Historic Site and Historical Park · NPS · VA
Colonial National Historical Park
Photo: NPS Photo, Surrender Field
Alerts and conditions
Park Closure Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
Construction on the Colonial Parkway is affecting travel in many sections. Please follow all detour and caution signs. Additional information can be found at the link below.
Overview
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that would eventually seek independence from Great Britain. On October 19, 1781, American and French troops defeated the British at Yorktown in the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Activities
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Junior Ranger Program
Plan your visit
Hours
Historic Jamestowne: The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center is open. The Historic Jamestowne ENTRANCE GATE opens 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Historic Jamestowne Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Glasshouse is open 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Glasshouse: The Glasshouse parking area is the first right after you pass through the entrance gate. Park and follow the path to the Glasshouse. Public restrooms are available at this location. English America's first industry was glassblowing. Here at the Glasshouse, costumed interpreters use the same techniques and tools employed by glassblowers of 1608. Demonstrations are ongoing daily during operating hours.
Yorktown Battlefield: Yorktown Visitor Center is open for gift shop daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Park Hours: Colonial National Historical Park is open daily, year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. On these days the gate and all park buildings and grounds on Jamestown Island will be closed to visitor access. All park buildings at Yorktown Battlefield will be closed to visitor access however the parking lot, park grounds, and tour roads will remain open
Fees and passes
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
- Annual Entrance - Park — $45.00
The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.
Getting there
For an internet map search or GPS, use the following: Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, Virginia 23690. Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center, 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081.
Visitor centers
Weather
During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. We recommended you carry a bottle of water with you. High temperatures and high humidity create higher risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Most of the Historic site is out-of-doors and although not a great distance from an air-conditioned building, staying properly hydrated will help prevent these illnesses. During the fall visitors should have a light jacket available.
Phone: 7578982410
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park NPS · 7 miles
- Historic Jamestowne Part of Colonial National Historical Park NPS · 7 miles
- Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 17 miles
- Fort Monroe National Monument NPS · 23 miles
- James River National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 29 miles
- Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 29 miles