March 20, 2025

     Spring has arrived, which means Yorktown will soon be bustling with locals and visitors alike. If you find yourself in the area in April, May, or early June, consider taking advantage of our numerous attractions that offer fun for all ages.

 Tour the Area in Unique, Leisurely Ways

     The Yorktown Trolley is one of the most convenient ways to see Historic Yorktown. This complimentary service resumes its daily schedule from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Our drivers provide helpful information about each stop, so riders can relax and enjoy the scenery. The Trolley’s designated route runs from the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, making several convenient stops along the way. Each Trolley is ADA-accessible and features infotainment and an interactive tracking system. Track the Trolley using the SPOT ETA mobile app (Android and iPhone) and get an estimated time of its arrival.

     Riverwalk Landing Piers reopen Tuesday, April 1, and welcome recreational boaters who want to stay for the day or overnight. Once docked, mariners can step ashore to enjoy our attractions, shops, restaurants, museums, and other touring opportunities.

     Thanks to Patriot Tours & Provisions, visitors can roll around the area in style! Rent bicycles – even electric bikes – to tour Historic Yorktown and the trails of the Yorktown Battlefield. If you prefer to explore by water and at your own speed, they also offer kayaks and paddleboards for rent. 

     Beginning in early April, the Schooner Alliance II will be offering day and sunset cruises along the York River. Guests will sail past the Coleman Bridge, Victory Monument, and Yorktown Battlefield. Kids 12 and under can join the ship’s crew for its Pirate Adventure Cruise, where they’ll be able to help raise sails, learn to tie knots, and steer the ship. Reservations can be made by phone at 888-316-6422 or online at www.sailyorktown.com.  

     For those who love spooky stories, Yorktown Ghost Walks is a must-do. Learn about the history and haunts of Colonial Yorktown as told by actual paranormal investigators in the historic area. 

     If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, climb aboard an old-fashioned steamer wagon and journey through the Colonial National Historical Park Battlefield tour roads and the enchanting Historic Village with Yorktown and Company. Choose from history, ghost, or classic steamer wagon rides, and as you explore, immerse yourself in the resilient spirit that shaped our nation.  

Embark on an Engaging History Lesson 

     The Watermen’s Museum reopens Wednesday, April 2. The Museum features exhibits that give visitors an understanding of the role the Chesapeake Bay watermen played in shaping our nation—from pre-colonial to modern times. This year’s updated exhibits feature Yorktown during the Civil War and the Confederate Coast Guard. 

     Don’t miss our Pirates Invade Yorktown Weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26 and April 27. Enjoy live blacksmith demonstrations, a pirate encampment, sea shanties, cannon demonstrations, and a townwide treasure hunt. In addition, a treasure trove of vendors will be selling local produce, artwork, and more at our two-day Pirate Invasion Market. This special-themed market will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.

     Explore exhibition galleries at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The Museum shares the story of our nation’s founding from the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. While enjoying the indoor exhibits, be sure to check out the short, immersive 4D film “The Siege of Yorktown,” shown in the Experiential Theater. There are always hands-on activities taking place in the outdoor living history exhibits. On Thursday, April 24, the Museum will host a special Talking History Lecture with Nick Powers, curator of Collections at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. During "Cheers! The Spirited History of Alcohol in Colonial Virginia," Powers will take a look at the history of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which has been infused by alcohol since the early 18th century. The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free to all York County, James City County, and Williamsburg residents.

     Visit the battlefields, earthworks, and historical buildings where American independence was won at the Colonial National Historical Park – Yorktown Battlefield. Driving tours of the battlefield include siege lines and encampment areas. For convenience, consider purchasing an annual pass online. These experiences are administered by the National Park Service as part of Colonial National Historical Park.

     At the York County Historical Museum, view artifacts that tell the rich and varied stories of York County’s past—from the time of the earliest Native Americans, colonial-era Yorktown, and both the battlefield and home fronts of the Revolutionary War through World War II. The Museum is free and located in the basement level of York Hall. Hours vary based on the availability of volunteers. 

Discover Art with Heart

     The Gallery at York Hall on Historic Main Street reopens Tuesday, April 1, with regular hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. The Gallery features the work of more than 300 local artists along with a variety of themed exhibits that change every six to eight weeks. This year’s season kicks off with a Quilts Exhibit for April and May. The Gallery is the perfect place to pick up a symbolic souvenir featuring the Yorktown Onion, Fifes & Drums of York Town, and Revolutionary-era soldiers.  

Additional Event Info:

• www.visityorktown.org
• 757-890-5900
• Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok:   Visit Yorktown 

Additional photos are available at http://bit.ly/3SWsXwY