Historic Jamestowne is the original site of the 1607 James Fort and where visitors can experience the moment of discovery alongside Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists.
Visitors listen to Staff Archaeologist Natalie Reid explain the Governor’s Well and 1608 ditch excavations.
Historic Jamestown includes sites managed by two separate organizations, Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) and the National Park Service (Colonial National Historical Park). Each location requires a fee to enter, so visitors should expect to buy both tickets to see the whole island.
Visitors can pre-purchase tickets to the Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) portion below.
National Park Service passes for veterans, seniors, and all other guests can be found on their website: nps.gov/colo. If visitors do not have a National Park Pass, the entrance fee can be purchased here.
Tickets to both sites can be purchased in-person at the Visitor Center at Historic Jamestowne.
If you have a group of ten or more, please click here for more information and fill out our group request form to be placed on our schedule.
Third party private tours are not allowed on the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne.
The new ticket system was implemented by Colonial National Historical Park (NPS) in late 2023. We understand the new two-ticket process is confusing. Have questions? Jamestown Rediscovery staff is happy to help you navigate admission. Please give us a call at 757-856-1250 ext. 520 during operating hours or email hjvcservices@preservationvirginia.org for help.
Tickets to the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne may be purchased online up to seven days in advance. Admission is valid for seven consecutive days beginning on the date selected. Ticket purchases are non-refundable. Please present email confirmation at check-in. Register receipt is required for re-entry.
Explore what’s included with your Preservation Virginia ticket on the map below.
Visitor Center
Set the stage for your island exploration by watching a video about this land in 1607 and enjoying exhibits that fit Jamestown into a worldwide story. The building also contains the gift shop, restrooms, and water fountains. Click here to learn more.
Your walk over the pitch and tar swamp gives you a chance to imagine the way Jamestown looked in 1607. You may spot turtles, eagles, osprey, and heron on your way. Click here to learn more.
Jamestown Rediscovery archaeologists, in partnership with the National Park Service, explored William Pierce’s property to learn more about the household and landscape of the site where Angela, one of the first Africans to arrive in Virginia, lived. Click here to learn more.
Enjoy a peaceful walk through the area that was a bustling seaport in the 17th century. The remains of important buildings are marked with signs and brick outlines. Click here to learn more.
Besides the Tercentennial Monument, you will see several smaller monuments on your visit. Perhaps most recognizable is the APVA gate, presented in 1907. Click here to learn more.
One of the most famous monuments on Jamestown Island, the Pocahontas statue commemorates this important woman who helped build a bridge between the English and Powhatans. Click here to learn more.
This is a cool, refreshing place to meditate on America's origins, since this church mimics 17th-century churches and stands over the foundations of where America's first representative assembly met in 1619. Click here to learn more.
The brick church tower is the only remaining above-ground structure from early Jamestown. For centuries, visitors have made pilgrimages to this symbol of America's birthplace. Click here to learn more.
Originally built in 1607 as a triangular defense, the fort continued to develop until the 1620s. In 22 years of exploration, the Jamestown Rediscovery team has unveiled the long-lost mosaic of life inside the fort, including the various houses, churches, and the seat of the early colonial government. Click here to learn more.
Join the moment of discovery as archaeologists with the Jamestown Rediscovery Project continue to explore the fort site and bring new vitality to the story of America's beginning. Excavation areas change seasonally. Click here to learn more.
The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Virginia erected the Hunt shrine in June 1922 to commemorate the Rev. Robert Hunt, the first Anglican minister of the colony, and the earliest celebration of the Holy Communion in the first permanent English settlement in America. Click here to learn more.
At this interactive space for kids and families, hands-on activities teach young children about the fort and archaeology. The schedule varies seasonally. Click here to learn more.
Lunch at the Dale House Café will include the best view of the James River for miles in either direction! The fare includes homemade BBQ and light sandwiches along with a variety of soups, salads, and desserts. Restrooms are also available. Click here to learn more.
More than 4,000 artifacts are on vivid display at this award-winning museum. Exhibits include "The World of Pocahontas, Unearthed" that highlights the objects used by Virginia Indians. Click here to learn more.
From 1607 to 1699, Jamestown was the legislative seat of Virginia. The Statehouse was the only building at Jamestown constructed to house the General Assembly. Several archaeological excavations have explored its foundations. Click here to learn more.
You may walk, bike, or drive along the 3- or 5-mile loops to enjoy the scenic views of the island. These marshes and dense woods are similar to what colonists saw 400 years ago. Signs explain Jamestown's long history, from 17th-century sites to Civil War earthworks that still stand. Click here to learn more.
As you leave the island, stop to see skilled tradesmen making decorative glass objects as colonists did in the first years of James Fort. You can buy their handiwork to adorn your own home! Click here to learn more.
A special pass for residents! Get unlimited admission to Jamestowne Rediscovery (Preservation Virginia) for one year for just $15.
Qualifying zip codes: 23089, 23090, 23127, 23168, 23185, 23186, 23187, 23188, 23690, 23691. Proof of residency required.
Local Pass holders must also have an NPS pass for access to Historic Jamestowne. Local Passes admit one adult per pass. Visit the Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) desk in the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center to purchase your Local Pass.
additional ticket options
The Archaearium museum, home of thousands of artifacts excavated at Jamestown.
national park service pass holders and u.s. military members
National Park Service passes for veterans, seniors, and all other guests can be found on their website: nps.gov/colo.
Admission to the Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) portion of Historic Jamestowne is required to access Preservation Virginia property.
admission with a valid yorktown battlefield receipt
Admission fees paid at Yorktown Battlefield cover the NPS portion of admission to Historic Jamestowne. Admission to the Preservation Virginia (Jamestown Rediscovery) portion of Historic Jamestowne is required to access Preservation Virginia property.
preservation virginia members
Holders of Preservation Virginia memberships may enter the Preservation Virginia portion of Historic Jamestowne for free. They must still pay the National Park Service entry fee. Members must present a valid Preservation Virginia pass at time of entry.
Questions? Jamestown Rediscovery staff is happy to help you navigate admission. Please give us a call at 757-856-1250 ext. 520 during operating hours or email hjvcservices@preservationvirginia.org.
Questions about Colonial National Historical Park (COLO) policies should be directed to COLO personnel at 757-898-2410 or COLO_info@nps.gov.
