Jamestown Settlement Hours 2026: 9 AM to 5 PM Daily, Closed 3 Holidays
Quick Answer
- Is it open? Yes. Jamestown Settlement operates 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- How much? Individual admission is $21.00 for adults and $11.00 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free.
- Key deadline? No deadline. The museum operates year-round. Combination tickets are valid through June 30, 2027.
If you’re planning a trip to Virginia’s Historic Triangle, the first question is usually simple: when is everything open? Jamestown Settlement, the living history museum run by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, keeps it easy. The gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. every day of the year, with just three exceptions: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day .
That consistency matters because Jamestown Settlement is a different site from Historic Jamestowne, the actual archaeological site run by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. The two are about a mile apart and often confused. Historic Jamestowne has its own hours, its own tickets, and its own closures. If you want to see both, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
This article covers the exact operating hours, holiday closures, ticket prices, combination options, and the best times to visit both sites in 2026.
The Facts
| Site | Jamestown Settlement (living history museum) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, year-round |
| Closed | Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day |
| Adult Admission | $21.00 individual, $34.00 combination with Yorktown |
| Child Admission | $11.00 (ages 6-12), free for ages 5 and under |
| Location | State Route 31, just southwest of Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Operator | Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (state agency) |
What Are the Jamestown Settlement Hours in 2026?
Jamestown Settlement is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout 2026 . This schedule runs year-round, with no seasonal variations and no reduced winter hours.
The museum is closed only on three holidays:
- Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2026)
- Christmas Day (December 25, 2026)
- New Year’s Day (January 1, 2027)
The last entry is typically around 4:30 p.m., though the official policy is not confirmed in available sources. Plan to arrive by early afternoon to have enough time for the galleries, outdoor recreations, and film presentations. Most visitors spend two to three hours at the site, though families with children often stay longer .
Is Jamestown Settlement the Same as Historic Jamestowne?
No, Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are two separate sites with different owners, different hours, and different admission prices. This is the most common source of confusion for visitors.
Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum operated by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, a Virginia state agency. It features recreations of a Powhatan village, the James Fort, and three ships. It’s designed as an immersive educational experience.
Historic Jamestowne is the actual archaeological site of the original 1607 English settlement. It’s jointly managed by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia. You’ll see active excavations, the Memorial Church, and the Archaearium museum .
Historic Jamestowne has slightly different hours. The entrance gate opens at 8:45 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. The visitor center and gift shop operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. . It also closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day .
Key Takeaway: Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are separate sites with separate tickets. Jamestown Settlement is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Historic Jamestowne’s gate opens at 8:45 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Jamestown Settlement?
Individual admission to Jamestown Settlement is $21.00 for adults and $11.00 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free .
Several combination tickets offer better value if you plan to visit multiple sites:
| Ticket Type | Adult Price | Child Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamestown Settlement Only | $21.00 | $11.00 (ages 6-12) | Single day |
| Jamestown + Yorktown Combination | $34.00 | $17.00 (ages 6-12) | 5 consecutive days online |
| Four-Site Ticket (Jamestown, Yorktown, Historic Jamestowne, Yorktown Battlefield) | $66.00 | $22.00 (ages 6-12) | 5 consecutive days |
| America’s Historic Triangle Ticket | $126.00 | $57.00 (ages 6-15) | 5 consecutive days |
The combination ticket is valid through June 30, 2027. The America’s Historic Triangle ticket expires December 31, 2026 .
Local residents of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. SNAP recipients get free admission for up to four people through the Museums for All program .
What Is the Best Time to Visit Jamestown Settlement?
The best time to visit Jamestown Settlement is on a weekday morning, ideally arriving right at 9 a.m. when the gates open. This gives you the best chance of avoiding crowds and having more time with the historical interpreters.
Summer months bring heat and humidity. Temperatures often reach the high 90s, and the outdoor areas offer limited shade . If you visit between June and August, bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The site is about three-quarters of a mile long, with gravel pathways that can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers .
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather. The museum hosts special events throughout the year, including the Taquitock Festival and Family Days programs . Check the official Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation calendar before your visit to see what’s scheduled.
Reality Check: No one texts you free tickets or settlement money for a museum visit. Admission is always paid at the gate or online. Third-party “discount ticket” sites charging fees for Jamestown admission are unnecessary. Buy directly from the official museum website or at the ticket office.
What Can You See at Jamestown Settlement?
Jamestown Settlement offers a mix of indoor gallery exhibits and outdoor living history areas. The experience is designed to give visitors a hands-on understanding of America’s first permanent English settlement.
The outdoor areas include:
- Replicas of the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery, the three ships that brought settlers in 1607
- A recreated Powhatan Indian village with interpretive staff demonstrating traditional skills
- A recreated James Fort with thatched-roof buildings, gardens, and military demonstrations
The indoor galleries feature:
- 1607: A Nation Takes Root, a film shown throughout the day
- Exhibit galleries covering the Virginia Company, the Powhatan people, and the first decades of settlement
- A museum store with books, gifts, and Virginia history items
Historical interpreters cook traditional meals, demonstrate musket firing, and answer questions about daily life in the 17th century. The theming is educational without feeling like a theme park, and the interpreters add practical context when you stop to ask questions .
How Does Jamestown Settlement Compare to Historic Jamestowne?
Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne serve different purposes. One is a museum. The other is an active archaeological site. Visiting both gives you the fullest picture.
Jamestown Settlement is better for families with young children. The ships, the fort, and the interactive exhibits are engaging for kids. The indoor galleries provide context and artifacts. It’s a polished, educational experience.
Historic Jamestowne is better for history enthusiasts and adults. You’ll walk the actual ground where the 1607 settlers lived and died. You’ll see ongoing excavations, the original church tower, and the burial sites. The Archaearium displays artifacts recovered from the site .
The two sites are about a 10-minute drive apart on the Colonial Parkway. A combination ticket covers both, plus Yorktown Battlefield and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
What Happens If You Visit on a Holiday?
Jamestown Settlement is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. On those three days, the museum does not open, and no programs run.
Historic Jamestowne closes on the same three holidays . The National Park Service confirms that on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the gate and all park buildings on Jamestown Island are closed to visitor access .
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, plan around those dates. The museum is open every other day of the year, including New Year’s Eve and the day after Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Jamestown Settlement hours?
Jamestown Settlement is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, year-round. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day .
How much is admission to Jamestown Settlement?
Individual admission is $21.00 for adults and $11.00 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Combination tickets with Yorktown start at $34.00 for adults .
Is Jamestown Settlement open on holidays?
Jamestown Settlement is closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. It is open every other day of the year .
What is the difference between Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne?
Jamestown Settlement is a living history museum with recreations. Historic Jamestowne is the actual archaeological site of the 1607 settlement, managed by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia .
How long does it take to visit Jamestown Settlement?
Most visitors spend two to three hours at Jamestown Settlement. Families with children often stay longer. The site includes indoor galleries and outdoor recreations .
What are Historic Jamestowne’s hours?
Historic Jamestowne’s entrance gate opens at 8:45 a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. The visitor center and gift shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily .
Is parking free at Jamestown Settlement?
Yes. Parking is free at Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown .
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes. Tickets are available online and in person at the museum ticket office. Combination tickets purchased online provide unlimited admission for five consecutive days .
