In 1611, English soldier Sir Thomas Dale and his 300 men constructed their new home, Henricus, the second successful English settlement built in the New World.
400 years later, visitors can step back in time through historical interpretation and reenactments at Henricus Historical Park, a living history museum, to experience what was once Virginia’s western frontier.
Learn how to make the most of your next visit to Henricus; whether you’re visiting with a school class or visiting with friends and family.
Plan Your Visit
Henricus Historical Park is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 5 and over, and free for children under 4.
Arrive at “Henryco Fort” and transport yourself to the 1600s. With 14 re-created colonial structures, you’ll meet interpreters portraying soldiers, workers and planters. In the fort village, you can talk with the local blacksmith and tradesman. Walk through the gardens and meet an indentured worker, the town farmer and his chickens, goats and pigs. Be sure to speak with an interpreter relating the story of Mistress Alice Proctor, wife of a tobacco farmer, to learn what daily life was like between 1611 and 1622.
Field Trips + Educational Activities
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or a homeschool family, Henricus Historical Park is a superb field trip for students of any age. With numerous elementary and upper school programs to choose from, your learning objectives and lessons will be enhanced through historical reenactments and hands-on programs. Students will have the opportunity to learn about 17th-century culture, politics, history, and more as first-hand experience.
If you’re visiting with your family, Discover Days is a family-friendly educational program offered throughout the year with activities such as scavenger hunts, gardening, crafts and more. Check out Henricus’ full schedule to see all upcoming Discover Days.
Special Events
History is fun at Henricus Historical Park! Year-round special events allow you to experience the historical site in a whole new way.
Hops in the Park – Every fall, enjoy this hops and harvest festival right here at Henricus. Learn about the rich history of brewing and enjoy good food with good people.
Haunted Henricus – Spend the spookiest time of the year at Henricus Historical Park with their special Halloween events. Things That Go Bump in the Night takes you on haunted night tours through Henricus while recounting old English folklore. Witching Hour Jr. is full of family-friendly Halloween fun with a costume parade, pumpkin carving, and more!
Christmas at Henricus – Yuletide joy fills the historical park through its special holiday events. Explore 17th-century Christmas at a fully decorated Henricus in the evenings. Then, enjoy an authentic 1600s multi-course feast at Twelfth Night. We’re confident these events will put you in the holiday spirit.
With all there is to experience and explore, you’ll be sure to leave Henricus Historical Park enriched with historical knowledge and stories.
To learn more about Henricus, visit their website and check out their full calendar of events here.