Location: Yorktown
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Things to do in Yorktown, Virginia (VA): The Best Historic Sites
On October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia, the British forces surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the Revolutionary War and ushering in the early days of the United States. Learn more about the Siege of Yorktown at the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum located at Yorktown Battlefield National Park. Yorktown is part of "America's Historic Triangle," along with the nearby colonial towns of Jamestown and Williamsburg, an area aimed at allowing visitors to interact with the past.
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1. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,303 reviews
Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.
Reviewed By CatyRay
This is a great museum and living history site that explains the Revolution from the time when Britain imposed taxes on the colonies to make up for the huge cost of the French & Indian War, to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. It isn't just about the Yorktown battle, American victory and British surrender. You walk from room to room in the indoor exhibit area (one-way now), viewing artifact cabinets and large, easily readable text on plaques. Two films available now. The second, about the Siege of Yorktown, has loud noise (canon fire) and smoke. You feel like your in the middle, as the benches seem to shudder with each blast. Outdoors, there is a recreated military encampment and working colonial farm. The guides are very knowledgeable, and with only a dozen visitors wandering around, had time to answer questions and engage in a deeper explanation/discussion. I have been interested in the Revolution since childhood (Dad was active in the Sons of the Revolution and I'm a DAR member) and have degrees in history. This museum was a great refresher . I would not advise brining small children if you want to take your time and read everything in the exhibits. The "hands on" features (push button for short a video, for example), have been turned off. Well worth the $15.25 adult admission. Glad we went and I will go back when the next special exhibit opens about November. I was hesitant, at first, to book, since I've been to historical sites that seem to have been a little too commercial for my taste. This is run by a foundation (including the Jamestown Settlement) that gets some state funding for the educational purposes.
2. Colonial National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
An area of southeast Virginia where the following major historical sites/towns are linked by a 23-mile road: Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.
Reviewed By JohnLesko - Manassas, United States
We had a marvelous weekend getaway visiting Williamsburg during this pandemic season. We kept our distance, wore masks, washed our hands often, and walked up and down DOG street while walking out dog.
3. Yorktown Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,608 reviews
Reviewed By aliciar752 - Cape Coral, United States
This was a must see for my family of four. There is a short video when you pay your entrance fee at the visitor center and a museum that you can tour - with a really cool surprise exhibit that both my boys (7 and 14 really enjoyed). The driving tour is well marked and easy to follow. Getting out and standing in the trenches was a moving experience. My teenage son was actually silent taking it all in.
4. Moore House
5. Nelson House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By E1660RDjohnb - Norristown, United States
What will bring your attention to this house is that there are still cannonballs in the walls of the exterior of the house from the Siege of Yorktown. It is also the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A lot of great Revolutionary War history here.
