Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619.
Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
Topics
Animals
Archeology
Architecture and Building
Artillery
Astronomy
Birds
Civil War
Coastal Defenses
18 more topics
Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
Colonization and Settlement
Explorers and Expeditions
Hospital
Lighthouses
Maritime
Maritime - Military
Medicine
Military
Monuments and Memorials
Night Sky
Presidents
US Army
US Marines
US Navy
Wars and Conflicts
Women's History
World War II
Fort Monroe's Flagstaff is the first US flag the sailors of the USS Kearsage see when returning to the waters of Hampton Roads. — NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
Alerts (2)
Park ClosureRoad Closure and Fishing Pier ImpactThe Engineer Wharf, one of two fishing piers at Fort Monroe is temporarily closed. The Finger Pier remains open. Also cl… Read more
The Engineer Wharf, one of two fishing piers at Fort Monroe is temporarily closed. The Finger Pier remains open. Also closed is the section of Fenwick Road between Ingalls and the East Gate of the fort. Detour signs will aid travelers around the closure.
InformationReminder: Look Before ParkingVisitors are reminded to park in marked parking spaces. Parking in the grass or other alternative areas is unauthorized.… Read more
Visitors are reminded to park in marked parking spaces. Parking in the grass or other alternative areas is unauthorized. Please help us #KeepFortMonroeBeautiful.
Things to Do
17 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Brilliant colors of the setting sun offer unique views of the largest stone fortification ever built in the United States. — NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
Casemate Museum
Visitor Center
Located within the fort walls, the museum highlights a topical history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe. The museum showcases the unique purposes of the casemates…
Located within the fort walls, the museum highlights a topical history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe. The museum showcases the unique purposes of the casemates through time and the important role Fort Monroe played during the Civil War through the 21st century. Learn about the importance of tourism and hospitality during the turn of the 20th century, the importance of Fort Monroe as school starting per-Civil War, and other interesting uses of the casemates over time.
Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
Visitor Center
Start your visit at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center. Get oriented, see exhibits, and pick up visitor guides. Find national park passport cancellation stamps. Kids…
Start your visit at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center. Get oriented, see exhibits, and pick up visitor guides. Find national park passport cancellation stamps. Kids can ask for Junior Ranger Activity Books, and dog owners for BARK Ranger programs. The building has public restrooms and a water filling station. Admission is free. Park in the rear.
Other Visitor Services
The Colonies RV Travel Park & Country Store
Facility
The Colonies RV & Travel Park is at historic and scenic Fort Monroe National Monument. The Colonies offers RV and tent camping sites. The country store sells gifts…
The Colonies RV & Travel Park is at historic and scenic Fort Monroe National Monument. The Colonies offers RV and tent camping sites. The country store sells gifts, beach necessities, and RV supplies. The campground has picnic tables and pavilion rentals. Colonies rents pits and charcoal grills for use in the campground. The clubhouse has television and a full kitchen. The bath house has restrooms and showers. There is a 24-hour laundry.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 5:00AM - 11:59PM· Fort Monroe
Hours by area (2)
Fort MonroeDaily, 5:00AM - 11:59PM
Fort Monroe National Monument is open year-round for outdoor activities like walking and exploring the historic grounds. Residents occupy many of the buildings. Respect their privacy by not peering into windows or opening gates.
Monday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Tuesday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Wednesday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Thursday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Friday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Saturday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
Sunday
5:00AM - 11:59PM
BeachesDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The beaches at Fort Monroe are open to the public all year from sunrise to sunset. Only the first two coves at Outlook Beach have Life guards. Please use caution when entering the water.
September 16 - May 14: Dogs allowed on the beach with 6 foot leash
May 15 - September 15: Dogs not allowed on the beach
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
88°F
Cloudy · feels like 95°
Today89°65°
Overcast
11% rain
Tomorrow82°70°
Overcast
14% rain
Saturday75°63°
Patchy rain nearby
58% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Spring: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common. Summer: Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
Oct 1, 2026 ·
01:00 PM–02:00 PM · through Oct 29 Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651Free
About
Join us on a ranger-led walk to explore and learn about some of the individually listed buildings on the National Register. Discover how these locations contribute the "building" of Fort Monroe "From the Ground Up." Comfortable footwear and water are recommended. Exterior views of the included structures only.
Oct1
Gibraltar of the Chesapeake and the Building of a Nation
Oct 1, 2026 ·
11:00 AM–11:45 AM · through Oct 31 Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651Free
About
Join us on a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the "Gibraltar of the Chesapeake" in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.
Oct2
Finding "Freedom's Fortress"
Oct 2, 2026 ·
01:00 PM–02:00 PM · through Oct 31 Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651Free
About
Explore some dynamic history on a ranger-led walk to discover "Freedon's Fortress."
Program expected to be about 1 hour in length and 1/2 mile in distance.
Oct16
Night Sky: Galaxies and Star Clusters
Oct 16, 2026 ·
07:00 PM–10:00 PM Walker Airfield near the Colonies RV and Travel ParkFree
About
Join us to explore the night sky viewing galaxies and star clusters over Fort Monroe. No experience or equipment is needed. Telescopes and expert guides provided. Bring yourself and your curiosity for a rewarding opportunity.
Visitor Parking: On Fenwick Road near former Officers' Club. Look for parking direction signage.
Event is weather dependent. Notification of cancellation will be made by 3pm that day.
Show 5 more events
Oct17
Tree Tour of Fort Monroe: Seeing Trees Through Bark and Wood
Oct 17, 2026 ·
10:00 AM–10:45 AM Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center plazaFree
About
Visit Fort Monroe on the 3rd Saturday of the month from March to November and you will have the opportunity to "leaf" with a greater appreciation of some of our magnificent trees. Hampton Roads Master Gardeners Club Tree Stewards will conduct a 30-45 minute walk exploring the trees inside the fort.
Oct23
Fort Monroe Bird Walk
Oct 23, 2026 ·
08:00 AM–11:00 AM Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651Free
About
Join us on the fort (fourth) Friday of the month for a guided bird walk, when scheduled. Fort Monroe is at a convergence of the Atlantic Flyways allowing for some excellent opportunities for birding year round.
Wear weather appropriate attire and bringing binoculars is encouraged. Standing and walking expected with some change of locations possible encouraging transportation.
Meet at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
8 - 10 am
Nov20
Night Sky: Galaxies and Star Clusters
Nov 20, 2026 ·
05:30 PM–08:30 PM Walker Airfield near the Colonies RV and Travel ParkFree
About
Join us to explore the night sky viewing galaxies and star clusters over Fort Monroe. No experience or equipment is needed. Telescopes and expert guides provided. Bring yourself and your curiosity for a rewarding opportunity.
Visitor Parking: On Fenwick Road near former Officers' Club. Look for parking direction signage.
Event is weather dependent. Notification of cancellation will be made by 3pm that day.
Nov21
Tree Tour of Fort Monroe: Searching High and Low - (Two-hour Special)
Nov 21, 2026 ·
10:00 AM–10:45 AM Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center plazaFree
About
Visit Fort Monroe on the 3rd Saturday of the month from March to November and you will have the opportunity to "leaf" with a greater appreciation of some of our magnificent trees. Hampton Roads VCE Master Gardeners Tree Stewards will conduct a special two-hour walk exploring the variety of trees inside the fort. Join us to learn more about Fort Monroe Trees.
Nov27
Fort Monroe Bird Walk
Nov 27, 2026 ·
08:00 AM–11:00 AM Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651Free
About
Join us on the fort (fourth) Friday of the month for a guided bird walk, when scheduled. Fort Monroe is at a convergence of the Atlantic Flyways allowing for some excellent opportunities for birding year round.
Wear weather appropriate attire and bringing binoculars is encouraged. Standing and walking expected with some change of locations possible encouraging transportation.
Meet at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center
8 - 10 am
Photos
The rising sun illuminates Algernourne Oak as it stands sentinel over the Parade Ground as it has done for almost 500 years. — NPS Photo/Aaron Firth
Getting There
30 Ingalls Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1001
Take exit 268 from Interstate 64 (I-64) in Hampton, Virginia toward Fort Monroe. Turn left from the exit ramp onto South Mallory Street.
Full directions
Turn right at the second light onto East Mellen Street. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light onto Ingalls Road. The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center is on the left after about two-thirds of a mile. Park on Ingalls Road or in the lot behind the building.