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Specialty Tours

Montpelier offers private and in-depth "Behind-the-Scenes" tours and exclusive evening tours and lectures. Our new seasonal special interest tours are available April 1—October 31. Space is limited, reserve your tour online today! Please call to book your tour 540.672.2728 x442. Purchase your tickets online a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the tour date and time to ensure reservation; 48 hours in advance for all “Meet the Madisons” tours. Tickets may also be purchased at Montpelier the day of the tour if space is available.

See tours listed by day.

Special Interest Tours

Buy Adult Tour Buy Child (6-14) Tour

The Constitution Tour
Friday 1:00—2:00 PM
Admission ticket plus $5		   Montpelier’s Center for the Constitution staff lead a presentation and tour that explores the United States Constitution, from its founding ideals, which James Madison imagined at Montpelier, to its ratification.
 
The Montpelier Enslaved Community
1st, 3rd, & 5th Saturdays and every Sunday 1:00—2:00 PM Admission ticket plus $5 		  Montpelier was home to more than 100 slaves. Their work and skill helped build Montpelier. Tour the South Yard, Mr. Madison’s Temple, cellars, Mt. Pleasant, and the Slave Cemetery. Hear the stories of individual slaves, and Madison’s evolving views on slavery.
 
Montpelier Garden
and Grounds
Saturday 3:00—4:00 PM Admission ticket plus $5		   Explore the many dimensions of Montpelier’s landscape. View champion native trees, rare flowers, unique specimen plantings, and 200 years of landscaping as the canvas on which Madison and others expressed their tastes.
 
The Journey From Slavery
to Freedom
2nd & 4th Saturdays each month 1:00—2:30 PM
Admission ticket plus $5 		  Follow the experiences of Montpelier’s African-American community through the arc of American history from slavery in the 1720s through the era of segregation. This guided walking and driving tour visits the South Yard, Mr. Madison’s Temple, the cellars, the Gilmore Cabin, and the 1910 Train Depot.


Behind-The-Scenes Tours

Buy Adult Tour Buy Child (6-14) Tour

Meet the Madison's: In-depth Mansion Tour
Daily 8:30—10:00 AM
Admission ticket plus $27.
48 hour advance purchase required.		   Enjoy an extended mansion tour before the rush of the crowds. This special 90–minute experience will allow you to focus on the in–depth details that reveal the Madisons’ style, taste, friendships, and accomplishments.
 
In the Ground and in the Lab: Special Tour with Archaeologists
Thursday 2:00—3:30 PM
Admission ticket plus $27		   Take a guided tour of an active dig site, and learn how archaeologists restore ceramics and process artifacts in the archaeology lab.
 
Let it Be Red: Behind-the-Scenes with the Curators
1st & 3rd Fridays 5:00—6:30 PM
Admission ticket plus $27		   Dolley Madison once asked a friend to purchase for Montpelier fabric of any color, but “let it be red.” See how Montpelier’s curators examine the latest discoveries in this behind–the–scenes tour. Discussion may include artwork, furniture, décor, and artifacts.


Kid and Family Tours

Buy Adult Tour Buy Child (6-14) Tour

Family Friendly Tours
(June, July and August)
Thursday & Saturday 11:00 AM—12:00 PM
Admission ticket, no added fee		   Join other families as you tour Montpelier—focused on the fun stuff.
 
Kids Only! (July and August)
Friday 10:00 AM—12:00 PM Admission ticket plus $13		   Parents tour the mansion, while kids enjoy the hands-on aspects of Montpelier! Cook over an open fire, learn how to use old tools, and search for artifacts—just like the archaeologists.


Quarterly Walking Tours

Buy Adult Tour Buy Child (6-14) Tour

The Big Woods Walk: Exploring Montpelier's Landmark Forest
Sunday 2:00—April 22, July 8 and October 14
Admission ticket plus $5		   Hike through Montpelier’s Landmark Forest—a rare hardwood old growth forest consisting of towering poplars, stately oaks, and sprawling beeches. Learn about ecology, conservation, and Madison's role as an early environmentalist. The trail is a gentle 1-mile loop.
 
Civil War Trail & Gilmore Farm Walking Tour
Saturday 2:30—4:00 PM—April 21, August 18 and November 17 Admission ticket plus $5 		  Leisurely hike Montpelier's Civil War trail to see the archaeological remains of a Confederate winter camp, and a reconstructed camp street. The tour ends at George Gilmore's home for a rare look at life after slavery.
 
Demonstration Forest Walk
Sunday 2:00—April 15, July 15, and October 21
Admission ticket plus $5		   This two-hour hike of the Montpelier Demonstration Forest will help visitors understand society’s dependence on forests now and during the Madisons’ time, and how to care for our forests today.


Summer Sunset Tours

These exclusive tours begin with wine and cheese on the mansion portico, followed by a short lecture and house tour.
$75 per person. Book your tour.

Private Tours

Montpelier offers private tours to individuals and small groups looking for a more intimate in-depth tour experience. Guided, 90–minute tour; eight–person maximum.
by Reservation $500 (up to 8 people maximum). Book your private tour.

Archaeology Expeditions and Excursions

Spend a week immersed in an Archaeology Expedition at Montpelier, home of the Father of the Constitution. Stay at Montpelier, or in a luxury local bed & breakfast. More details.