Mount Vernon | George Washington's Estate & Gardens
Discover the real George Washington from his restored Mount Vernon Mansion, a Hollywood-produced action adventure movie, interactive exhibits, an immersive Revolutionary War “snow” experience, more than 1,000 artifacts, original films, and life-size models of Washington created from a forensic investigation - all at the historic Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens!
Visitors to the Mount Vernon Estate may also tour 50 spacious acres of gardens and grounds, which include the tombs of George and Martha Washington, a memorial to the slaves who worked at Mount Vernon, and a four-acre working farm. And of course there’s the gorgeous view of the Potomac River that can be enjoyed from one of several Windsor chairs on Washington’s piazza!
Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until General Washington's death in 1799. He worked tirelessly to expand his plantation from 2,000 acres to 8,000 and the mansion house from six rooms to twenty one.
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association purchased Mount Vernon from the Washington family in 1858 and opened the estate to the public in 1860. Since that time, nearly 80 million visitors have toured Washington's home. Mount Vernon is independent of the government and no tax dollars are expended to support the 500-acre estate, its educational programs or activities.
A visit to Mount Vernon begins at the Ford Orientation Center. A 20-minute action-adventure movie, We Fight to be Free, is shown in a pair of luxury theaters. The film depicts a heroic and charismatic Washington at pivotal moments in his life.
The centerpiece of a visit is seeing George Washington's home; an original building filled with 18th-century treasures, many of them owned by Washington. The Mansion house sits high above the Potomac River with a stunning view of the Maryland shore.
Forty-five acres of the estate are open to the public. A spectacular view of the Potomac River from the Mansion's piazza transports visitors back in time. Four gardens showcase heirloom plants known to have been at Mount Vernon in the late 1700s. Washington himself designed the landscape which includes 13 trees that stand today as the last living witnesses of Washington's lifetime.
Children love the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer exhibition, a four-acre demonstration farm that features a recreation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. Check the Mount Vernon Calendar of Events to see many other special events and seasonal activities.
The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center opened on October 27, 2006. Twenty-three theater and gallery experiences -- many of them with interactive technology -- illuminate the detailed story of Washington's life, including his military and political careers.
The Washington DC Power Pass includes admission to the Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.
The Washington DC Power Pass is an attraction pass that includes admission to many popular Washington DC tourist attractions and tours - all for one low price. Washington DC Power Passes are available in 1, 2, 3, and 5 day durations.
Location:
Mount Vernon is located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Address:
Mount Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway,
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
Phone: (703) 780-2000
Hours of Operation:
Mount Vernon is open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays and Christmas.
Mount Vernon welcomes visitors on the following schedule:
April through August, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(effective Saturday, March 31, 2007)
March, September, and October, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
November through February, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Historic Area of Mount Vernon is cleared one-half hour after closing. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center is cleared one hour after closing.
The Shops at Mount Vernon
Open daily March through October 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., November through February 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Lady Washington Shop, located in the historic area near the greenhouse: March through October, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; November through February, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Gristmill Shop, located at George Washington's Gristmill, three miles west of the estate: April through October 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m; closed November through March
