Colonial National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Virginia
📘 Park Overview
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that would eventually seek independence from Great Britain. On October 19, 1781, American and French troops defeated the British at Yorktown in the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
🌤 Weather Information
During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. We recommended you carry a bottle of water with you. High temperatures and high humidity create higher risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Most of the Historic site is out-of-doors and although not a great distance from an air-conditioned building, staying properly hydrated will help prevent these illnesses. During the fall visitors should have a light jacket available.
🚗 Directions
For an internet map search or GPS, use the following: Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center, 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown, Virginia 23690. Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center, 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081.
Images
Reconstructed Revolutionary War Canon in Winter
Credit: National Park Service
Weekend Biking Near Tour Road
Credit: Elizabeth Green
Volunteer Informing Visitors of Interpretive Programs
Credit: Park Ranger Roger W. Green
Living History Program
Credit: Park Ranger Linda Williams
Living History Program
Credit: Park Ranger Linda Willliams
This site was selected in 1866 as a good cemetery location in the general vicinity of various Civil War battlefields and scenes of action related particularly to the Peninsular Campaign of 1862
Credit: National Park Service
The Colonial Parkway is a twenty-three mile scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown
Credit: National Park Service
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, May 28
Patchy rain nearby
High: 84.6°F | Low: 63.3°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 9.6 mph
Rain Chance: 76%
UV Index: 8.2
Sunrise: 05:49 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (96%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 67.8°F
Cloud Cover: 76%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, May 29
Sunny
High: 79.1°F | Low: 54.4°F
Humidity: 60%
Wind: 8.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 8.7
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 08:18 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 59.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 30
Patchy rain nearby
High: 74.9°F | Low: 57.1°F
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Rain Chance: 84%
UV Index: 9
Sunrise: 05:48 AM
Sunset: 08:19 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 58.9°F
Cloud Cover: 84%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Junior Ranger Day
Enjoy hands‑on activities, crafts, games, and history‑themed fun led by Jamestown High School’s Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. Explore the first permanent English settlement in North America and earn your Junior Ranger badge along the way!
Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Pedal The Parkway
Kick off your morning with a scenic bike ride, walk, or run along a seven-mile stretch of the Colonial Parkway. The parkway will be closed to vehicles between Hwy 199/Kingsport and Rt. 359 at Jamestown. Enjoy beautiful views and ranger-led outreach and educational activities along the way.
Date: May 2, 2026 12:00am to May 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument
Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music.
As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation.
2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument
• May: May 16 @ 11 a.m.
• June: June 3 @ 6 p.m. • June 20 @11 a.m.
• July: July 1 @ 6 p.m. • July 4 @ 11 a.m. • July 11 @ 11 a.m. • July 25 @ 11 a.m.
• August: August 5 @ 6 p.m. • August 15 @11 a.m. • August 29 @ 11 a.m.
• September: September 12 @ 11 a.m.
Note: in case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
Bring your family and friends, enjoy the pageantry, and step back in time as these talented young musicians continue the traditions of our forefathers—right here in historic Yorktown.
Don’t miss their 50th Anniversary performances on July 4th! Check out their website for more information: https://fifes-and-drums.org/upcoming-performances/
Date: May 2, 2026 12:00am to May 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument
Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music.
As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation.
2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument
• June: June 3 @ 6 p.m. • June 20 @11 a.m.
• July: July 1 @ 6 p.m. • July 4 @ 11 a.m. • July 11 @ 11 a.m. • July 25 @ 11 a.m.
• August: August 5 @ 6 p.m. • August 15 @11 a.m. • August 29 @ 11 a.m.
• September: September 12 @ 11 a.m.
Note: in case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
Bring your family and friends, enjoy the pageantry, and step back in time as these talented young musicians continue the traditions of our forefathers—right here in historic Yorktown.
Don’t miss their 50th Anniversary performances on July 4th! Check out their website for more information: https://fifes-and-drums.org/upcoming-performances/
Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Decoration Day
Join park staff and the Yorkstar-Zedekiah Masonic Lodge for a meaningful day of remembrance at the Yorktown National Cemetery. Park rangers will offer educational activities that honor the significance of the day. The program will conclude with a solemn illumination honoring the unmarked burials.
At 6:30 pm gather with community members to share stories of remembrance. The event will begin at 7:00 pm. At 8:30 pm the luminaria will be illuminated, and the event should end at approximately 9:15 pm.
Location: Yorktown National Cemetery
Date: May 30, 2026 12:00am to May 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument
Join us at the Victory Monument for live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town—a dedicated corps of students, parents, instructors, and supporters who bring history alive through the powerful sounds of 18th‑century field music.
As the hometown corps of the place where American independence was won, their mission carries special meaning. Formed in 1976 during America’s Bicentennial, they continue to preserve and present authentic Revolutionary War–era fife and drum traditions—while teaching leadership, music, and history to the next generation.
2026 Performance Schedule at the Victory Monument
• June: June 3 @ 6 p.m. • June 20 @11 a.m.
• July: July 1 @ 6 p.m. • July 4 @ 11 a.m. • July 11 @ 11 a.m. • July 25 @ 11 a.m.
• August: August 5 @ 6 p.m. • August 15 @11 a.m. • August 29 @ 11 a.m.
• September: September 12 @ 11 a.m.
Note: in case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.
Bring your family and friends, enjoy the pageantry, and step back in time as these talented young musicians continue the traditions of our forefathers—right here in historic Yorktown.
Don’t miss their 50th Anniversary performances on July 4th! Check out their website for more information: https://fifes-and-drums.org/upcoming-performances/
Date: Jun 3, 2026 12:00am to Jun 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sail Yorktown Festival
Date: Jun 12, 2026 12:00am to Jun 12, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Royal Artillery Demonstration
Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends.
Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Sail Yorktown Festival
Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Lamb's Artillery Demonstration
Feel the boom of History! Volunteer members of the Royal Artillery and Lambs Artillery are conducting live artillery firings at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center on select weekends.
Witness the power, precision, and pageantry of Revolutionary War-era cannon firings—an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Find the full schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Please note: programs are subject to change or cancellation.
Date: Jun 14, 2026 12:00am to Jun 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1000 Colonial Parkway
Yorktown, VA 23690
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690
📞 Voice Phone: 7578982410
📞 Fax Phone: 7578986346
✉️ Email: COLO_Info@nps.gov