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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Colonial National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America.
- LocationYorktown, VA
- Entrance $15 per person
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now61°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Animals
- Birds
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Civil War
- Fish
- National Cemetery
3 more topics
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Transportation
- Wars and Conflicts
Alerts (1)
Park ClosureRehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues Construction on the Colonial Parkway is affecting travel in many sections. Please follow all detour and caution signs. A… Read more
Construction on the Colonial Parkway is affecting travel in many sections. Please follow all detour and caution signs. Additional information can be found at the link below.
Things to Do
8 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Birding
The park's location along the Atlantic flyway affords visitors the opportunity to see wintering, migratory, and breeding birds along park roads.
Learn more about Birding on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Colonial Parkway
The Colonial Parkway is a scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown.
Learn more about Colonial Parkway on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Drive the Red Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour
Fee applies
Open year round until sunset, the Yorktown Battlefield Red Route Auto Tour is a 7 mile drive that takes visitors to the most important spots on the Yorktown Battlefield. Allow at least 45 minute to…
Learn more about Drive the Red Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Drive the Yellow Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour
Fee applies
Open year round until sunset, the optional Yorktown Battlefield Yellow Route Auto Tour is a 9 mile drive that takes visitors through the Allied Encampment areas. . Allow at least 30 minute to…
Learn more about Drive the Yellow Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Glasshouse
Fee applies
Visitors can see the remains of the original furnaces used by those early glassblowers and watch as modern glassblowers produce wine bottles, pitchers, candleholders and various other glass objects.
Learn more about Glasshouse on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Glasshouse Ruins
Fee applies
Site of the original glassworks. Site is self guiding with waysides and items to see within the building.
Learn more about Glasshouse Ruins on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Island Loop Drive
Fee applies
Jamestown has a one-way three/five mile scenic loop drive of the Island. This loop drive is open to pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles. Safety issues prohibit buses, motor homes or vehicles…
Learn more about Island Loop Drive on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Walk Main Street in Yorktown
Fee applies
Historic Yorktown is available year round. The Nelson House is open as staffing permits. There are informational waysides along Main Street.
Learn more about Walk Main Street in Yorktown on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 8
All 8 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Yorktown Battlefield
Visitor Center
Yorktown Battlefield Visitor center is open for access to the Eastern National Bookstore which is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and…
Details
Yorktown Battlefield Visitor center is open for access to the Eastern National Bookstore which is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The Moore House, Cemetery Lodge, and Poor Potter are closed, but their grounds are open for visitation. On some weekends, the Nelson House will be open.
Other Visitor Services
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Historic Jamestowne
Facility
The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center is open. The Historic Jamestowne ENTRANCE GATE opens 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Historic Jamestowne Gift Shop is open 9 a.m…
Yorktown, VA Directions
Details
The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center is open. The Historic Jamestowne ENTRANCE GATE opens 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Historic Jamestowne Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Glasshouse is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Historic Jamestowne
Hours by area (4)
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Historic JamestowneDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center is open. The Historic Jamestowne ENTRANCE GATE opens 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Historic Jamestowne Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Glasshouse is open 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM -
GlasshouseDaily, 8:45AM - 5:00PM
The Glasshouse parking area is the first right after you pass through the entrance gate. Park and follow the path to the Glasshouse. Public restrooms are available at this location. English America's first industry was glassblowing. Here at the Glasshouse, costumed interpreters use the same techniques and tools employed by glassblowers of 1608. Demonstrations are ongoing daily during operating hours.
Monday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:45AM - 5:00PM Sunday 8:45AM - 5:00PM -
Yorktown BattlefieldDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Yorktown Visitor Center is open for gift shop daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM -
Park HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Colonial National Historical Park is open daily, year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. On these days the gate and all park buildings and grounds on Jamestown Island will be closed to visitor access. All park buildings at Yorktown Battlefield will be closed to visitor access however the parking lot, park grounds, and tour roads will remain open
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
- $15Per Person
Fee details
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Per Person$15
Adult (16 and older) -$15; good for 7 days entrance to Yorktown Battlefield (and NPS areas at Historic Jamestowne); can be upgraded to see Preservation Virginia areas at Historic Jamestowne for an additional $15 at the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center. Yorktown Battlefield will not be selling the $30 entrance permit for Historic Jamestowne.
Passes
- $45Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
The Colonial Annual Pass admits passholder and three accompanying adults unlimited admittance to both NPS areas at Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield during regular operating hours. Pass is valid for twelve months from the month of purchase. Note: There is an additional $ 15.00 Preservation Virginia entrance fee for each adult entering on the Colonial Pass to Historic Jamestowne to visit the Preservation Virginia historic areas.
Address
1000 Colonial ParkwayYorktown, VA 23690
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
61°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 62°
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Today
83° 60°
Sunny6% rain -
Tomorrow
89° 65°
Sunny3% rain
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Thursday
75° 66°
Overcast29% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Victory Weekend Events & Programs at Yorktown Battlefield
About
Join us for the 245th Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown, honoring the surrender of British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington and his French allies on October 19, 1781—the decisive triumph that ended major combat in the American Revolution and secured America’s independence.
Throughout Victory Weekend, enjoy special ranger programs, historic weapons demonstrations, living history encampments, and hands‑on activities for all ages. Experience the pageantry, the pride, and the history—right here in Yorktown!
All Programs are free; schedule is subject to change or cancellation.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center- interactive exhibits, orientation film, and bookstore.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - VA250 Mobile Museum- interactive exhibits exploring Virginia’s role in the Revolution, Yorktown Visitor Center parking lot.
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Royal Artillery Demonstration
Event page for Royal Artillery Demonstration (opens in a new tab)About
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.
-
Victory Weekend Events & Programs at Yorktown Battlefield
Event page for Victory Weekend Events & Programs at Yorktown Battlefield (opens in a new tab)About
Join us for the 245th Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown, honoring the surrender of British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington and his French allies on October 19, 1781—the decisive triumph that ended major combat in the American Revolution and secured America’s independence.
Throughout Victory Weekend, enjoy special ranger programs, historic weapons demonstrations, living history encampments, and hands‑on activities for all ages. Experience the pageantry, the pride, and the history—right here in Yorktown!
All Programs are free; schedule is subject to change or cancellation.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center- interactive exhibits, orientation film, and bookstore.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Living History Encampment at Swan Tavern- interact with Continental Army soldiers and learn about Revolutionary-era military life.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Nelson House - Open for visiting and hands-on activities.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Poor Potter Site - Open for visiting and hands-on activities.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - VA250 Mobile Museum- interactive exhibits exploring Virginia’s role in the Revolution, Yorktown Visitor Center parking lot.
- 10:30 a.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 10:45 a.m. – Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 11:45 a.m. - Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 12:30 p.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 12:45 p.m. – Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 1 p.m. – Fifes and Drums of York Town- Performance, at the Victory Monument
- 1:45 p.m. - Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 2:30 p.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 6:30 p.m. – Hamilton With Hamilton — A free outdoor screening of the musical Hamilton and a Q&A with “Alexander Hamilton, portrayed by Luke Nathan Philips, Victory Monument. See link below for more information.
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Lamb's Artillery Demonstration
Event page for Lamb's Artillery Demonstration (opens in a new tab)About
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.
Show 3 more events
-
Victory Weekend Events & Programs at Yorktown Battlefield
About
Join us for the 245th Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown, honoring the surrender of British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington and his French allies on October 19, 1781—the decisive triumph that ended major combat in the American Revolution and secured America’s independence.
Throughout Victory Weekend, enjoy special ranger programs, historic weapons demonstrations, living history encampments, and hands‑on activities for all ages. Experience the pageantry, the pride, and the history—right here in Yorktown!
All Programs are free; schedule is subject to change or cancellation.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center- interactive exhibits, orientation film, and bookstore.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Living History Encampment at Swan Tavern- interact with Continental Army soldiers and learn about life in the military during the Revolution.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Nelson House, open for visiting and hands-on activities.
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Poor Potter Site, open for visiting and hands-on activities.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - VA250 Mobile Museum- interactive exhibits exploring Virginia’s role in the Revolution, Yorktown Visitor Center parking lot.
- 10:30 a.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 12:30 p.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 1 p.m. – Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 2 p.m. – Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
- 2:30 p.m. – Musket firing demonstration, across from the Nelson House
- 3 p.m. – Cannon firing demonstration, behind the visitor center
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Yorktown Day
About
Join us October 19 for the 245th Commemoration of the Victory at Yorktown, honoring the surrender of British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington and his French allies on October 19, 1781—a decisive victory that ended major combat in the American Revolution and secured independence.
Hosted by the National Park Service and the Yorktown Day Association, a coalition of 13 civic, patriotic, and government organizations, this year’s observance features artillery salutes, interpretive programs, exhibitions, a lively parade, wreath-laying ceremonies, and live music.
This year is extra special—it follows the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on Yorktown’s enduring legacy.
Come experience the pageantry, the pride, and the history—right here in Yorktown!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center- interactive exhibits, orientation film, and bookstore.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. - VA250 Mobile Museum- interactive exhibits exploring Virginia’s role in the Revolution, Yorktown Visitor Center parking lot.
- 10:30 a.m. - Yorktown Day Parade along Main Street.
- 11:15 a.m. - Patriotic Exercises and Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Victory Monument.
- 12:30 p.m. - 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps and the Commander-in-Chief’s Ceremonial Guard performances at the Victory Monument.
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Nelson House, open for visiting and hands-on activities.
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Poor Potter Site, open for visiting and hands-on activities.
-
Lamb's Artillery Demonstration
Event page for Lamb's Artillery Demonstration (opens in a new tab)About
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.
Photos
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Living History Program — Park Ranger Linda Williams -
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Getting There
Yorktown, VA 23690
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210, Yorktown, VA 23690
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