Parks / Colonial National Historical Park
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park · VA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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.
Entrance Fees
Note: Preservation Virginia charges a fee for entrance to their portion of Jamestown on any of the above dates. These areas include the James Fort Site, Archaearium, Memorial Church, and Dale House Cafe.
Colonial National Historical Park Annual Pass 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.
Upcoming Events
Before The Siege
Sep 12, 2026
Fifes and Drums of York Town Performances at the Victory Monument
Sep 12, 2026
Royal Artillery Demonstration
Sep 12, 2026
Royal Artillery Demonstration
Sep 13, 2026
Lamb's Artillery Demonstration
Sep 20, 2026
Things to Do
Birding
The park's location along the Atlantic flyway affords visitors the opportunity to see wintering, migratory, and breeding birds along park roads.
Colonial Parkway
The Colonial Parkway is a scenic roadway stretching from the York River at Yorktown to the James River at Jamestown.
Drive the Red Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour
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 complete this tour. There are information waysides at each of the stops and along the route.
Drive the Yellow Route of the Yorktown Battlefield Auto Tour
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 complete this tour. There are information waysides at each of the stops and along the route.
Glasshouse
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.
Glasshouse Ruins
Site of the original glassworks. Site is self guiding with waysides and items to see within the building.
Island Loop Drive
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 over 5-tons from using the Loop Drive. From the Historic Jamestowne parking lot, follow the signs to the loop drive. All state and local traffic regulations apply.
Walk Main Street in Yorktown
Historic Yorktown is available year round. The Nelson House is open as staffing permits. There are informational waysides along Main Street.
Visitor Centers
- Historic Jamestowne
- Yorktown Battlefield
Source: National Park Service.