On my most recent trip, my husband and I visited Virginia’s Historic Triangle including the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. So, I thought I would do a little guide for it.
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of America’s struggle for independence. This location consists of three parts: the inside museum, a Continental Army encampment, and a Revolution-era farm outside. The museum makes for a great half day or more activity for history buffs and those wanting to learn more. It is similar to the Jamestown Settlement but is smaller in scope. In fact, both locations are managed by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.
Indoor Gallery
Just like at the Jamestown Settlement, you first enter this location by purchasing tickets inside. Once you’ve done that, you can browse the indoor museum. It’s text heavy as well, but very interesting. There are also several videos to watch here. We particularly enjoyed the Siege of Yorktown 4D film with a huge curved screen that feels realistic. I didn’t take any photos indoors as I wasn’t sure if that was permitted.
Continental Army Encampment
Once you head outdoors, you are greeted by a series of tents. It’s a re-creation of what an army camp may have looked like during the Revolutionary War. You are free to walk around to hear costumed interpreters tell stories and explain what life was like for soldiers during the war. We were even able to witness them firing a cannon and firing some shots! It was also interesting to learn about how they prepared food.
Revolution-era Farm
Just beyond the camp there is a re-creation of a Revolution-era farm. It’s really interesting to see what life was like for regular people during the war. Unfortunately, we were too late in the day (we spent the morning in Jamestown) to witness the cooking demonstration but it’s great they offer something like that. We walked around to look at the garden and house. It was interesting to hear the interpreters talk about what life may have been like for those people.
Tips for Visiting the American Revolution Museum
- Allow enough time to enjoy it – Unfortunately, we opted to do Jamestown in the AM and Yorktown in the PM. By the time we headed to Yorktown we were tired and we missed some demonstrations. So, maybe just do one a day.
- Visit Yorktown – Just up the road from the museum is Yorktown the town. It’s a quaint place with good food.
- Eat lunch at the 1781 Cafe – If we had started our day here, we probably would have eaten here. It’s so nice and convenient that they have a cafe on premises. They serve primarily coffee drinks, salads, and sandwiches. Personally, I think I would eat breakfast prior to arriving here but then fuel up at their cafe for lunch.
- Stay in Yorktown or Williamsburg – They have portions of the main road between Jamestown/Williamsburg and Yorktown blocked off for construction right now. That made for a longer trip but it’s totally doable. Although, it did make staying in Yorktown attractive.
- Save on admission – As I mentioned in my Jamestown post, we actually purchased an annual pass that is good for the Jamestown Settlement and this museum. It was the same price as a one day pass for Virginia residents. I know there are lots of ticket deals out there for this area, so be sure to look at each one and do the math.
- Ask questions – You can just watch demonstrations but the day is so much more interesting if you ask questions.
Have you ever visited the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown? What was your experience like?
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