If you have ever been to the Historic Williamsburg Triangle, you know there are two options for both Jamestown and Yorktown. If you have limited time, you can’t manage to go to all four places. We encountered this on our trip last Fall.
Read on, as I break down the options for you. You can decide for yourself what would work for you.
Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield
Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield are both run by the National Parks Services. One ticket price includes both of the parks admission and is valid for 7 days. That’s an amazing deal!
Historic Jamestowne is where the exact landing took place and site of the Jamestowne Settlement. Today, there are ruins of the original buildings as most of the town moved to Williamsburg in 1699. HOWEVER, there are a lot of excavating of the sites going on daily, except in the rain. We were there in the rain and sadly, I did not get to see that take place.
The visitor’s center has many exhibits to get you oriented to the site and what life was like there over 400 years ago. We skipped this part and headed outside right after we arrived since there was a scheduled tour going on and didn’t want to miss that. We headed out along a walkway to the outer part of the island. If you have any questions before you start your tour, don’t hesitate to ask the front desk attendants. They are very helpful and knowledgable
Historic Jamestowne is a beautiful open area and plenty of walking paths are available. It is situated right along the James River and is a beautiful view, even in the rain. Be sure and check out the Archaerium where they showcase all the amazing archaeological finds. There are many costume interpreters and hourly guided tours are available!
Hanging out with Pocahontas
Replica of one of the forts
The actual site of the first landing
The James River along the shores of Jamestown
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown Battlefield is such an interesting battlefield. It reminds me a bit of Gettysburg but has its own attributes. It is near the York River and the tactics the Patriots used to fight the war and win were none I have ever seen on a battlefield. Being a fan of the show ‘TURN’, I wanted to see Surrender Field. So that was neat to be able to see that spot first hand. I did learn some things along the way too. I learned that the Militias was the precursor to the National Guard.
panoramic view of Surrender Field at Yorktown Battlefield
One of the redoubts on Yorktown Battlefield
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Jamestown Settlement
These tickets can be purchased separately or you can purchase a combo ticket. There are many places that have discounted tickets available. If you are staying at a resort, be sure to check with your front desk to see if they offer any discounted tickets.
Both Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement have access to the Glass House where you can watch Colonial era glass blowing techniques right before you eyes. They even have their finished products available for purchase!
Jamestown Settlement is a living museum. They have an extensive museum to get you oriented and then a ‘living’ museum outside to show you how the fort might have been set up. There is a ship you can board and walk through and a Powhatan village to tour as well.
The Glass House- Glass blowing
Beautiful Glass Pumpkins
This one might be a better choice for kids. However, on the flip side, my son who is into archaeology would get a lot out of Historic Jamestowne. You know your child and what would best meet their interests.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is a great extensive museum, filled with many exhibits to get you oriented. Outside they have encampment tents set up, explore a revolution era farm, hold a musket and witness cannon demonstrations. Find out how the wounded would have been cared for and what and how the soldiers would have eaten.
My oldest, pretending he is a statue
Writing his battle plan
Guess what? You can visit the sites in the rain!!!
This past visit we woke up to rain the day we were going to visit Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield. Insert sad face. We decided to brave it. Turns out it’s fine in raining. However, I wasn’t able to view the excavating, which I was really looking forward to. However, I figured we would be bringing our boys back down again sometime. Our oldest son is interested in archaeology and I thought that would be fun to witness together! Anyway, we were able to dodge rain drops and get to the Archaerium. After we were done in there it had tapered off and we were able to walk through the ‘New Towne’ area of the Settlement.
Later that day, we went to Yorktown and were able to do the ‘red’ trail and it was quite fine in the rain. Of course some sections of the field we weren’t able to get out and really look at, but I still did! I was really into taking pics this trip! We even drove through Yorktown for a bit and I got to see some of the historic homes that I had wanted to see!
So don’t let rain deter you from these amazing sites. Of course, Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum would be a better bet in the rain, however we had already visited them on a previous trip. However, Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield are still able to be seen in the rain!
So there you have it, a break down of what each version has available. Hopefully this helped you decide which was best for you and/or your family. Visit two or go for all four.
Also, be sure to check out my post about Colonial Williamsburg.
Have you visited any of these sites? What is your favorite?
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