English settlement, where history is actively unearthed and brought to life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Historic Jamestowne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back to 1607 at the site of America's first permanent English settlement, where history is actively unearthed and brought to life.
"Visiting Historic Jamestowne was such an incredible experience! Walking the grounds where America's first permanent English settlement began truly felt like stepping back in time."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for lots of walking across multiple sites. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Visiting all three areas can take 5+ hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Archaeological Digs
Historic Jamestowne
Witness history being uncovered! See active digs and learn about recent artifact discoveries.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement
Step into the past with a recreated fort, Powhatan village, and costumed interpreters.
Jamestown Glasshouse
Historic Jamestowne
Watch skilled artisans recreate colonial glassblowing techniques, a historic industry.
The Museum at Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne
Explore fascinating exhibits and see actual artifacts unearthed from the original settlement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Three Jamestown Sites
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for lots of walking across multiple sites. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Visiting all three areas can take 5+ hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Check for Special Tours
Consider 'Inside the Vault' tours for a deeper dive into artifacts. :key:
Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds of Historic Jamestowne. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for lots of walking across multiple sites. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Visiting all three areas can take 5+ hours. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Check for Special Tours
Consider 'Inside the Vault' tours for a deeper dive into artifacts. :key:
Dog-Friendly Grounds
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the grounds of Historic Jamestowne. :dog:
Living History Actors
Engage with costumed interpreters for an immersive experience. :bustsinsilhouette:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Historic Jamestowne for its educational value and immersive historical experience, highlighting the active archaeological digs and informative museum exhibits. The living history aspects at Jamestown Settlement, including the fort, village, and costumed interpreters, are also highly appreciated. Some find the combined cost for multiple sites a bit high, and the amount of walking required can be substantial.
"We enjoyed everything about this area. The Powhatan village is interesting because it let's us see how they may have lived during this time. The ships are cool. One of the ship captains actually had a pair of prescription glasses made to look like what would have been worn during that period. The settlement area was great with live features like the blacksmith, cooking, setting and musket firing.
Absolutely loved the museum! It's informative and well designed."
Regina Warwick
"This is an amazing place! This is a place in a place in a place. If you come here this gets a little pricey. Jamestown is broken into 3 pieces, there’s the more touristy Jamestown that’s not in the original spot, there’s the actual Jamestown where they are doing archaeological digs and have the original church and where you can see actual artifacts found from the digs, and then finally there is New Jamestown which is from the 1700s and is just ruins.
Be prepared to do a lot of walking! It’s beautiful and educational but not for someone who can’t do a lot of walking. This will also take a lot of time, maybe 5 hours or more to do all 3 places.
There’s parking at Jamestown museum and then at original Jamestown.
All three places you have to pay. I didn’t mind paying for Jamestown museum ($20 a person) and the Original Jamestown ($15 a person). I was annoyed about paying for New Jamestown ($15 a person). You have to pay for new Jamestown and Original Jamestown together. $50 for all of it was a bit much. The only reason I’m ok with it because it helps fund the projects on the 2 sites."
JorGen Reviews
"Visiting Historic Jamestowne was such an incredible experience! Walking the grounds where America’s first permanent English settlement began truly felt like stepping back in time. The mix of history, archeology, and storytelling makes it both educational and inspiring.
The exhibits and artifacts bring the past to life, and the staff/volunteers are so knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the history. It’s amazing to see history being uncovered right before your eyes!
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, Historic Jamestowne is a must-see. We left with a whole new appreciation for the roots of our nation. 🇺🇸"
Miranda McKenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Jamestowne is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It's accessible by car, with parking available at the Jamestown museum and the original Jamestown site. Many visitors combine a trip to Historic Jamestowne with Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. +1
While direct public transport to the site might be limited, the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) operates bus routes that can get you close to the general area. It's best to check their current schedules for routes serving the Historic Triangle.
These are two distinct locations. Driving is the most convenient way to travel between them, as they are a short distance apart. Consider the 'historic jamestown and jamestown settlement' as separate visits.
Yes, Historic Jamestowne is a popular day trip destination, especially when combined with other attractions in the Historic Triangle like Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the Jamestown museum and at the original Jamestown site. Be prepared for potentially busy lots during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. As of recent information, Historic Jamestowne admission is around $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-15. It's always best to check the official 'historic jamestowne tickets' or 'historic jamestowne admission' for the most current pricing.
Yes, Historic Jamestowne (the archaeological site) and Jamestown Settlement (the living history museum) are separate attractions and typically require separate admission tickets.
Active military personnel and their families often receive free admission. Holders of the America the Beautiful Pass may also get free entry to the National Park Service portion. Check the official website for 'historic jamestowne free' or 'historic jamestowne admission' for details.
Historic Jamestowne is generally open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check 'historic jamestowne hours' on their official website before your visit.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times, to secure your entry and potentially save time. Look for 'historic jamestowne tickets' on their official site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Historic Jamestowne, you can witness active archaeological digs, explore the museum with unearthed artifacts, see the original church tower, and walk the grounds of the first permanent English settlement. 
Historic Jamestowne is the actual 1607 settlement site with ongoing archaeological work. Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum featuring a recreated fort, Powhatan village, and ships.
Yes, Historic Jamestowne offers various tours, including 'Inside the Vault' tours that provide an in-depth look at artifacts. Check their schedule for 'historic jamestowne tours'.
Yes, it's very educational for children. The living history aspects, like blacksmith demonstrations and the Powhatan village, are particularly engaging. +2
Dogs are welcome at Historic Jamestowne as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved. They are not permitted inside buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the water's edge within the Historic Jamestowne park, offering food and refreshments.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas at Historic Jamestowne. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the historic surroundings.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages suitable for a casual meal while visiting the site.
Yes, the surrounding Williamsburg area offers a wide range of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Prices at the onsite cafe are comparable to other tourist attractions. Bringing your own snacks or a picnic lunch can be a more budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
The original church tower, the archaeological dig sites, the recreated fort, and the Powhatan village offer excellent photographic opportunities. The waterfront also provides scenic views. +1
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but flash photography may be restricted to protect artifacts. Always check for posted signage.
Drones are typically prohibited in National Park Service sites like Historic Jamestowne to protect the historical integrity and visitor experience. Check NPS regulations for specifics.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the atmosphere of the site. The golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
While general photography is encouraged, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and ongoing archaeological work.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📚 History Buffs
The museum's extensive collection of artifacts provides deep insights into the lives of the first settlers and the Powhatan people. Consider booking an 'Inside the Vault' tour for an exclusive look at preserved artifacts and expert commentary. The historical accuracy and ongoing research make this site invaluable for understanding the foundational years of English America. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Archaeology of Historic Jamestowne
These discoveries have significantly reshaped our understanding of the 'Starving Time' and the complex interactions between the colonists and indigenous tribes. Visitors can often witness these digs in progress, offering a unique glimpse into how history is actively being unearthed. Key finds include remnants of the original 1607 fort, personal belongings, tools, and evidence of early industry like glassmaking. The museum at Historic Jamestowne showcases many of these artifacts, providing context and telling the stories of the people who lived and died here. The 'Inside the Vault' tours offer an even more intimate look at these precious remnants of the past.
The ongoing work ensures that Historic Jamestowne remains a dynamic place where history is continuously revealed. Living History at Jamestown Settlement
Costumed historical interpreters, trained in period crafts and daily life, bring the past to life through demonstrations and interactions. Visitors can observe blacksmiths at work, see how colonists prepared food, learn about the construction of buildings, and understand the challenges of survival in the New World. The Powhatan village provides insight into the lives of the indigenous people who inhabited the region, showcasing their homes, farming practices, and cultural traditions.
The ships offer a tangible sense of the arduous journey undertaken by the first English settlers. The Significance of the Jamestown Glasshouse
+1 They recreate the types of glass items that the colonists would have made and used, from functional bottles to decorative pieces. Watching the glassblowers at work is a captivating experience, showcasing the intense heat and skill required.
+1 This industry was crucial for the colony's economic survival and demonstrates the colonists' efforts to establish self-sufficiency. Many of the wine bottles used in popular media, like 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' were inspired by the historical techniques revived here. The Glasshouse is a working studio, with artisans creating glass on-site and selling their creations, offering a unique souvenir of your visit. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit