American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
4.5
Historic Sites • Battlefields • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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25 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,381 reviews
Excellent
900
Very good
317
Average
110
Poor
44
Terrible
10
ellenbee56
Bechtelsville, PA708 contributions
Nov 2022
We have visited the Historic Triangle area several times, but not since this museum was built, so we recently paid it a first-time visit. It was an easy drive from Williamsburg and had plentiful free onsite parking. Combination tickets are available with Jamestown Settlement or for each site alone.
As an American history buff, I found this museum a pleasure to explore. The building is attractive, and the galleries are nicely designed, with great artifacts and excellent signage throughout. Several theaters throughout the museum show videos. The exhibits were designed to be engaging to adults & youth alike and covered much more than just the events that occurred at Yorktown or even the War for Independence in general; broader aspects of 18th century American history were highlighted, including the “revolution” that took place as a new government was established following the war and society adjusted to new freedoms and challenges.
Outdoors was a living history area, featuring a Continental Army Encampment and a Revolution-era Farm. Several interpreters were onsite that day, demonstrating a cannon firing, describing army camp medical care, and performing cooking tasks in authentically furnished buildings. We really enjoyed exploring this outdoor area and were glad to find it still open to visitors in late November.
In all, we spent about 90 minutes here; it was time well spent. I highly recommend this museum to history buffs and non-enthusiasts alike.
As an American history buff, I found this museum a pleasure to explore. The building is attractive, and the galleries are nicely designed, with great artifacts and excellent signage throughout. Several theaters throughout the museum show videos. The exhibits were designed to be engaging to adults & youth alike and covered much more than just the events that occurred at Yorktown or even the War for Independence in general; broader aspects of 18th century American history were highlighted, including the “revolution” that took place as a new government was established following the war and society adjusted to new freedoms and challenges.
Outdoors was a living history area, featuring a Continental Army Encampment and a Revolution-era Farm. Several interpreters were onsite that day, demonstrating a cannon firing, describing army camp medical care, and performing cooking tasks in authentically furnished buildings. We really enjoyed exploring this outdoor area and were glad to find it still open to visitors in late November.
In all, we spent about 90 minutes here; it was time well spent. I highly recommend this museum to history buffs and non-enthusiasts alike.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sue H
Fort Worth, TX93 contributions
Nov 2022
The museum is laid out in an easy to follow way. I actually learned several things. It is a modern example of museums. Up to date. Great to hold the interest of younger children. Many outside exhibits are great for children.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
andrea
Dallas, TX6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Well organized and nice exhibits. The outdoor exhibits were well done too. Much better than the museum at Yorktown! Videos were well done.
Written November 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RedddBeard
Flat Rock, NC182 contributions
Nov 2022
This museum also is worth the money and the time. When you realize how interesting it is, you'll be sorry you didn't pay more attention to your teacher!
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NC_Mcycle
Concord71 contributions
Oct 2022
Very informative and engaging. Small but truly excellent book selection in the gift shop. Don’t miss the Yorktown video toward the end of the museum- provides an excellent overview of the battle. This is definitely well done and professionally thought-out museum. Highly recommend.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
annabear_87
Morristown, TN53 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Such a fun museum. I love that it has your standard gallery styled museum but with a lot of different interactive details for kids. The outdoor battlefield and living area is really nice. The different actors were great at explaining everything and were extremely friendly with all guests. Worth the price of admission.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisH
Frederick, MD454 contributions
Sep 2022
Two seniors spent about one full day touring the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown living-history museum run by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia) in late September 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed it. There are costumed interpreters located outside at the replicas of a Colonial Militia encampment and a colonial era farm. The interpreters were all interesting to talk with. YMMV but we love this stuff and read almost everything, so we ended up here with about two hours outside and the rest of the time inside the actual museum. The museum covers the whole time period from the beginning to the end of the Revolutionary War. There is an excellent short introductory film plus several shorter films scatted throughout the museum. Overwhelming number of exhibits. There is so much history here. Very kid friendly. There is a cafe in the museum that we did not eat at. We decided to spend a week in the Williamsburg area so we purchased the America's Historic Triangle Ticket with seven consecutive days' admission for Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestowne/Jamestowne Rediscovered, Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and Yorktown Battlefield. Other ticket combinations are also available. See their website.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LORRAINE M
3 contributions
Sep 2022
The combination of an outdoor re-enactment of a period farm and a revolutionary war era encampment provides engaging learning opportunities for adults and children. Don't miss the flintlock and artillery firing demonstrations. The museum exhibits do a great job explaining the reasons for the growing divide between the colonists and the crown that erupted in war. Many audio and interactive exhibits that children will enjoy but plenty of "heavier" reading for adults wanting to brush up on the history knowledge.
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
Farmington, NY342 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Actually this wasn’t our first visit we were here 6 years ago just before it opened. We were able to your he outside exhibits but not the inside. We were pleasantly surprised by how well done this museum is done. Very informative and laid you t very well. Highly recommend
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ohsuzyq10
Cleveland, OH473 contributions
Sep 2022
I've been to the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Smithsonian, and this museum ranks right up there with the best!! Though the layout is a bit confusing, the exhibits and the technology involved in them give special insight and meaning to the history and many facets of the American Revolution. There was so much to see that you could spend hours and hours taking it all in. Our 8 yr-old who is a Revolutionary War buff was mesmerized by much of the museum, especially many of the stories so well told in the videos and other productions. He also loved the encampment and musket demo in the outside area. Well done!! This is a DO NOT MISS attraction.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leah Marie
Orlando, FL14 contributions
General question about a few things. We want to see Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown (including Revolutionary War Museum) and Colonial Williamsburg. How many days should we plan? I’m wondering if we could do all of them in 2 days. And what do you suggest for best planning? Thank you!
idmaster
Reston, VA67 contributions
Overall 2 days is not enough for those 3. I’d suggest 3 days minimum. But if you like to fly through exhibits, take a shallow dip in and then move on, maybe? If you only have 2 days I’d stick to CW and Jamestown only
patgoodwin
San Antonio, TX
Admission price
Mick R
Quinton, VA32 contributions
Admission Rates 2017
General Admission
American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Adults - $12.00 Youth - $7.00
Jamestown Settlement
Adults - $17.00 Youth - $8.00
Combination Ticket
Adults - $23.00 Youth - $12.00
A combination ticket purchased onsite is good for one admission to Jamestown Settlement and one admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, it may be used on different days.
The general admission youth age is 6-12, and children under 6 are complimentary.
Prices valid 1/1/2017-12/31/2017
Ginger B
Waynesboro, VA14 contributions
Admission?
artj377
Massapequa, NY130 contributions
Asking the admission price is a tough one as there are all sorts of ticket combinations. The Historic Triangle Pass for $91 might be best for many, but we didn't go that route as we, as seniors and retired military, with a National Parks pass, did a different combo and came out a few bucks cheaper by actually buying the annual Colonial Williamsburg pass and a combo pass for just Jamestown Settlement and this American Revolution Museum. IIRC, because of our National Parks pass, we got in free to Historic Jamestown and to the Yorktown Battlefield Museum and battlefield, although I would strongly recommend buying the CD for use in touring the battlefield. It was the very knowledgeable cashier at Colonial Williamsburg visitors center that steered me towards this combination, and later at the hotel was amazed that she actually knew just how to save us "lunch money" given my National Parks pass, and senior and retired military status.
Christina B
27 contributions
Only have time for on. Should we do the American Revolution museum or Jamestown settlement with an 8 and 10 year old?
Tom L
Philadelphia, PA46 contributions
The Jamestown Settlement and the Museum at Yorktown are operated by the same non profit and they do an outstanding job at both. The American Revolution Museum is my first choice for both indoor and outdoor activities. If the children have not had an American History class in school, do prep them for the best experience. You can break up the indoor and outdoor time to create variety
azlobo4
Albuquerque, NM3 contributions
I have one day to see either American Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown Battlefield, Jamestown settlement, or historic Jamestown, what should I see?
Michael K
Gloucester, VA428 contributions
There all good. But the Yorktown Revolutionary Museum just reopened this spring with a new building and it's much larger than the old building. It has a cafe inside, and your only a mile away from the Yorktown beach. There are several restaurants at the beach also. To much to do in one day in this area. Try to sneak in an extra day if you can. You won't be disappointed.... enjoy!
SerenityinPA
Pottsville, PA102 contributions
What are the differences between the Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg & The American Revolutionary Museum of Yorktown? (Besides the obvious)
I love history, but my family not so much. I'm worried that it's going to be the same stuff at all three places, which will bore my family & be a waste of money.
Do they each have something unique or is it all basically the same performances and reenactments over and over again?
Thanks!
Michael R
Kerrville, TX606 contributions
Jamestown Settlement is the history of the early settlers and what it took to survive (half did not) those first few years. Williamsburg is a total recreation of Colonial life leading up to the Revolutionary War. Williamsburg was the Capitol of Virginia so it has the history of the founding Fathers and their role before the Declaration of Independence. It is also a good example of life under British rule with the Governor and the House of Burgess. The American Revolution Museum is an amazing place to learn about the Revolutionary War. Issues, battles, people, cultures and debates that led up to and included the Revolutionary War are included. This presentation leads up to the Battle of Yorktown which led to the end of the War. There is a little overlap in these three sites but not a lot and each provides background to the others. All of them have interactive exhibits as well as films and excellent displays of history and the events. There is something for everyone and each place is different.
Melissa B
Owens Cross Roads, AL55 contributions
Is it worth going on a rainy day?
livnlrn
Virginia60 contributions
Without a doubt! The indoor museum is state of the art and packed with so much to explore and experience. In fact I would plan for it to be a rainy day option just in case of inclement weather.
CHKMT1996
Weeki Wachee, FL14 contributions
what is the average amount of time spent at the center?
BlanquitaMaria
usa124 contributions
We attended a weekend seminar and had private tour of the museum prior to it's official opening. It is not real big inside and the outside was not finished yet. The inside only took about an hour. Not sure how long the outside would take
Handicap access ?
Susan C
Port Angeles, WA152 contributions
Probably some difficulty in the encampment area as the terrain is rocky and Sandy in some area.
CharissaRivera
3 contributions
About how long should we plan to visit?
Bernard P
Kennesaw, GA350 contributions
About 2-4 hours if you really want to learn about the history watch the movies and do the outside display and presentations. Call ahead and find out the times for the outside demonstrations like firing of the cannons and musket shootings etc.
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest an editAmerican Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Frequently Asked Questions about American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
- American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near American Revolution Museum at Yorktown:
- (0.47 mi) York River Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (0.83 mi) Hornsby House Inn
- (0.63 mi) Marl Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (0.67 mi) Yorktown Beach Hotel
- (7.38 mi) Inn at Warner Hall
- Restaurants near American Revolution Museum at Yorktown:
- (0.56 mi) Carrot Tree Kitchens
- (0.56 mi) Riverwalk Restaurant
- (0.73 mi) Yorktown Pub
- (0.57 mi) Water Street Grille
- (0.56 mi) Ben & Jerry's