Getting to Colonial National Historical Park
Colonial National Historical Park is located in the popular East Coast vacation destination: Williamsburg, Virginia. The closest airport is Norfolk, which is about an hour away. It’s not a huge airport so flights in and out are more expensive than the bigger airports like Dulles and Reagan. However, those airports are about 3 hours away so it depends if you are willing to drive.
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
It costs $15 to enter Colonial NHP. The pass is good for 7 consecutive days and includes admission to Yorktown Battlefield, Jamestown Visitor Center, the Glasshouse, and all tour roads. If you want to enter Historic Jamestowne (behind the Jamestown Visitor Center), it will cost an additional $10.
The America the Beautiful pass will save you some money here. It waived the $15 for both him and I so we only had to pay $20 to enter Historic Jamestowne. Without the pass it is $25 per person ($15 NPS fee + $10 Jamestowne fee).
Cancellation stamps can be found at both the Yorktown and Jamestown Visitor Centers. There is also a special stamp at the Glasshouse that is not available at either Visitor Center.
Time required at Colonial National Historical Park
If you want to spend time at all of the places your pass is good for, I recommend 2 days. If you are doing other things in Williamsburg or Virginia Beach and only have one day, it’s definitely doable.
In 8 hours I was able to spend quality time at the Jamestown Visitor Center, Historic Jamestown, and the Glasshouse. I did make it to Yorktown Battlefield, but found I was maxed out on reading signs and listening to people talk. Also, plan on a 40 minute drive between Jamestown and Yorktown. I wish I had saved Yorktown for another day.
Things to do in Colonial NHP
Multiple sites make up what is known as “Colonial National Historical Park.” I’ll go through each of them below.
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne is where Captain John Smith landed in 1607 and began English colonization. It is located right behind the Jamestown Visitor Center. There are 35 sites that sit up against the James River, so the scenery is beautiful. Sites include things like original structures, archaeology sites, churches, wells, and houses.
Archaeology Museum
Make time to explore the archaeology museum! It is full of artifacts found during digs in the historic site. There’s everything from medical equipment, arrowheads, pots, pans, and cooking utensils. It’s not huge but a decent size. Plan on 30-45 minutes here.
Jamestown Glasshouse
America’s first English industrial manufacture began at the Glasshouse in Jamestown. There were plenty of materials, they just needed people to actually make glass. On the 2nd resupply ship from England in 1608, Christopher Newport brought with him eight Dutchmen to produce items such as glass and tar. Those items were sent back to England a few months later but their attempt at having a successful operation failed. They tried again a few years later but were still unsuccessful.
The original furnaces were re-discovered and excavated in 1948. Visitors can come see the original furnaces and watch modern-day glassblowers produce items like vases, candle holders, pitchers, and and wine bottles.
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. The Visitor Center and museum is pretty expansive and has a lot of great artifacts and replicas to see, along with a variety of ranger programs offered. Plan for at least an hour in the museum. Additionally, there are 16 miles worth of driving tour roads. Historic Yorktown is within walking distance to the visitor center, so be sure to check that out. There is a free trolley that provides transportation around the village.
Colonial Parkway
The Colonial Parkway is a 23 mile roadway that connects Yorktown and Jamestown. It creates Virginia’s “historic triangle”: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. There is a tunnel, so be sure to check the NPS website for clearance heights.
Dale House Cafe
Grab a local beer and a bite to eat from this tiny cafe that sits along the water. It’s right next to the artifact museum with plenty of shaded, outdoor seating.
Know before you go
There aren’t too many tips or tricks needed to see this park. I just really recommend giving yourself enough time if you enjoy National Park sites and/or history. I live close enough (4 hours) that going back and seeing things I missed isn’t impossible. However, if you’re driving a good distance or flying in, really take your time.
Last updated: April 5, 2023
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