President Heads — Attraction in Williamsburg

A Haunting and Unforgettable Visit to the Presidents Heads There are some places that exist outside of the usual tourist path, sites that you have to be in the know to even find. The abandoned Presidents Heads in Williamsburg, Virginia are one of those rare, almost mythical destinations, and let me tell you—they are absolutely worth the pilgrimage. This isn't a museum or a theme park; it's a haunting, breathtaking, and deeply personal encounter with history in a state of beautiful decay. As you've likely heard, these colossal sculptures are not open to the public on a whim. Located on private property, they are a spectacle you can only witness on one of a handful of specially organized tours each year. The scarcity of these opportunities, a mere eight times annually, only adds to their allure. It creates a sense of exclusivity and makes the experience feel truly special. You’re not just a tourist; you're a welcomed guest into a very unique space. While the busts are undeniably deteriorated—cracked, crumbling, and with missing pieces—this is precisely what makes them so compelling. Their weathered state tells a story of years spent enduring the elements, a testament to time's relentless march. They are monuments in their twilight, and the visit feels like a chance to see them before they are gone forever. It's a powerful and poignant experience. But what truly elevates the tour from a cool photo op to an unforgettable event is the outstanding narration provided by John Plashal. He’s not just a guide; he’s a master storyteller. He breathes life back into the stone, sharing incredible anecdotes and lesser-known facts about each president that you won't find in a textbook. His passion and intimate knowledge of these heads, their history, and the figures they represent are truly captivating. His words make the visit feel like a conversation with the past, making the journey well worth the effort. If you have the chance to secure a ticket, do it. The Presidents Heads are more than just a quirky roadside attraction; they are a profound and visually stunning piece of...

I attended the 1-3pm slot. Ticket price for this time was $30 which I believe was priced higher than the other slots due to daytime lighting, but unfortunately as I was traveling from out of state this was the only time I could book. I attended the history talk and the trivia and appreciate the efforts of the guides for outlining a full schedule for the two hour window, but I still have trouble seeing how they justify their pricing. As these are ruins of a former park, I understand that it isn’t meant to go into preserving these crumbling heads. And in the emails they mention the guests will be greeted and guided by volunteers, so I don’t know if they are being paid. Since they have been open to the public a few times a year since 2019 and charging for these events, I wish they could use these fees to at least set down some mats on the ground, even with the warning to wear rain boots. You can’t even get a good picture with most presidents because they’re packed like sardines in the back. I have read in other responses to reviews by the owner that they collect these fees for eventual restoration, but I checked online to see updates on this plan and I failed to find any. In my opinion, this is about money. Where is it going? What efforts are being made to improve the experience? Is there a restoration timeline with dates, and a specific plan? It has been 5 years that you have been charging to view these statues. What do you have to show for it beyond popup tents to sell more overpriced goods and a row of dusty and dirty...

Judging by the responses of the owner, I’ll try to write my review carefully by noting that I did read all emails preparing me for the experience. I wore my rain boots, was adequately warned about the muddy conditions and that this was indeed a raw experience viewing the ruins of statues from former Presidents Park. I have no complaints about their operations or the lovely people that provided insight about the origins of how this came to be, and that’s what attracted me to come visit from out of state. I’m giving it two stars because I felt that, yes, it was a bit overpriced for what it was, essentially a photo opportunity on privately owned property with added historical talks and trivia to fill up the time. Yes, youth tickets are cheaper and they do have free events a few times a year, but I personally felt like the adult admission fee of $30 was unfairly priced and I wish I knew what their pricing was for. If it’s not for restoration, can there be improvements going towards making the area more walkable in rainy conditions, such as tarps on the ground? I’m not looking for manicured lawns or pristine green, just something to show for the cost of the ticket. Otherwise I enjoyed the day seeing the attraction and taking photos. I’m not a photographer, so I’m reviewing simply as a curious tourist that would love to see some improvements added to the property...