Getting to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP is located exactly there: Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania in Virginia. However, there are also sites to be seen in the unincorporated towns of Chancellorsville and Wilderness. There are two Visitor Centers, but I think the one in Fredericksburg (versus Chancellorsville) is the better place to start. Chancellorsville is considered the main one, but, in my opinion, the best stuff to see is in Fredericksburg.
That being said, Fredericksburg is off I-95 if you are coming from the North or South. If coming from the East or West, 3 and 17 are the main roads that will get you there. If you are flying in Reagan (DCA) would be the closest at about an hour away.
Be careful about when you choose to visit this battlefield. Not only is I-95 a huge commuter highway for those working in DC, but it’s also how vacationers get in and out of the Williamsburg/Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. A wreck during rush hour can leave you stuck for hours. Coming in on a weekend will guarantee your stuck in beach traffic. I visited the park on a cold Sunday in January. Perfect.
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
There are no fees!
The main cancellation stamp for the whole park is at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, but if you venture out to the Chancellorsville Visitor Center, there are a few extra like the Underground Railroad, and a few of the major sites in the park have their own stamp as well.
Time Required
You should only need one day, but count on it being a very full day if you plan to see all four battle sites and do all four driving tours. Also, some of the sites on the driving tours require walks of up to a half-mile round trip. It’s not far or hard, but the time adds up.
If you are a war buff that likes to read every single sign and see every monument, and hike a few trails, I’d consider splitting it into two half days. Additionally, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville are about 20-30 minutes apart, so be sure to factor in that driving time.
I started at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center museum, walked the trails around Sunken Road and the cemetery, and then did the driving tour. I still visited the other battle sites because I’m a purist when it comes to getting my stamp. However, I did feel like if I had to go home after that section and didn’t have time for the rest, I had seen and done enough to feel good about my visit.
If you are crunched for time and can’t make it to all four sites, at least do Fredericksburg and you will enjoy yourself!
If you find yourself with any extra time, see if you can make it out to Shenandoah National Park for a day.
Getting around Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP
You will spend a lot of time in your car for two reason: 1) most of what there is to see requires doing the driving tours and 2) the battle sites are spread out between 4 towns: Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, and Wilderness. There is no trolley/bus system to take you from place to place.
Must-do’s
Chatham Manor
My favorite part of the whole park was Chatham Manor. The manor itself (1st floor only) is open for self-guided tours, but you can also walk around the gardens, or step out the back door for a view of the Rappahannock River. Definitely check the NPS website for hours on the house before you go.
Fredericksburg Battlefield
The Fredericksburg Visitor Center and the surrounding grounds were also a highlight. It sits right next to the famous Sunken Road, and there are a few little buildings/houses on site, as well as the cemetery.
Lee’s Hill Trail
A short, half-mile round trip trail that takes you up to Lee’s Hill. It was really pretty and I was there in January. I imagine summer and fall would be really pretty with all the leaves!
There are other buildings and sites I did not get to see because they were closed. If you go in the spring, summer, or fall I’m sure they will be open:
“Stonewall” Jackson Death Site
Ellwood Manor
Salem Church
Last updated: April 7, 2023
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