Pet-Friendly Historic Sites in Virginia

Next time you travel to an iconic historic site in Virginia, bring your four-legged friend along. There are several historic sites around the state that welcome leashed dogs so your pup can get in on the historic fun. 

Make sure you verify with staff at any of these locations to get details and requirements before bringing your pet along for the ride. Remember to clean up after your dog and be respectful of others. Service animals are typically exempt from restrictions. 

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Location: Mount Vernon, Fairfax County
Pet Rules: Leashed dogs, mostly outdoors 

One of the most popular historic spots in Virginia, George Washington's Mount Vernon draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year, but many visitors are not aware that you can bring along your dog for your tour of the grounds during daylight hours. Leashed pets are permitted in most areas of the estate, barring the historic buildings and the museum, and water bowls are provided to keep your dog hydrated.

Did You Know? George Washington was a dog lover. Read up on the history before visiting Mount Vernon. 

Gunston Hall

Location: Lorton, Fairfax County
Pet Rules: Leashed pets, outdoors only

Constructed in 1755, Gunston Hall originally served as the home of George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center or the mansion at Gunston Hall, but leashed dogs are welcome on the expansive site grounds.

Pack a picnic, spread a blanket, and take your lunch break at the ground’s picnic area. Take the river trail that leads to the Potomac to walk off your afternoon meal. You’ll also see many furry friends attending the public programs and special events at Gunston Hall.

Historic Jamestowne

Location: Jamestown
Pet Rules: Leashed pets, outdoors only, do not disturb wildlife

The original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Historic Jamestowne tells the story of the roles of the European, North American, and African cultures that formed the grounds for the birth of America.  Although the buildings are off-limits to pets at Historic Jamestowne, you can walk leashed animals anywhere on the grounds. Once you purchase tickets, staff will direct you to the pet-friendly entrance and give instructions on rules regarding your pets.

Humpback Bridge

Location: Covington
Pet Rules: Leashed pets

Humpback Bridge is the oldest of Virginia’s covered bridges, and it's also the only covered humpback bridge remaining in the United States. The bridge is now closed for travel, but you can walk your pet around the historic site on the five-acre wayside park.

The Estate at Meander

Location: Locust Dale, Madison County
Pet Rules: Leashed dogs, dogs not allowed in historic manor or indoor dining areas. Cats considered upon request

A 1766 historic country bed and breakfast set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Estate at Meander sits on 80 acres of pastoral lands. There are pet-friendly cottages on the property for overnight getaways with your pet, as well as several hiking trails along the Robinson River where pets are permitted. When you make a reservation with your pet, you'll have access to pet-friendly amenities and a welcome bag that'll make your pup feel as special as the human guests. 

See more pet-friendly places to stay around Virginia. 

James Madison’s Montpelier

Location: Montpelier Station, Orange County
Pet Rules: Leashed dogs

Like other historic gems, James Madison's Montpelier does not allow pets in the former home of James Madison, but leashed dogs are welcome to accompany owners on the grounds. This includes the 3.9-mile Montpelier-Grelen Trails and an additional five miles of trails around the property.

McCormick Farm & Workshop

Location: Raphine, Rockbridge County
Pet Rules: Leashed pets 

Cyrus McCormick made history on his farm in 1831 when he invented the first reaper, revolutionizing the world of agriculture. The 634-acre farm now serves as the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center, a part of Virginia Tech University. The historic destination is pet-friendly, but pets must remain on a leash at all times.

MacCallum More Museum & Gardens

Location: Chase City, Mecklenburg County
Pet Rules: Leashed pets, outdoors only

In Scots, MacCallum More means “Home of the Clan.” The historic MacCallum More Museum & Gardens was established in 1929 and houses permanent Virginia exhibits, including the Arthur Robertson Exhibit that contains Indian artifacts that date from 9500BC to 1600AD and the Thyne Institute Exhibit that shares the story of a Black boarding school that was built in 1876 in the region. Although pets are not allowed in the museum, friendly pets are permitted on the property, including the well-known gardens and shady trails, as long as you keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them.

Morven Park

Location: Leesburg, Loudoun County
Pet Rules: Leashed dogs, outdoors only 

Governor of Virginia from 1918-1922, Westmoreland Davis purchased Morven Park as his home. Now, in addition to the historic home and surrounding buildings, the expansive estate features 1,100 acres of gardens, fields, equestrian facilities, and woodlands. Morven Park encourages members of the community, as well as visitors, to bring their leashed pets for walks and hikes through our grounds.

Natural Bridge

Location: Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County
Pet Rules: Leashed pets, pet-friendly trails throughout the property

This rocky bridge has a rich history in Virginia. A young President George Washington once surveyed the land and left his initials on the wall, Civil War soldiers passed over the awe-inspiring arch, and the land even belonged to third President Thomas Jefferson. While pets are not allowed in the Main Inn of the Hotel, the Rockbridge Center, or the Caverns, there are pet friendly trails throughout Natural Bridge State Park.

Colonial Williamsburg

Location: Williamsburg
Pet Rules: Leashed pets

Williamsburg acted as the first Capitol of England’s first permanent colony in the New World. The restored colonial town shows what life was like for 18th century colonists and early Americans. At Colonial Williamsburg, they don’t just permit pets, they actually have a street designated for pets. DoG (Duke of Gloucester) Street welcomes leashed pets, and in the past, dogs, goats, and even a pet potbellied pig have been seen wandering down the road! 

Colonial Williamsburg also supports local adoption efforts, partnering with the Heritage Humane Society during special events to help pups find their forever homes. If you take your pet for a stroll on DoG Street, don’t be surprised if it shows up on the Colonial Williamsburg Snapchat or Instagram. This historic spot is truly a pet-lovers playground!

Stratford Hall

Location: Stratford, Westmoreland County
Pet Rules: Leashed dogs, outdoors only

The birthplace of Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall has 1900 acres of farmlands and forests, with views of the Potomac River. Leashed dogs are permitted everywhere except the gift shop, dining room, galleries in the Visitor Center, outbuildings, Great House, and Gristmill. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and keeping them under control. Walk the grounds with your pet, or take a hike along one of the six trails of varying difficulty that run through the property.

Bring your furry friend along and discover the rich history of America’s foundation at these Virginia destinations.