Gloucester County’s history takes many forms: a former inn now houses a museum, much of the masonry at Rosewell has survived, and Werowocomoco was an Indigenous town on the York River. The region also offers hiking trails, historic tours and annual events, each revealing a different side of the area.
Museums, Historic Buildings and Tours
The Gloucester Museum of History is located in the Botetourt Building, built in 1770. The building served as an inn for travelers doing business at Gloucester Courthouse. The museum preserves more than 3,000 objects, including archival documents, photographs and large historic agricultural equipment. Admission is free for all ages; check the details before your visit.
The self-guided Historic Courthouse Circle Walking Tour includes the 1766 Colonial Courthouse, the debtor’s prison and former law offices. Unlike the museum’s collection, this tour focuses on the buildings in the historic town center. For a history-focused drive, Gloucester’s Historic Driving Tour is designed as a self-guided visitor tour. The African American Heritage Tour visits selected African American historic sites in Gloucester County.
Architecture and Remembrance
Construction of the Rosewell mansion began in 1725. A fire destroyed the interior in 1916, but much of the masonry has survived. The 2026 schedule calls for the Rosewell Visitor Center and ruins to be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., April 3 through November 1. Check the hours before your visit.
The Walter Reed Birthplace was built in 1821. It is considered a rare surviving example of a small, plain regional home typical of Tidewater Virginia. Other sites also have distinct historic designations: Holly Knoll is designated a National Historic Landmark; Zion Poplars Baptist Church is listed on the Virginia registers and the National Register of Historic Places.
Werowocomoco and Practical Discoveries
Werowocomoco was an Indigenous town on the York River and served the peoples of Tidewater Virginia as a place for politics, ceremonies and trade. Werowocomoco remains closed while planning continues; check visitor status before traveling. A dedicated Werowocomoco exhibit is located at the Gloucester County Visitor Center. It is wheelchair accessible via a ramp.
At Fairfield Archaeology Park, visitors can take part in hands-on archaeology to uncover stories of the past. The Village Blacksmith also combines hands-on activities with learning, offering workshops, educational programs, Blacksmith Date Nights and one- to three-day introductory blacksmithing courses. Program details may change; check dates in advance.
Trails, River and Nature
Machicomoco State Park lies along the York River in southern Gloucester County. It features the 3.1-mile, paved Moccasin Trail for pedestrians and bicycles. Beaverdam Park also has designated hiking trails. A self-guided interpretive walk runs along the York River, offering a different way to experience the area than the trails through the parks.
An interpretive trail with signs about the area’s history is located around Tyndall’s Point Park. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas at Gloucester County’s parks and waterways. County parks are open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; check for seasonal closures.
Woodville Park offers open fields, ponds and wooded trails as distinct habitats for birdwatching. They attract different bird species, though possible sightings vary by season. Nature exploration here is about both the trail itself and the changing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Traditions, Events and Regional Offerings
The two-day Guinea Jubilee takes place annually on the last Friday and Saturday in September; confirm the specific dates for each year. Founded in 1995, the Guinea Heritage Association, Ltd. honors the people and traditions of a distinctive area of Gloucester County known for its men and women who work on the water.
The Gloucester Daffodil Festival is an annual celebration honoring the county’s rich daffodil heritage. In 2026, it was the 40th annual event. The program featured local art, crafts, specialty goods and food, with more than 250 vendors participating.
For 2026, the Gloucester Farmers Market at Historic Ware Church was scheduled for the second Saturday of each month from May through early fall. Offerings include fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted products; dates and the vendor mix may change. Zoll Vineyards has a tasting room and restaurant serving wine, sangria, cider and mead. These offerings may also change. Brent & Becky’s Bulbs offers gardening workshops and special programs during the season; check in advance which dates are currently scheduled.
Discover more destinations: Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Amelia County, Rockingham County, Prince Edward County, Brunswick County, Buckingham County and Fairfax City.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia.
