Cannon exhibit along the British earthworks at Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park
PARK OVERVIEW
The Yorktown Battlefield unit of Colonial National Historical Park preserves the battlefield where British General Charles Cornwallis was defeated by American and French forces led by George Washington and Jean Baptiste de Rochambeau on October 19, 1781. Though the American Revolution was not officially over until September 1783, English politicians withdrew their support for the war, effectively ending the war at Yorktown.
Begin your visit to the Yorktown Battlefield at the Visitor Center where you can pick up a free park brochure and find out the daily schedule of Ranger-guided tours and lectures. You can also watch a short film about the battle and visit the battlefield museum.
Tours of the battlefield itself are self-guided and require a vehicle (biking is not recommended). There are two tour roads, one that covers the sites on the actual battlefield and one that leads through the area where the Allied armies camped during the fighting.
Also be sure to visit the historic district of Yorktown where you will find many of the original homes still standing, plus there are shops and restaurants at the business district along the York River. From mid-March through the end of December a free trolley bus departs from the Visitor Center and stops at various locations in town. You can also walk to downtown, as it is only a mile away.
OPERATING HOURS
The Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The grounds of Yorktown Battlefield are open from 9 AM to sunset.
Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to check the official Yorktown Battlefield Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule.
FEES
There is a fee to enter the Yorktown Battlefield park, currently $15 (2024). For those who wish to continue on to Historic Jamestowne, where the fee is typically $30, you can show your Yorktown receipt and get $15 off the admission price. All tickets are good for seven days. There is no fee for visitors who are 15-years-old and younger. Fees are paid at the Visitor Center.
For current pricing, visit the official Yorktown Battlefield Fees and Passes web page.
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
Visitor Center
allow 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Historic Yorktown
allow 2 hours
Battlefield Tour
allow 1 to 3 hours
Allied Encampment Tour
allow 1 to 1.5 hours
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Last updated on July 17, 2024