Jamestown, Virginia is a remarkable place to learn and experience history for all ages.
Its historical and cultural significance cannot be overstated. It is the site of a massive historical crossroads for English colonists, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans and the beginning chapter for United States history.
Jamestown, Virginia definitely has tragic enchantment vibes.
Today, Historic Jamestowne has been preserved as a major destination in the “historic triangle” in Virginia, comprised of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.
Whether you are looking to experience and learn about this complex historical tapestry, enjoy the natural beauty of the forest and marsh islet and James River, or looking for an enriching activity for inquisitive children, a visit to Historic Jamestowne and the adjacent Jamestown Settlement should be you your bucket list for places to visit in Virginia.
What is the difference between historic Jamestown (“Historic Jamestowne”) and the Jamestown Settlement?
Spoiler alert: Historic James town and the Jamestown Settlement are two different places, though they are adjacent to each other.
I find that when most people think about visiting Jamestown or remember having visited, they are thinking about the Jamestown Settlement.
The Jamestown Settlement is not the actual original site of the Jamestown colony. It is rather a living history museum that recreates the site of the first English settlement and has recreated historical buildings, a fort, wooden ships, and Native village that are staffed with actors playing historical characters, similar to Williamsburg.
Historic Jamestown, on the other hand, is the actual site of the first settlement. Both places are next two each other and could be explored on the same day, and both are worth a visit.
Jamestown Settlement
The Jamestown Settlement is live action role-playing. Children, especially, will love it.
Similar to Williamsburg or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, the Jamestown Settlement offers actors, referred to as “re-enactors” or “interpreters” to provide guests with a deeper experiential engagement with the rich history of Jamestown.
It is very much like stepping back in time, to watch the interpreters demonstrate Native American culture or English crafts. The interpreters are a wealth of knowledge, and while clothed in period-appropriate costume, they are happy to answer all of your burning questions about what was life like back then.
My family really enjoyed conversing with the interpreters well after the demonstration was over and asking question after question.
The interpreters are so patient and remarkably knowledgeable. They all possess an amazing command of history and especially with respect to the lived experience of the character they are depicting. You cannot get this information from a single history book.
As mentioned, Jamestown Settlement includes a recreated fort, English and Native American villages, and wooden ships.
These are all remarkable and beautiful, and painstakingly true to their historical representation.
Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring the cramped cabins of the wooden ships docked on the James River. Watching the interpreters carve out a canoe from a nearby pine tree and hearing them explain the process was fascinating.
You will leave Jamestown Settlement for a keen appreciation of life in this era.
The Jamestown Settlement excels in conveying the story of three cultures converging. It has an incredible museum with films to orient you before you explore the grounds.
The museum has actual artifacts and art on display from the site of Jamestown. You could spend hours here, easily, as you learn about the Jamestown colony, the people, and origin of the United States.
How Long Does It Take To Go Through the Jamestown Settlement?
Ideally, you want to allow for about two hours minimum to visit the Jamestown Settlement. There is a moderate amount of walking, less than Williamsburg, but there is a good deal of activities and educational opportunities to take in.
The cafe at the visitor’s center is operated by a local restaurant and serves American faire that makes a great lunch or snack. Also, there is an incredible gift shop on site.
As noted, the Jamestown Settlement is separate from Historic Jamestown, and both have separate admission tickets.
However, if you are thinking about a visit to both or Colonial Williamsburg or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, make sure to ask about the Historical Triangle pass that provides admission to all of these places. If you are visiting the Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestown should be next on your list of places to visit.
Historic Jamestowne
Historic Jamestowne is the actual site of the Jamestown colony. It is operated by the National Park Service and is the site of exciting archeological projects.
Older children, especially, will absolutely love watching archeological excavations underway and learning from the park rangers about the methods and significant projects.
Historical Jamestown is situated at the very end of the islet and as you drive out there you will feel as though you are on an island. It is remarkably beautiful for the natural scenery as well as the ruin and recreated structures.
Like the Jamestown Settlement, it is extremely educational and really the sites complement each other in so many ways to make the trip worthwhile. Historic Jamestown also offers a snack bar, gift shop, and museum, although not quite as extensive as the Jamestown Settlement.
Other Things To Do in Jamestown, Virginia
If you are visiting Jamestown, you could also consider a ride on the nearby Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which will give you a beautiful view of the settlement and the ships in the harbor.
A visit to Jamestown is often paired with a visit to Colonial Williamsburg or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. If you are going for a chronological theme, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown would make sense.
For a weekend trip, if you wanted to see all three, Jamestown and Yorktown on one day and Williamsburg on another would probably best allocate your time for the time it would take to see all three.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Jamestown, Virginia
Regardless of how you decide to explore Jamestown, you will not be disappointed and will feel as though there is so much more to learn about this amazing place.
Both the Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are historical places that are worth visiting.
