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James Madison's Montpelier, Orange, VA

Photo: Ron Cogswell on Flickr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory Buff

James Madison's Montpelier

11350 Constitution Hwy · Orange, VA

Why you should go…

Montpelier was the home of James Madison, who died here in 1836 and is buried in the family cemetery. A restoration finished in 2008 returned the mansion to its 1820 appearance after the duPont family's additions were removed. You can see The Mere Distinction of Color exhibition on the enslaved community, the Annie duPont Formal Garden and more than 8 miles of walking trails.

  • #presidential home
  • #historic house
  • #plantation history
  • #gardens
  • #hiking trails

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to James Madison's Montpelier, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Shenandoah National Park

    $25–$50

    Drive the 105-mile Skyline Drive along the Blue Ridge crest and stop at overlooks, waterfalls and trailheads.

    32 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Luray Caverns

    $25–$50

    The largest cavern system in the eastern US, famous for towering formations and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.

    35 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Page County, Virginia

    Free

    Shenandoah Valley county home to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, and mountain cabin getaways.

    35 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

    Free

    Drive and walk four Civil War battlefields, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, with historic houses along the way.

    38 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Skyline Caverns

    $25–$50

    A show cave near Front Royal with guided cavern tours, a mini train, mirror maze, and a free nature trail.

    47 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Manassas National Battlefield Park

    Free

    Walk the fields of the two Civil War battles of Bull Run, from Henry Hill to the Stone House and Stone Bridge.

    54 mi awayMore like this