Jamestown Settlement tells the story of the first permanent English colony in America, founded on the James River in 1607, and it is the best place to start a trip to the Historic Triangle with children. Run by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it pairs modern indoor galleries with outdoor living history. Inside, an introductory film and a long run of exhibits trace the three cultures that met here, the Powhatan people, the English colonists and the Africans who arrived in 1619, through artifacts, models and immersive scenes. Outside, costumed interpreters bring the story to life in a recreated Powhatan town with reed-covered houses, a reconstructed triangular fort where you can try on armor and watch a musket demonstration, and replicas of the ships that carried the first colonists across the Atlantic, which you can usually climb aboard when they are docked. It is a hands-on museum, and it suits families particularly well. This page links to the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown 7-Day Pass on Viator, sold by the museums themselves, which is the best-value way to see both.
How to visit: Jamestown Settlement is on Jamestown Road, about a 15-minute drive southwest of Colonial Williamsburg along the Colonial Parkway or Jamestown Road, with free parking. It opens daily from 9:00 to 17:00 and closes on Thanksgiving, 26 November 2026, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Viator pass gives admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for seven consecutive days, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and has discounted rates for children. Note that it does not include Historic Jamestowne, the original fort site run by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia, which is next door and sells its own tickets.
What to expect: allow two to three hours. Start with the film and the galleries, then head outside to the Powhatan town, the ships and the fort. The outdoor areas are exposed to the wind off the river, so bring a warm layer in November, and the paths are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Making the most of it: combine Jamestown Settlement with Historic Jamestowne on the same day, seeing the recreation first and the real archaeology second. Use the rest of the 7-day pass for the Yorktown museum later in your trip.
What to expect
The experience
Indoor galleries and a film, then outdoor living history at a recreated Powhatan town, a reconstructed fort and replica ships.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, before school groups arrive, leaving the afternoon for Historic Jamestowne next door.
How long
Two to three hours, more with young children who want to try everything in the fort.
Tips
Book the 7-day pass so the Yorktown museum is covered too, and remember it does not include Historic Jamestowne.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants the Jamestown story told vividly before seeing the real site.
- Families
- Children can try on armor, climb aboard the ships when they are docked and watch musket and cooking demonstrations.
- Couples
- Pair it with a drive along the Colonial Parkway and lunch in Williamsburg for an easy, rewarding day.
- Pair with
- Historic Jamestowne next door, then the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown on another day with the same pass.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
Is Jamestown Settlement the same as Historic Jamestowne?+
No, Jamestown Settlement is a living-history museum with recreations, while Historic Jamestowne is the original 1607 fort site and active archaeology. They are next door to each other and sell separate tickets.
What are Jamestown Settlement hours?+
It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
What does the 7-day pass include?+
It covers admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for seven consecutive days. Parking at both museums is free.
How long should I spend at Jamestown Settlement?+
Most visitors spend two to three hours. Families with young children often stay longer in the outdoor areas.
Can I cancel the Jamestown Settlement pass?+
Yes, the Viator pass can be cancelled for a full refund up to 24 hours before your visit date. After that it is not refundable.
