Whether you’re drawn to the stories of America’s early settlers or want to walk in the footsteps of iconic figures like Pocahontas, you’ll connect to the country’s past in a powerful way at Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
Discover a mix of hallowed historic sites, like the 1607 James Fort and Memorial Church, along with fascinating, artifact-filled exhibits and serene natural landscapes perfect for spotting wildlife. Here are Historic Jamestowne’s most captivating, can’t-miss things to do.
Step Inside the 1607 James Fort Site
The earliest days of America can be traced to the James Fort site, the place where Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, John Rolfe, and other legendary figures of American history converged. Soon after the English settlers landed on what is now Jamestown Island in 1607, they were attacked by Powhatan Indians, spurring them to build the triangular fort for protection.
In the 1990s, archaeologists with the Jamestown Rediscovery project began uncovering deeper information about the fort. In the decades since, the team has unearthed more than three million artifacts that tell the story of Jamestown’s fledgling years. Their ongoing work continues to reveal “The Buried Truth” of life at Jamestown.
As you explore, you can peer into excavated areas and see remnants of original fort features. You’ll also encounter statues of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas and learn about how their stories intertwined.
Explore Sacred Ground at the Memorial Church
Walk inside the Memorial Church, site of the pivotal first meetings of the Virginia General Assembly in 1619. The current church, built in 1907, rests on the original church’s foundation while the original church tower from the 1680s still towers above.
Look down through the glass floor panels to get a glimpse of the original foundation. Around you, plaques on the walls commemorate important figures while multiple burial sites, including the Knight’s Tomb, mark the resting places of influential figures in Jamestown history.
Witness Archaeology in Action
Experience “the moment of discovery” at Historic Jamestowne by watching excavations at active dig sites and posing questions to archeologists. The field team excavates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weather permitting. See the recovered artifacts on display at the Archaearium or in the Jamestown Rediscovery team’s collections area.
See Jamestown Artifacts at the Archaearium
Explore the Archaearium, an award-winning archaeology museum focused on the 1607-1624 Virginia Company period at Jamestown. See a range of intriguing artifacts including arms and armor, tools, coins, trade goods, personal items, locally made tobacco pipes, religious objects, and a 400-year-old writing slate (connected to the proverbial “clean slate”).
Plus, get a deeper understanding of the island’s history through the largest collection of Colonial period American Indian artifacts in Virginia.
Experience Living History & Historic Trades in Action
For a unique experience, meet characters from Jamestown’s past and learn about their lives through living history programs. Watch skilled tradespeople in action in the blacksmith’s forge or around James Fort. Living history programs are offered Thursday through Sunday and historic trade programs are offered during weekends.
Get Deeper Insights on a Walking Tour
Take a deeper dive into Jamestown history during a walking tour, led by the Jamestown Rediscovery staff of historians and archaeologists. Lasting about an hour and offered once daily during the week and twice on weekends, you’ll hear fascinating facts while touring the property. Weather permitting, tours take place outdoors but may move indoors if needed.
Participate in Special Events & Commemorations
A variety of events bring history to life. In May, Jamestown Day commemorates the arrival of 104 men and boys to the island that would eventually become Jamestown. In June, mark the arrival of Lord De La Warr to Jamestown, a bright and hopeful turning point for the new colony following the hardship of the Starving Time. Hear the stories that shaped American history during these immersive programs.
Be Mesmerized at the Glasshouse
Witness early American glassmaking at the popular Glasshouse, where you’ll see artisans blowing glass by hand. In the 1600s, glass had to be imported and was already in short supply in London. With a glass factory in Virginia, colonists hoped to avoid transatlantic shipping and reduce breakage. Plus, with all the sand on the James River beaches, they had a good supply of silica and wood to fuel furnaces.
Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of the workshop used for the glassmaking trials, and these foundations are visible today, adjacent to the reconstructed glasshouse.
Enjoy Picnicking & Riverfront Dining
Rest and recharge while savoring lunch with a side of riverside views. The Dale House Café, known as the Relic House from the early 20th century, remains closed for ongoing renovations. When it opens later in 2025, you’ll find historic photos along with various building upgrades.
While the café remains closed, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables adjacent to the Visitor Center parking lot. (Picnicking and coolers are not permitted in the historic areas.) Follow the “Leave No Trace” rule by discarding all your trash and leaving your lunch spot better than you found it.
Take a Ride on Island Drive
See what the colonists would have seen 400 years ago as you cruise along Island Drive by car or bike. In the 1800s, Confederate forts guarded the river channel during the Civil War. Now it’s an oasis for regenerating forests and vibrant green spaces. From expansive marshes to dense woods, the scenic landscape is home to wildlife including bald eagles and migratory birds.
Access the paved three- and five-mile loops via car, bicycle, or on foot. The loops feature convenient pull-outs with interpretive signage highlighting the island’s history. Stop at Black Point and walk the footpath to see incredible views of the James River.
Check online before you visit as the drive may be closed for repairs during certain seasons. The road closes to cars in the spring to protect turtles.
Plan Your Trip to Historic Jamestowne
Since Historic Jamestowne is managed by two organizations – Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) and the National Park Service (Colonial National Historical Park), you’ll need to purchase tickets for both locations to explore all of Jamestown Island. Tickets for both properties cost $15 each per adult and $5 per child, with children under 15 free for the National Park Service properties.
A typical visit usually lasts around 3 hours, but history lovers could easily spend half a day or more. Start at the Visitor Center to grab a map and ask questions. Most of the experience is outdoors, so pack comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather conditions.
See accessibility information before you visit. While wheelchairs and scooters can be used, pathways in the historic areas aren’t paved.
To explore more about Jamestown, visit the neighboring Jamestown Settlement, an indoor and outdoor museum full of immersive exhibits, films, and experiences for all ages.