George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
General Information

Picture of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon

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A visit to Mount Vernon begins at the Ford Orientation Center. A 20-minute action-adventure movie, We Fight to be Free, is shown in a pair of luxury theaters. The film depicts a heroic and charismatic Washington at pivotal moments in his life.

The centerpiece of a visit is seeing George Washington's home; an original building filled with 18th-century treasures, many of them owned by Washington. The Mansion house sits high above the Potomac River with a stunning view of the Maryland shore.

The Pioneer Farmer site
The Pioneer Farmer site
Forty-five acres of the estate are open to the public. A spectacular view of the Potomac River from the Mansion's piazza transports visitors back in time. Four gardens showcase heirloom plants known to have been at Mount Vernon in the late 1700s. Washington himself designed the landscape which includes 13 trees that stand today as the last living witnesses of Washington's lifetime.

Children love the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer exhibition, a four-acre demonstration farm that features a recreation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. The "Hands-on History Exhibit," presented May 29 - September 6 is full of interactive games and activities for children of all ages. Be sure to visit our Calendar of Events to see many other special events and seasonal activities.

The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center opened on October 27, 2006. Twenty-three theater and gallery experiences -- many of them with interactive technology -- illuminste the detailed story of Washington's life, including his military and political careers.

Washington''s Distillery
George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill. The water-powered mill is operated by millers in colonial attire who explain how the mill works and the role it played in Washington's entrepreneurial farming operation. The Distillery demonstrates 18th-century techniques and includes five copper stills. Open April 1 - October 31, 2009. 

The Distillery & Gristmill is located on Route 235, three miles south of the Estate.  There is a separate admission rate and visitors will need to provide their own transportation. Bus service is also available.  The Fairfax Connector Bus #152 boards in front of the Mount Vernon Inn at 42 minutes past the hour every hour.  Returning to the Estate, the Fairfax Connector Bus #151 boards on the hour every hour between 10:00am and 5:00pm.  For more information or to verify schedules, please contact the Fairfax Connector office at:  703-339-7200.

 

Tickets
Hours of Operation
Directions by Car
Directions by Metro and Bus
Visiting by Boat
Accessibility
Customs and Courtesies
International Visitors

 

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