The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Prince William County, Prince William County

Military cemetery.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Admission and parking are always free.

KO Distilling is an award-winning craft distillery in Historic Manassas, Virginia founded by former US Merchant Marines and Navy Reservists Bill Karlson and John O'Mara. We produce award-winning Bare Knuckle Whiskeys and Battle Standard 142 Gins. Our Bare Knuckle Bourbon, Rye, Wheat, and American whiskeys are distilled in state-of-the-art Vendome copper stills, aged onsite in new 53-gallon American white oak barrels, and made with 100% Virginia-grown grains. Our newest release, Distiller's Reserve Bourbon, is our first Bottled-in-Bond offering. Battle Standard 142 American Dry Style Gins are available in bold Navy Strength, classic Standard Strength, and oaky Barrel-Finished varieties. All of our award-winning spirits are certified Craft Distilled, Kosher, and Virginia's Finest, and they are never chill-filtered.

Ben Lomond and its outbuildings were constructed for Benjamin Tasker Chinn in 1832. Confederate forces used Ben Lomond as a hospital following the 1861 Battle of First Manassas. Signatures of Federal soldiers who occupied the property in 1862 are still visible inside the house. Tour the Civil War hospital, where you can see, smell, touch, hear, and taste history. Then see the restored slave quarter, smokehouse and dairy and enjoy the fragrant Rose Garden. The site is open for tours May-October. Grounds are open year round from dawn-dusk. Tours November-April are available with advanced notice.

A beautiful park located on the Potomac River that offers historical sites and recreation facilities.

A 5,000-acre park that was the scene of two major Civil War battles.

Park that offers campsites and recreational programs for families and children.

Enjoy a permanent exhibit spanning Native American through 20th Century periods, with a special emphasis on the Civil War. Meet spies and scallyways, slaves and soldiers, presidents and generals as you and your family experience special living history portrayals from the past. Don't miss the Museum's seven diverse historic sites, all nearby, or changing exhibit space.

Visit one of the oldest homes in Prince William County. Built circa 1747 by Richard Blackburn, the historic house is situated between Neabsco Creek, the Potomac River, and the historic King's Highway (present day Route 1). The original owners, Richard and his son Thomas, had extensive land holdings in the county where they grew tobacco, wheat, and other commodities. By 1842, the Atkinson Family called Rippon Lodge home for about 90 years before the property was sold to Wade Ellis in 1924. Mr. Ellis, and his wife Dessie, purchased 500 acres, renovated the home, turning it into a Colonial Revival residence, and are regarded as being responsible for preserving much of the history. Admiral Richard Blackburn Black, the last private owner, purchased the home in 1952, and continued to preserve the home and history as Mr. Ellis had. Admiral Black is linked to many important historical events, including exploration of Antarctica with Admiral Richard Byrd and Pearl Harbor.