Visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon—A Guide for History Lovers
George Washington’s Mount Vernon (mountvernon.org)
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
Insider tips and recommendations from fellow history lovers as well as current and former employees and volunteers—thank you to all our contributors!
George Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon began as a one and one-half story farmhouse built in 1735 by his father, Augustine, and received its well-known name during the ownership of his half-brother Lawrence. George acquired Mount Vernon in 1754, and over the next 45 years slowly enlarged the dwelling to create the resplendent 21-room residence we see today. Washington personally supervised each renovation; advising on design, construction and decoration—even during the Revolutionary War. Conscious that the world was watching, Washington selected architectural features that expressed his growing status as a Virginia gentleman planter and ultimately as the leader of a fledgling democratic nation.
[George Washington’s Mount Vernon]
Planning your visit
- Don’t go to “Mount Vernon expecting to be entertained—it’s just a house. The excitement comes from treading in places where history was made.” It is ideal to take “the time to sit in the seats on the veranda to relax and take in the sites and settings” because “Mt. Vernon is not a rush to fit-it-all-in place, but one for strolling, observation, and contemplation.”
- Use the site to plan your trip so that you’re able to take in one of their special events. They have different events throughout the year that would appeal to different people. The website is incredibly helpful with calendars, maps, information about the surrounding area, and so on. Also, you’ll want to check that something you want to see will be available/open when you plan to go. (Brandi Allen)
- Buy your tickets online to get a discount on general admission tickets, skip the long lines at the ticketing booth and to be able to select a tour time for the Mansion Tour. Buy a timed admission ticket for the first tour of the day. (Caron Chapman-Case) See the next section for which tour you should take.
- They also have the special tours at the end of the day that are well worth it. But they fill up fast, so be sure to sign up well in advance.
- Download the Mount Vernon app for iPhone or Android. With it you can listen to descriptions while you tour without renting a recording device. It includes a Plant Finder and much more.
- Go on a dry day since there are many dirt trails that could get muddy.
- Wear comfortable shoes and wear sunblock as some areas are not shaded.
- Bags should be no larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches.
- Be prepared to walk a lot and bring water as it can get hot on the trek. Although there is a courtesy shuttle that will take you around the estate from April to October.
- Photography inside the house is not allowed.
When to visit
- Most crowded months: April – July 4
- If you are visiting during a peak period, arrive after 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
- Best months to visit: January to February and September to October. Less crowded, and usually pleasant weather. [Sangeeta Ranade adds that “MV has tour groups come through every single day of the week. Mid-March through July 4 will always be incredibly busy. January/February and the first week of September are the slowest times and then the summer isn’t too chaotic.]
- There are different views on whether coming in the morning is a good idea, especially when school is in session, tour groups come through every single day of the week. Visiting during the summer are less chaotic.
- Some recommend going after Thanksgiving. That is when they have the Christmas camel on display and the pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys. The mansion is decorated for the holidays and they had people in period costumes outside with hot cider. (LaRae Hardin Park and Nancy Delia)
To read and watch in advance
- George Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow describes how George Washington rebuilt the house and how he ran the farm. (Rob Michael)
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon website has an array of excellent videos on various topics and for many age levels. Ongoing archeological excavations and historical research is continuing to add to the narrative of those who lived and worked at Mount Vernon and is providing new insight to individuals—both enslaved and free—who are absent from written records.
Selecting the tour or tours to take
- A general admission ticket gives you access to the famous mansion, the beautiful view across the Potomac River, all the surrounding colonial buildings, Washington’s amazing gardens, the tombs, the farm, and the museum filled with Washington treasures.
- Free showings of several Mount Vernon films are included in the general admission ticket and takes place daily in Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium, in the Ford Orientation Center and in the Museum and Education Center.
- The estate has moved to a timed ticketing system for the Mansion, so visitors can better spend their time exploring the grounds and not waiting in line. Depending on the number of guests each day, the tour can last between 15 to 35 minutes.
- Tours may be shortened during busy periods. A Premium Mansion Tour is recommended for a more in-depth, guided exploration of the Mansion to see areas not normally open to guests. (Csc Adams and Melissa Wood)
- Everyday, a brief wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Washingtons’ Tomb.
- Take the National Treasure Tour which takes you through the basement of the home and down to the waterfront.
- Experience Mount Vernon from a different perspective on a Sightseeing Cruise of the Potomac.
When you visit
- If you don’t have a car, go on a weekday when the Fairfax Connector buses run more frequently. Only take the 101 bus, travel time is around 30 minutes from Huntington metro.
- No outside foods or drinks are allowed, except for water. Food may be purchased at the Food Court Pavilion or at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
- If you can trail behind the tour group in the house to ask questions of the staff, you will get a lot more out of your visit. (Kathleen Melanson Coulter)
- It’s possible to visit his Gristmill and Distillery which is open from April to October, by riding the shuttle as it’s only a few miles away.
- Make sure to visit the House for Families and all of the buildings surrounding the mansion like the blacksmith, etc. Walk the gardens, view the Potomac from the veranda, and visit the museum.(Jenny Lynn) All of these are included in the general admission ticket.
- Go ahead and enjoy the restaurant. They serve colonial-era recipes, such as George’s favorite breakfast cakes.
- Don’t miss the gift shop either as it has great things to purchase that aren’t your typical cheap items. They have a great selection of wine from their vineyard.
Especially for kids
- Ask for a kids map, it has questions/puzzles on it and when completed turn it into the gift shop for a small prize. (Stephanie Burbol)
- Take the kids to the farm area and allow them to interact with the live animals many of which are the same breeds raised in Washington’s time, including Ossabaw Island Hogs, Hog Island Sheep, Dominique Chickens, and Red Devon Cattle. Mount Vernon is also home to horses, mules, and oxen.
- Mt. Vernon has a new app, Agent 711: Revolutionary Spy Adventure, where kids can become a spy for Gen. Washington and can go undercover to test their spycraft skills as they explore the grounds of Mt. Vernon.
- Make time for the Hands-on-History Center where kids can dress up in 18th century clothing, play with the Mt. Vernon dollhouse, play 18th century games, puppets, and puzzles.
- In the Museum and Education Center, head over to the Revolutionary War Theater to watch the 4D movie, General Washington, Commander in Chief. This is a 20-minute immersive experience with smoke, fog, snow and vibrating seats! If you’re short on time, head there first to get in line and watch the film, then spend the remainder of your time visiting the exhibits.
- Other highlights of the museum include George Washington’s false teeth, wax figures of George at different ages, and many interactive exhibits.
Images and video courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
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