Visitor Guidelines
Guidelines for Visitors: Do's and Don'ts
December: Open Thursday – Sunday, 9am-4pm with tours from 10am-3pm
- Closed December 16 – December 25
- Closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas, December 24 and 25
- Closed for New Years Eve and New Years Day, December 31 and January 1
January: Open January 18 – 20
February: Open February 15-17
March: starting March 13 open Thursday – Monday
We are glad you are sharing part of your day with us! While you are here, we ask that you follow some simple guidelines for the convenience, comfort, and safety of yourself, other visitors, and staff.
View directions –>
GPS Address: 11350 Constitution Highway; Montpelier Station, VA 22957. Do not take Chicken Mountain Road (State Route 639) and do not go to Montpelier, VA. We are located just outside the town of Orange, VA.
As a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, Montpelier receives no ongoing federal or state funding. Your donation today enables us to share the enduring legacy of James and Dolley Madison, the humanity of the Enslaved Community, and the significance of civic engagement and the U.S. Constitution for generations to come.
To maximize the enjoyment of your visit, please DO:
- Purchase a Highlights of Montpelier tour ticket if you would like to see inside the House. The House can only be entered while participating in the guided tour.
- Plan to arrive 20 Minutes before your scheduled tour time. Be advised that tickets are valid only for the date and time they were purchased.
- Directions and please park in the Visitor Center parking lot.
- Enjoy our gardens, grounds, trails, and exhibition spaces.
- Casual, non-flash photography for personal use, on a cell phone, tablet, or camera is permitted in the House and Gallery spaces at the discretion of Montpelier staff. Read our full photo policy here.
- Strollers are welcome on the property but cannot be taken inside the Mansion. Strollers may be parked outside of the Mansion before your tour.
- You are welcome to picnic, at one of our many picnic tables. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Only leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds of Montpelier. No other pets are allowed.
Service animals, in compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA requirements, are welcome at Montpelier, including in buildings and exhibits. Emotional support animals are not permitted inside the house, buildings or exhibits. - Remove all trash.
For the safety and well-being of our visitors, please DO NOT:
- Operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) on Montpelier property is strictly prohibited without prior authorization. Audio or video recording is not permitted in the House or Gallery spaces. Read our full photo policy here.
- All weapons – including firearms, knives, and sharp objects – are strictly prohibited.
- Engaging in disorderly conduct or participating in unauthorized assemblies is not permitted.
- Rude or inappropriate treatment, including unwelcome behavior toward other guests, staff, or any other persons, is not permitted.
Finally:
- The last entry to the property is 4:00 pm. Please plan on leaving the Montpelier property no later than 4:30 pm.
- Montpelier reserves the right to close the property at its discretion. Thank you for your understanding.
- If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Property Pass
Explore Montpelier’s gardens, grounds, trails, and exhibits on your own
Montpelier’s gardens, grounds, and trails are open. Property passes include access to the Annie duPont Formal Garden, the Landmark Forest, Madison family and Enslaved Community cemeteries, walking trails, The Mere Distinction of Colour exhibition, and more. Access to the House is not included.
Orange County residents may access the grounds free of charge. Non-Orange County residents must purchase a Property Pass. Cost:
$13/Adult (18+), $8/Youth (12-17), Free/Child 11 and Under
Montpelier accepts credit cards and cash; no checks or gift cards. Online purchase is available.
Highlights of Montpelier Tour
Uncover the rich history of James Madison’s Montpelier on this guided tour of the historic house.
This one-hour guided tour is the most popular way to experience the historic house. Explore the histories and legacies of James and Dolley Madison, the Enslaved Community, and the Constitution as you journey through the landscape and inside the Madisons’ home.
Property pass (full access to the grounds) is included in the purchase price of this or any guided tour.
Due to limited capacity, online reservations are strongly encouraged. Tours take place RAIN OR SHINE.
$36/Adult (18+), $16/Youth (12-17), Free/Child 11 and Under
Do Some Shopping and Grab a Snack
Visitors can shop in the Museum Shop, located in the Visitor Center, Thursday – Monday, 10AM – 4:30PM. Customers may shop in person, and online orders will be available for pickup. Montpelier asks that shoppers practice safe social distancing of six feet or more from other shoppers.
For a sneak peek of our wonderful offerings, check out our online shop – which is ALWAYS open!
A selection of grab-and-go snacks and beverages is available for purchase in the Cafe.
Don't forget to Stay Virtually Connected
Montpelier is also staying virtually open for business by educating, inspiring, and engaging the public with its continuing work, which includes publicly accessible blog posts, websites, podcasts, online courses, webinars, and social media platforms for the public to enjoy. Montpelier encourages parents, students, and teachers to use and share this information as it continues to be a place of education, inspiration, and American history.
