Mount Vernon offers several exciting options for visitors, including touring and exploring the following: Mansion, Gardens, Washington's Tomb, George Washington: Pioneer Farmer Site, Working Gristmill, George Washington Museum, Forest Trail, Mount Vernon Wharf, Scouting Trail, Adventure Map for Kids, seasonal activities, Sightseeing Cruises on the Potomac River, Garden & Landscape Tours, Slave Life Tours, Tribute at the Tomb, Hands-On History Exhibit, dining, and shopping.
Tour the Mansion
George and Martha Washington’s home is presented by interpreters stationed throughout the Mansion to describe the house, provide information about the Washingtons, and answer questions.
The Mansion features original furnishings, items owned by the Washington family, 18th-century objects, and a small number of reproductions. These objects bring to life how Mount Vernon would have looked during the time when the Washingtons lived there. Vibrant wall colors, reconstructed after careful paint analysis, demonstrate the Washingtons’ wealth and sense of fashion.
Some of the more notable items in Mount Vernon’s collections include the key to the Bastille, presented to Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette; a large globe Washington commissioned for his study; and a swivel chair Washington used during his presidency. Other objects, such as the harpsichord Washington bought for his step-granddaughter, are treasured items that depict social and domestic practices of the day.
Tours are continuous. The first floor of the Mansion tour is handicap accessible. No chewing gum, photography, or strollers are allowed. Materials for the hearing or visually impaired are available upon request.
Gardens
The Upper Garden includes a wide variety of flowers, trees and boxwood planted in Washington's day. A few vegetable beds have also been restored to their original size, based on careful archaeological excavations.
The Lower Garden supplied fresh produce for the busy Mount Vernon kitchen. English boxwoods were planted in 1786 and now crowd the entry path. Vegetables and herbs are grown in the beds today, as well as cherry, apple, and other fruit trees espaliered along the walls and cordoned onto fences.
The Fruit Garden and Nursery was used by Washington to experiment with new seeds and plants before using them elsewhere on the estate. He attempted to grow grapes in its well-cultivated beds, and produced nursery plants for use across Mount Vernon. The large size of the garden and its protective fence also made it an ideal site to grow tree-ripened apples, pears, plums, peaches, and cherries.
Open daily. Limited wheelchair accessibility.
Washington's Tomb
Washington died in the master bedroom at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799. In his will, he directed that he be buried on his beloved Mount Vernon estate. He also selected a site for a new brick tomb to replace the original burial vault, which was deteriorating. The tomb was completed in 1831 and Washington's body was moved there along with the remains of his wife, Martha, and other family members.
Tribute at the Tomb wreathlaying ceremonies take place at 10:00 a.m. daily, April through October.
Slave Burial Ground and Memorial
Near the tomb on a wooded hill, the slave burial ground is marked by a memorial to honor African-American slaves who worked at Mount Vernon. This land was used as a cemetery for slaves and free blacks who worked for the Washington family during the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. The graves are unmarked, and the identities and numbers of those buried there are largely unknown.
George Washington: Pioneer Farmer Site
This four-acre site features rare-breed barn animals (oxen, mules, roosters, sheep, and chickens) similar to the varieties Washington had at his farms. Seasonal activities guide visitors through history and 18th-century horsing around at the re-created 16-sided round barn, as horses and mules walk the circular second floor treading wheat. The cultivated area includes eight fields, and illustrates Washington's advanced farming practices and crop rotation scheme. During the month of April wagon rides are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
During the summer months, interns join the period-attired staff to demonstrate the farming techniques Washington advocated:
• Conserving the soil
• Using a range of fertilizers
• Controlling erosion
• Working with farm animals
Visitors are invited to participate in ALL aspects of early-American farm life. (Activities vary according to seasonal farming schedule.) This site is just a five-minute walk south of the Mansion, adjacent to the Wharf on the Potomac River.
Open daily with hands-on activities April through October and daily wheat treading demonstrations July through October. Limited wheelchair accessibility.
Working Gristmill
Visitors see an 18th-century water-powered mill operated by a colonial-attired miller, discover how it works, and learn how this particular mill played an important role in George Washington's vision for America's future as granary for the world. They learn about the character and accomplishments of George Washington – one of the nation's most innovative and successful farmers.
Tickets to the Gristmill are available at Mount Vernon's Main Gate or at the Gristmill Shop, and may be combined with admission to the estate for an additional $2 for adults and $1.50 for youth (age 6-11). Gristmill only admission is $4 for adults and $2 for youth. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – April 1 through October 31.
The Gristmill is three miles from the estate's Main Gate on Route 235 South. Free parking is available at the site.
George Washington Museum
The renovated museum offers a fascinating glimpse of the Washingtons' personal possessions. On display are a number of items George Washington selected for himself, his family, and his residence including elegant silver and china that were hallmarks of his gracious entertaining.
A highlight of the museum is a terracotta bust of Washington by Jean Antoine Houdon, made at Mount Vernon in 1785. While in Paris, Houdon was engaged by Thomas Jefferson on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and asked to create a statue of the state's first citizen. The bust is the most accurate likeness of Washington and the family's favorite representation of him.
Open daily. Wheelchair accessible. Strollers not allowed.
Forest Trail
This quarter-mile trail leads through woods of oak, holly, and laurel trees. Walkers cross a bridge over a steep ravine and pass a number of attractions such as Washington's cobble quarry and a Native American site.
Interpretive signs throughout the trail describe animals that once roamed the forests at Mount Vernon and identify those that still do. Visitors experience a tranquil and peaceful setting as they wander through a forest largely unexplored for 200 years. The foot of the quarter-mile trail is at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, near the 16-sided barn.
Open daily, weather permitting. Not wheelchair accessible. The Forest Trail includes one steep hill and takes approximately 10 minutes to walk.
Mount Vernon Wharf
Washington’s farming and fishing activities required a wharf extending into the Potomac to transport goods by boat to Alexandria. The present-day wharf was built in the 19th century and resorted in 1991. Today Mount Vernon welcomes visitors arriving on the Spirit of Mount Vernon cruise ship and Miss Christin tour boat seasonally.
Scouting Trail
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire members in uniform are invited to take an educational trail walk to discover answers to a series of questions. The complimentary Leader Booklet provides information on other youth activities, including land surveying (available year-round), placing a wreath at Washington's Tomb (November through mid-February), and reading a biography.
Patches and pins can be purchased after completing all activities.
Plantation Audio Tour
A 40-minute audio tour is available for visitors who want to explore the estate from the perspective of slave craftsmen such as bricklayer Tom Davis, overseer James Anderson, and washerwoman Dolsey.
Outbuildings where slaves worked and lived are described, and 18th-century music and vibrant sound effects re-create the bustle of life at Mount Vernon.
Audio tour rentals are $4.00 in addition to admission.
Adventure Map for Kids
This colorful map is free with every purchase of a child’s admission ticket. The map guides children around the estate in a quest to solve nine puzzles by exploring outbuildings and the Mansion. It’s an engaging way for families to learn about Mount Vernon together.
Seasonal Activities
The Mount Vernon estate is a working plantation with changing gardens, heritage animals, and stunning views. A wide variety of special events and seasonal activities bring the 18th century to life.
Sightseeing Cruises on the Potomac River March 13 – September 30
Cruises offer new views of Mount Vernon. Visitors can relax and enjoy a 40-minute narrated excursion along the Potomac River. Cruises are available at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Call ahead for specific days. Tickets are available at the Main Gate or on the boat. Availability may vary. Adults - $8 Children ages 6 - 11 - $4 Children ages 5 and under – FREE
George Washington's Pioneer Farmer Site April 1 - October 31
Visitors can crack corn, visit the animals, hoe the fields, plant crops, and tour the re-created 16-sided barn George Washington designed. Mount Vernon's horses are featured during seasonal wheat treading demonstrations from July 4 through October.
Garden & Landscape Tours
April 1 - October 31 This 30-minute guided walking tour highlights Washington's creative design for his gardens. Daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Slave Life Tour
April 1 - October 31 The daily lives and contributions of the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon are the focus of this 30-minute guided walking tour. Daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Tribute at the Tomb
April 1 - October 31 This moving ceremony at the Tomb of George and Martha Washington commemorates their lives and deaths. Visitors participate in a wreathlaying and special readings. Daily at 10:00 a.m.
Hands-On History Exhibit
May 27 - September 4 Children of all ages are invited to crawl into a Revolutionary War tent, explore Martha Washington's travel trunk, play colonial games, use 18th-century-style tools, write a letter to George Washington, and much more. Daily from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Dining
The Food Court at Mount Vernon features Pizza Hut Express™, Red Devon Grill™, Federal City Deli™, Café Lafayette™, Fries & Nachos™, Mrs. Fields Cookies™, and Frozen Smiles Creamery™. Visitors can dine indoors or out at the adjacent octagonal Pavilion. The expanded Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant offers lunch daily and elegant dinner by candlelight Monday through Saturday, with six intimate dining rooms, three fireplaces, colonial costumed servers, and regional and colonial cuisine. Call (703) 780-0011.
Shopping
The Shops at Mount Vernon are now twice their former size. Featured are the world’s best George Washington Book Shop, the largest selection of colonial toys and games around, spectacular reproductions, specialty gifts and jewelry, and the Christmas Corner, now bigger than ever. The Shops are open daily, March – October from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; November – February from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call (703) 799-6301. The Lady Washington Shop, located on the estate next to the Upper Garden, is also open daily. March – October from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; November – February from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call (703) 799-8614. During The Holidays at Mount Vernon hours are extended for holiday shopping: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Sunday. On Christmas Day, The Mount Vernon Inn Gift Shop is closed, however The Lady Washington Shop is open.
