See 17th-century Virginia come to life at Jamestown Settlement, an indoor and outdoor museum that explores the world of America’s first permanent English colony. Beyond the intriguing interactive exhibits – including life-sized replica ships – you can learn about the circumstances of the first recorded Africans to Virginia in 1619 and hear stories from the indigenous people who have called the area home for centuries.

Step into this pivotal time period with engaging, kid-friendly exhibits and experiences. Here are the top things to see and do at Jamestown Settlement, from the modern indoor gallery exhibits to the outdoor living history experiences.

Explore Immersive Exhibits & Films

The Jamestown colony was a grand venture sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, a joint-stock company with a royal charter and worldly connections. Hence, the gallery displays from this time period include not only Virginia artifacts but objects from Europe and Africa that made it to the New World. 

Impressive short films complement the eye-opening displays with rich storytelling. The captivating documentary film “1607: A Nation Takes Root,” shown every 30 minutes, dives deep into the Jamestown Colony’s early history. Another film, “Bacon’s Rebellion,” explores the story of the 1676 uprising against Governor Berkeley’s rule with a 4-D, multi-sensory, multi-layered theater presentation, shown every 20 minutes.

Together, the films and galleries reflect how the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, English colonists, and West Central Africans converged in 17th-century Virginia. The “Africa to Virginia” exhibit covers how this journey shaped the early American experience and created an enduring legacy. One of the most fascinating exhibits probes the myths and realities of Pocahontas with an interactive, digital touch-screen table inspired by a children’s pop-up book.

Discover Native Life in Paspahegh Town

Head outdoors to get a glimpse of the Powhatan way of life. In a wooded clearing, a cluster of reed-covered houses recreates a community of Paspahegh people in Paspahegh Town. The Paspahegh were one of the 30-plus Algonquian-speaking tribal groups that were part of the Powhatan paramount chiefdom.

Walk into the houses to see how they lived, and speak with historical interpreters about traditional Powhatan cultural activities such as hunting, fishing, gathering, growing and preparing food, making a dugout canoe, making pottery, weaving, and more. You’ll come away with a greater understanding of how these tribes play a vital role in the region’s history.  

Experience the Bustling James Fort

See how the colonists would have lived inside this recreation of the historic James Fort, where you can walk inside the thatch roof structures, including an Anglican church, the governor’s house, and a storehouse.

Watch history come to life as interpreters use 17th-century tools to craft wood and leather goods, cook authentic meals, sew garments, and more. Other fun activities include seeing a blacksmith’s forge in action, donning real armor, and catching daily musket demonstrations. 

Climb Aboard Replicas of Legendary Ships

Step aboard life-sized replicas of the legendary ships Godspeed and Discovery that sailed to Virginia carrying America’s first colonists. As you explore the vessels, historical interpreters on board share details of the 4½-month voyage from England in 1606.

Imagine being part of this trans-Atlantic journey that changed American history. A 17th-century source notes that a total of 52 people were aboard the Godspeed and 21 aboard the Discovery. The Susan Constant, typically moored here, is currently being restored at Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut.

Shopping & Dining

Break from exploring at the Jamestown Café, an onsite breakfast and lunch spot where the menu features everything from gourmet pizza and burgers to fresh sandwiches, salads, and Brunswick stew. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.

The main museum shop and bee-themed boutique offer unique souvenirs and gifts, including apparel, home décor, collectibles, period reproductions, books, and specialty foods like local honey made from descendants of the first European honeybees brought to Virginia in 1622.

Plan Your Trip

Jamestown Settlement is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days. Tickets can be purchased onsite or online, and the 7-Day Combo Ticket allows unlimited visits to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for 7 consecutive days, with kids under 5 being free. Parking is free at both locations. 

Allow a minimum of two hours and up to four hours to see all the galleries, watch the films, explore the outdoor living history areas, and talk with interpreters. Plan your own self-guided experience with the mobile app (download it in advance by searching Jamestown Gallery Tour in the app store) or book a 2-hour private tour for a personalized experience. 

All areas of the museum, except onboard the ships, are wheelchair accessible. See more accessibility information and FAQs to guide your visit to Jamestown Settlement. 

To visit the actual 1607 James Fort site, check out Historic Jamestowne.