Things to Do

During this 75-minute guided tour, discover more than 250 years of Mount Vernon history as you explore available rooms of the Mansion, and the surrounding outbuildings and gardens.

This tour provides behind-the-scenes access to buildings typically closed to the public, like the Old Tomb, and an in-depth experience of the estate.

Look around, look around at Mount Vernon and discover Washington’s role in Hamilton The Musical, and his views on many of the themes that the musical addresses in our new tour.

Explore the lives and contributions of the enslaved community who built and operated Mount Vernon. In 1799, more than 300 slaves lived and worked on the five farms that made up Washington’s 8,000-acre plantation. Listen to their stories and learn more about their daily life. Visit the slave quarters and view reproduction clothing, tools, furniture, cookware, ceramics, toys, and personal accessories that represent their experiences.

Please budget 10-15 minutes to walk from the Ford Orientation Center to the Mansion Circle to meet your guide.

George Washington spent nearly sixteen years away from home during the Presidency and the War for Independence. Yet, he always had a desire to return home to Mount Vernon, for a peaceful retirement, to rest under the shade of his own Vine and Fig tree. Come take a walk through the General’s garden and see the founding flowers that recreate Washington’s 18th century landscape and gardens. 

See Mount Vernon from a different perspective during this 45-minute narrated excursion on the Potomac River. Learn about the river's history and discover how it contributed to Washington's business ventures. Be sure to look for the eagles and osprey that live along the shores.

This 20-minute tour introduces you to staff favorites in the “Mount Vernon: Story of an American Icon” exhibition on display at the Museum.  See treasured items that tell the full story of Mount Vernon from prehistoric times to today.   

Step back in time and join the delightful Martha Washington for a special storytelling adventure! Designed for children ages 4-7, this engaging 30-40 minute program offers a unique opportunity to hear a captivating children's story read aloud by Mrs. Washington herself. 

After the tale, young learners will have the chance to ask Mrs. Washington questions and hear fascinating snippets about her own childhood or stories about her children. 

It's a wonderful way to spark imagination, foster a love of stories, and learn a little bit about history in a warm and interactive setting.

Explore how the people who lived at Mount Vernon in the 18th century dined on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen. 

Discover how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. You'll leave this specialty tour knowing the Washingtons’ favorite recipes, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and why Martha Washington wasn’t a fan of Vulcan, Washington’s French hound.

Join us for a unique program as we interview Martha Washington, exploring her daily routines, her role as mistress of Mount Vernon, her personal joys and struggles, and her contributions to the founding of the nation.

What was life like for Martha Washington at Mount Vernon? How did she manage the household, care for her family, and support her husband, George Washington, during the challenging times of the American Revolution and his presidency?

This 30-minute program provides the opportunity to interview Mrs. Washington by submitting questions to be asked.

George Washington’s Mansion is currently undergoing preservation work. During this Mansion Revitalization Project, rooms will be taken off display for extended periods. Although you can't see some of the rooms in person, you can view them and the objects inside with an interpreter-led virtual tour.

Inside our Orientation Center theater, you'll get an in-depth look at the Mansion and have an opportunity to ask questions of our expert guides.