In short
- Jamestown Settlement is a state-run museum with replica ships and a recreated fort.
- Historic Jamestowne is the actual archaeological site managed by the National Park Service.
- Guided tours are available to help you see both sites in one day.
In this article
Many visitors confuse Jamestown Settlement with Historic Jamestowne. They are two separate attractions run by different organizations. Decide which one fits your schedule, or plan a full day to visit both.
What is the difference between Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne?
Jamestown Settlement is a recreated living-history museum, while Historic Jamestowne is the authentic archaeological site.
The Commonwealth of Virginia runs Jamestown Settlement. It features costumed interpreters and a 30,000-square-foot indoor museum. Visitors also see life-size reconstructions of the 1610-1614 English fort and three 1607 ships.
Historic Jamestowne is managed jointly by the National Park Service. It is the actual footprint of the original 1607 fort. You walk the real grounds here and can see ongoing archaeological digs.
Which Jamestown should I visit?
Visit Jamestown Settlement for interactive exhibits, or Historic Jamestowne for authentic history.
Families often prefer Jamestown Settlement. The 4D theater and replica ships keep kids engaged. Visitors can talk to interpreters in the recreated Paspahegh Town.
History buffs may prefer Historic Jamestowne to see the actual fort location. Booking a private tour allows you to explore both sites efficiently.
Can you visit both sites in one day?
Yes, you can visit both locations in a single day.
They sit very close to each other. You need 2 to 4 hours to explore the indoor galleries and outdoor areas at Jamestown Settlement. Spend the remaining half of your day at Historic Jamestowne.
Separate admission tickets are generally required. You can also book a guided tour that includes access to both sites.
Are the ships at Jamestown Settlement real?
The ships are life-size replicas, not the original 1607 vessels.
The original Godspeed, Discovery, and Susan Constant do not exist today. Jamestown Settlement features full-scale re-creations of these three ships. You can board them and explore the cramped quarters. Visitors can also try steering with the ship's tiller.
How do you get to the Jamestown sites?
You can drive and park for free, or take a local tourist shuttle from Williamsburg.
Both sites sit about 10 to 15 minutes from central Williamsburg. Drive via Route 31 South. Parking at Jamestown Settlement is free and plentiful.
You can also bike the 51.7-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail. This route connects directly to the Jamestown area.
How much is admission?
Adult general admission at Jamestown Settlement is $21.
Youth tickets for ages 6 to 12 cost $11. Children 5 and under enter for free. Prices change depending on where you book. Historic Jamestowne requires its own entry fee. It operates as a separate National Park Service site.
Questions travellers ask
Is Jamestown Settlement a state or national park?
Jamestown Settlement is a state-run museum. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation operates it. Historic Jamestowne is the actual archaeological site. The National Park Service helps manage it.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Jamestown Settlement?
You do not have to buy tickets in advance. However, ticket purchases at the site must be completed by 4:30 PM.
Are dogs allowed at Jamestown Settlement?
No pets are allowed on the museum grounds or in the galleries. Only trained service animals are permitted on site.
