Jamestowne Visitors Center — Attraction in Jamestown Island

There are so many other hyper-commercialized venues in the area that I really thought we would just pop into the visitor center here, stamp our NPS passport book, have a quick look around the ruins and then head out. 30 minutes tops.

Almost five hours later...

From the adults, all the way down to the six-year old, this was one of our most favorite tops in the entire historic triangle. Definitely visit on a weekday when the archaeologists are at work all around the grounds. We found them to be full of fascinating information on current excavations done, and one of them was so engaging with my kids that he invited them to help him sift for historical pieces in an area they were excavating (they found a pottery piece big enough to be saved for further analyzation).

Even though, with the exception of the church, there are not standing buildings anymore, they do a wonderful job of showing the layout and boundaries that they have uncovered so far. It was very special to stand at the spot in the original church where Pocahontas married John Rolfe.

The Archaearium was full of incredibly artifacts, and of course my kids found the skeletons impossible to look away from. One of my kids had just finished reading Blood on the River and the sequal Poison in the Colony and being able to see the remains of characters he'd become attached to in the book was certainly an experience he will never forget.

We could have spent even more time here (and in fact we did return on a Sunday - but we missed seeing the archeologists at work, so stick with weekdays if you can).

Highly, HIGHLY...

A good introduction to America’s first permanent English settlement. There is clear signage along the Colonial Parkway and main roads leading to the entrance. The drive itself is scenic.The Jamestowne Visitor’s Center should be your first stop if you are interesting in how our country was founded. This center serves as the gateway to America’s first permanent English settlement. There is plenty of parking conveniently located near the main entrance, making access easy for visitors of all mobility levels. The lot is tree lined with plenty of shady spots. It is a single story building. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to assist with questions, tickets, or recommendations for exploring the area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a history enthusiast, their enthusiasm for Jamestown’s story enhances the experience. Inside, there is a small round theater that offers a short film explaining the history and the area. There is a series of Exhibits to the right as you enter. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, featuring interactive displays, artifacts from archaeological digs, and engaging historical narratives. The museum area covers the struggles and triumphs of early settlers, with artifacts including tools, weapons, and personal items from the 1600s. The center also offers a well-curated gift shop and a theater with an informative introductory film. If you have the time, there is a walkway to the actual settlement. Overall, the Jamestowne Visitor’s Center is a very good way to start exploring America’s original...

This is our 3rd time here. Great place to start off exploration of Jamestown. Be sure to get the Pass that includes the Jamestowne Visitor Center, Jamestown Museum, Yorktown Revolution Museum, and Yorktown Battlefield. It is a great value and valid for 7 days from purchase. The bonus is that both the NPS part and the Jamestown Preservation part are bundled in that ticket and you have full access to the entire area. If just doing this site you have 2 separate fees to pay to see everything. Be ready to walk to see everything. It is accessible for wheelchairs mostly, but not well paved. An electric chair would be more appropriate (we took my mom and brought hers along in 2017 and it was the best decision ever because she was able to go everywhere). The visitors center is well laid out and the staff is very friendly. Take your time and bring...