George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates

 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates is located on a hill along the Potomac river. Mount Vernon, named after a British General, was originally much smaller than the spacious mansion we see today. Built in 1735 by Washington’s father Augustine, the original building was a one-and-a-half story farmhouse. George Washington raised the roof in 1758 to its current height of two-and-a-half stories.In 1774 Washington drastically increased the floorspace, adding the two wings, the piazza, and cupola.

Washington was an innovator and explored many different ways of integrating new technology and equipment into the construction and operation of his estate. He gave personal attention to Mount Vernon’s operations, and his attentiveness to detail is still reflected in the maintenance and restoration of Mount Vernon today. For example, the room formerly known as the “Nelly Custis Bedchamber” has recently been restored to a more faithful interpretation of the room during its use in Washington’s day. It has been aptly renamed “The Chintz Room.”  

Details

Duration

1-3 Days

One could easily spend a full day or two at Mount Vernon. There are multiple special tours that are given daily, as well as extensive grounds to explore on your own, including gardens, the famous 16-sided stable, kitchens, and other ancillary sites.  For more information on tours and times, visit Mount Vernon’s Tour Page.

Activity

Guided Tours

There are many different tours, demonstrations, monuments, and on-hands history opportunities at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Please check the George Washington's Mount Vernon website for up-to-date information. 

Age(s)

0-99

Open to all ages! Is kid-friendly with activities and talks specifically for children.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Mount Vernon is dog-friendly,and certified service animals and animals-in-training are welcome.

Activity Fee

Yes

General admission prices to the entire Mount Vernon Estate (which includes the price of the Gristmill tour) are as follows:
Adults (ages 12-61): 20$
Children (5-11): 10$
Children (0-5): FREE
Seniors (62+): 19$

Note: Buying tickets ONLINE gets you a discount (3$). Military discounts are also available for General Admission tickets.

Location

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, VA 22121

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is located roughly 15 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Alexandria, Virginia on the banks of the Potomac River, along the Potomac Heritage Trail corridor at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. They are open 365 days a year. For more information and directions, see Mount Vernon’s Directions Page.

Reservations

No

Reservations are not needed for General Admission, though it may be required to buy tickets for special programs ahead of time. 

Season

Year Round

The main Mount Vernon Mansion and estate is open 365 days a year.

Time of Day

Day

Washington’s Mount Vernon is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.  

Accessibility Information

 Most of the Mount Vernon estate sites are available by wheelchair. Many of the paths to different buildings and features on the estate are uneven, but there is a wheelchair path leading from the the Ford Orientation Center, Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Eduation Center and also the Mount Vernon Inn.   However, the Mansion’s upper floor is accessible only by stairway. Non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge in the Ford Orientation Center.

A map of accessible paths is available on the Mount Vernon Accessibility Page.

Small hand-held devices are also available for those who are blind or have low vision, and audio tours are available for those hard of hearing. There are also ASL tours available for the main estate and auxiliary grounds (such as the Gristmill and Distillery) the by calling or emailing beforehand and requesting an ASL tour guide for the grounds ahead of time.

If you have further questions, please send your emails to [e-mail] or call 703-780-2000.