Historic Jamestowne
4.7(4.5K)google
4.6(113)yelp
ArchaeologyHistoryHistoric BuildingEducational
Overview
Standing proudly as the exact geographic birthplace of English-speaking North America, Historic Jamestowne offers a deeply powerful, archaeological window into early frontier survival. This protected property preserves the original 1607 James Fort foundations, where passionate archaeologists continuously discover rare artifacts that redefine early colonial social history. Visitors can walk along the scenic James River shores, view the standing 17th-century brick church tower monument, and participate in expert-led walking tours that explore the turbulent starving times of early pioneers.
Practical Info
Mon9:00AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeThis active national archaeological site of the actual 1607 colony peaks beautifully from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on a clear weekday morning. Pristine river mists hover over the marsh as early sunbeams strike the historic 17th-century church brick tower and open excavation trenches, offering a quiet, deeply powerful perspective.
Getting ThereSituated right next to the settlement site at 1368 Colonial Pkwy. Drive via the scenic, tree-lined Colonial Parkway straight to its western terminus loop, which flows into the park's secure gated entryway (NPS entry fees apply, fully waived by the interagency annual pass). Paved complementary parking bays frame the hub.
Travel Tips
- This is the actual, active archaeological site managed by the NPS and Preservation Virginia. Entry is charged per person rather than per vehicle, but the federal America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is fully accepted to waive the entry fee.
- Active dig sites are entirely exposed to direct summer heat with minimal shade. To safeguard irreplaceable archaeological features, leaving the designated gravel walking trails or picking up raw ground fragments, bricks, or old nails is a federal crime.
- The marshy riverfront environment makes trails a major hotspot for dangerous deer ticks; stay strictly out of unmaintained tall grass. The narrow Island Drive loop road enforces a strict 15 mph speed limit; curbside stopping outside designated lookouts is illegal.
Reviews
Positive
- As the actual site of the first permanent English settlement in North America in 1607, the active archaeological digs and historic church ruins hold unparalleled historic value.
- The Archaearium museum is modernly built with accessible slopes across the line, featuring clear multilingual audio guides and plentiful, clean restrooms.
- The professional archaeologists and National Park rangers are highly rigorous and knowledgeable, explaining history right next to active dig pits in a serene atmosphere.
- Tickets are issued jointly by the NPS and Preservation Virginia at a very cheap, fair price valid for multiple days, making the pristine, authentic ruins great value.
Heads up
- Being a strict, pristine archaeological preserve, most ruins are just low stone foundation outlines, lacking massive, visually grand historic buildings.
- Being next to the James River and wetlands, summer and autumn bugs are fiercely aggressive; without heavy insect repellent, standing on the grass to read plaques is impossible.
- Aside from a basic gift shop and a few vending machines near the entrance, there are zero restaurants or hot food amenities on site, requiring self-brought supplies.
- The Island Drive loop road can be narrow with rough conditions in sections; road shoulders flood easily after downpours, and it lacks sufficient directional signs.