James Monroe's Highland
James Monroe's Highland
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Part of William & Mary, this historic site is the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
13 within 5 kms
Attractions
63 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- James HCollegeville, Pennsylvania52 contributionsMore historyWhen we got there, there were only a few cars in the lot and I noticed the lights were out in the visitor center. There was a bad storm the night before and the power was out. They still let us do the self guided tour but did ofer a refund if we wished. Not a whole lot to see and the actual Monroe house burned down in 1799 so there is just a rock outline of the house footprint. Even so, you get the history of the property and about Monroe and the guy in the house you tour was very knowledgeable.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten July 19, 2023
- carenjames c7 contributionsFascinating, a hidden gemWe thought we would see James Monroe's home but seems they had the history of the house all wrong for years! What an interesting story that was told by our guide. She was fantastic and truly enjoyed her job and sharing all of her knowledge with us. Well worth the trip. We went on a whim as we could not get into Monticello do to unforeseen circumstances.Visited August 2023Written August 15, 2023
- obizerokenobiLos Angeles, California182 contributionsThe Presidential Estate Next Door to Jefferson'sJames Monroe’s Highland estate seems like the unwanted stepchild of the three presidential estates in the Charlottesville area (after Monticello and Montpelier); however, it’s definitely worth visiting! It is literally one estate over from Monticello, making Monroe and Jefferson next-door neighbors, but since both are rather large plantation farms, they’re more like a short drive apart. Highland is right around the corner from Jefferson Vineyards. Part of the reason it seems like Highland is not as popular is that the original house that President Monroe lived in has not survived, and the house that does stand is not even on the exact foundation of the original. However, the estate does contain much original or period pieces and has great exhibits related to Monroe and his instrumental foreign policy. While Highland does not offer regular tours like Monticello and Montpelier, knowledgeable docents are regularly present, roving around the house, to answer questions and tell stories about Monroe, such as his close relationship with Jefferson (Jefferson – a mentor to Monroe – repeatedly begged Monroe to move to the area so they could regularly hang out), his foreign policy, and about his time fighting in the Revolution. We recommend a visit! (Theoretically, visiting all 3 presidential estates in C’ville in one day is logistically possible, but is not recommended, as you will be constantly rushed and will only have time to eat in your vehicle while on the move.)Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 13, 2023
- krobbins11Dumfries, Virginia62 contributionsWorth a visitThis place if definitely worth a visit. Enjoyed it more than Monticello and UVA. Beautiful grounds and interesting history revealed. Did you know James Monroe is standing besides George Washington in the famous Crossing the Delaware painting?Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten October 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
963 reviews
Excellent
458
Very good
335
Average
143
Poor
22
Terrible
5
2125295556
Boston, MA29 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Very interesting! We don’t know much about this president and his life- Enlightening! His house no longer stands but the site is still fascinating!
Written January 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy A
240 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Even though the original home burned down, the buildings that are there are well worth your time. The tickets are a little pricey, but I didn't feel ripped off. Be sure to check the wallpaper from 1850.
Written December 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corgi_Oh
OH147 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Gorgeous location. Reasonably priced. Very well informed guide. Nicely laid out exhibits. There’s not as much here as the other presidential sites in the area, but it’s more laid back and less touristy as a result.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScaryMaryMuffin
Minneapolis, MN28 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I thought the tickets were high for what was offered. ($18). Monroe's home had burned down years ago. What we toured was a two bedroom guest house that he had built and a much later house built much later. A little history was included but we didn't learn anything about Monroe. We had stopped in Fredericksburg early at the site of his law office and although small, learned a lot about his life and presidency. There were some small gardens that were charming, but that was about it.
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krobbins11
Dumfries, VA62 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This place if definitely worth a visit. Enjoyed it more than Monticello and UVA. Beautiful grounds and interesting history revealed. Did you know James Monroe is standing besides George Washington in the famous Crossing the Delaware painting?
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer M
Fishers, IN12 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Wonderful staff, site and the gift shop was wonderful. We really enjoyed our visit! We were especially impressed with the friendly and welcoming staff.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
obizerokenobi
Los Angeles, CA182 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
James Monroe’s Highland estate seems like the unwanted stepchild of the three presidential estates in the Charlottesville area (after Monticello and Montpelier); however, it’s definitely worth visiting! It is literally one estate over from Monticello, making Monroe and Jefferson next-door neighbors, but since both are rather large plantation farms, they’re more like a short drive apart. Highland is right around the corner from Jefferson Vineyards. Part of the reason it seems like Highland is not as popular is that the original house that President Monroe lived in has not survived, and the house that does stand is not even on the exact foundation of the original. However, the estate does contain much original or period pieces and has great exhibits related to Monroe and his instrumental foreign policy. While Highland does not offer regular tours like Monticello and Montpelier, knowledgeable docents are regularly present, roving around the house, to answer questions and tell stories about Monroe, such as his close relationship with Jefferson (Jefferson – a mentor to Monroe – repeatedly begged Monroe to move to the area so they could regularly hang out), his foreign policy, and about his time fighting in the Revolution. We recommend a visit! (Theoretically, visiting all 3 presidential estates in C’ville in one day is logistically possible, but is not recommended, as you will be constantly rushed and will only have time to eat in your vehicle while on the move.)
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg A
10 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Be advised that the house on the site is NOT the house James Monroe lived in. His house burned down and you can only see a stone outline of the footprint of the house. The houses in the picture was a guest house and an 1850 addition. They do not clearly state this at the cashier. We only found this out when the docent in the house informed us. Some of the furnishings are original to the Monroe family however.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carenjames c
7 contributions
Aug 2023
We thought we would see James Monroe's home but seems they had the history of the house all wrong for years! What an interesting story that was told by our guide. She was fantastic and truly enjoyed her job and sharing all of her knowledge with us. Well worth the trip. We went on a whim as we could not get into Monticello do to unforeseen circumstances.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Williams
Salisbury, MD2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The people were exceptionally friendly. The displays of original furniture was very interesting. They have a nice group of books for sale on the people and the period.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingJames Monroe's Highland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about James Monroe's Highland
- James Monroe's Highland is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Hotels near James Monroe's Highland:
- (3.35 km) Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast
- (6.37 km) Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery
- (7.19 km) The Draftsman, Autograph Collection
- (6.32 km) 200 South Street Inn
- (5.65 km) The Clifton
- Restaurants near James Monroe's Highland:
- (6.32 km) Fleurie Restaurant
- (6.15 km) Sultan Kebab
- (6.68 km) Public Fish and Oyster
- (9.41 km) The Ivy Inn Restaurant
- (6.39 km) Hamiltons' at First & Main