The farm site stretches over four acres, just a 5-minute walk south of the Mansion, adjacent to the Wharf on the Potomac River. Here, you'll watch horses tread wheat in the 16-sided barn or listen to a dramatic surround-sound interpretation, plus enjoy a variety of 18th-century farming and cooking demonstrations.

While George Washington is honored as Commander in Chief, he thought of himself first and foremost as a farmer. Washington came to recognize the inadequacies of 18th-century farming techniques and began an untiring effort to improve his farming methods by experimenting with crop rotation, fertilizers, plowing practices, and more -- quite uncommon during the colonial era. He was among the first Virginia planters to abandon tabacco production in favor of wheat.

The farm is open daily, with hands-on activities available April - October. Fall Harvest Family Days takes place in October. Wheat-treading demonstrations take place daily July 4-September 6, and Friday through Sunday only September 10-October 24.

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