Photo: NPS Photo
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s.
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Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619.
Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
The Engineer Wharf, one of two fishing piers at Fort Monroe is temporarily closed. The Finger Pier remains open. Also closed is the section of Fenwick Road between Ingalls and the East Gate of the fort. Detour signs will aid travelers around the closure.
Visitors are reminded to park in marked parking spaces. Parking in the grass or other alternative areas is unauthorized. Please help us #KeepFortMonroeBeautiful.
7 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
The Junior Ranger program helps kids explore, learn about, and protect Fort Monroe National Monument. Anyone can become a Junior Ranger by completing activities during a visit to the park.
Learn more about Be a Fort Monroe Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Come together at Fort Monroe each August to commemorate the landing of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia. Their historic arrival still has a profound impact on the United States and its people.
Learn more about Commemorate the First African Landing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Immerse yourself in over four hundred years of African American history. That story begins in 1619 with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans at Old Point Comfort. It continued through the age…
Learn more about Discover Fort Monroe's African American Heritage on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
National Park Service and the Fort Monroe Authority offer guided walking tours year-round. Tours may answer questions about different aspects of Fort Monroe's history. What peoples came to this area…
Learn more about Join a Guided Tour of Fort Monroe on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required
Exhibits at the Casemate Museum chronicle the military history of Fort Monroe. Get your free museum ticket Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center. The Casemate Museum is within the stone fort…
Learn more about See Exhibits at the Casemate Museum on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Start at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center Pick up a park brochure, ticket for the Casemate Museum, and a self-guiding walking tour. Stamp your Passport to Your National Parks. Kids can get…
Learn more about Start at the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Start by getting a self-guiding walking tour brochure outside the Visitor & Education Center at 30 Ingalls Road, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Learn more about Take a Self-Guiding Walking Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 7 of 7
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Center
Located within the fort walls, the museum highlights a topical history of Point Comfort and Fort Monroe. The museum showcases the unique purposes of the casemates…
Visitor Center
Start your visit at Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center. Get oriented, see exhibits, and pick up visitor guides. Find national park passport cancellation stamps. Kids…
30 Ingalls Rd, Fort Monroe, VA (757) 690-8181 Directions
Facility
The Colonies RV & Travel Park is at historic and scenic Fort Monroe National Monument. The Colonies offers RV and tent camping sites. The country store sells gifts…
Reservation website Fort Monroe, VA (757) 722-2200 Directions
Daily, 5:00AM - 11:59PM · Fort Monroe
Fort Monroe National Monument is open year-round for outdoor activities like walking and exploring the historic grounds. Residents occupy many of the buildings. Respect their privacy by not peering into windows or opening gates.
| Monday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
| Thursday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
| Friday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
| Saturday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
| Sunday | 5:00AM - 11:59PM |
The beaches at Fort Monroe are open to the public all year from sunrise to sunset. Only the first two coves at Outlook Beach have Life guards. Please use caution when entering the water. September 16 - May 14: Dogs allowed on the beach with 6 foot leash May 15 - September 15: Dogs not allowed on the beach
| Monday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Wednesday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Thursday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Friday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Saturday | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
No entrance fees listed.
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Updated 2 hr ago
Spring: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common. Summer: Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
Explore some dynamic history on a ranger-led walk to discover "Freedon's Fortress."
Program expected to be about 1 hour in length and 1/2 mile in distance.
Join us on a ranger-led walking tour to explore the history of Fort Monroe. Learn about the establishment of the 3rd system, the role of the "Gibraltar of the Chesapeake" in local and national defense, and the diverse workforce constructing the largest fortification in the western hemisphere.
Join us on a ranger-led walk to explore and learn about some of the individually listed buildings on the National Register. Discover how these locations contribute the "building" of Fort Monroe "From the Ground Up." Comfortable footwear and water are recommended. Exterior views of the included structures only.
Join us to explore the night sky viewing galaxies and star clusters over Fort Monroe. No experience or equipment is needed. Telescopes and expert guides provided. Bring yourself and your curiosity for a rewarding opportunity.
Visitor Parking: On Fenwick Road near former Officers' Club. Look for parking direction signage.
Event is weather dependent. Notification of cancellation will be made by 3pm that day.
Visit Fort Monroe on the 3rd Saturday of the month from March to November and you will have the opportunity to "leaf" with a greater appreciation of some of our magnificent trees. Hampton Roads Master Gardeners Club Tree Stewards will conduct a 30-45 minute walk exploring the trees inside the fort.
Join us to explore the night sky viewing galaxies and star clusters over Fort Monroe. No experience or equipment is needed. Telescopes and expert guides provided. Bring yourself and your curiosity for a rewarding opportunity.
Visitor Parking: On Fenwick Road near former Officers' Club. Look for parking direction signage.
Event is weather dependent. Notification of cancellation will be made by 3pm that day.
Visit Fort Monroe on the 3rd Saturday of the month from March to November and you will have the opportunity to "leaf" with a greater appreciation of some of our magnificent trees. Hampton Roads VCE Master Gardeners Tree Stewards will conduct a special two-hour walk exploring the variety of trees inside the fort. Join us to learn more about Fort Monroe Trees.
Take exit 268 from Interstate 64 (I-64) in Hampton, Virginia toward Fort Monroe. Turn left from the exit ramp onto South Mallory Street.
Turn right at the second light onto East Mellen Street. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light onto Ingalls Road. The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center is on the left after about two-thirds of a mile. Park on Ingalls Road or in the lot behind the building.
Mailing address: 41 Bernard Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651-1001
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
