How to Visit Gunston Hall

Gunston Hall Plantation is located outside of Washington, D.C., and was once home to George Mason, the famed author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This document was the inspiration for the Bill of Rights. On the grounds of Gunston Hall, you'll find a museum, library and gardens.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Visit the Gunston Hall Plantation any day of the week. The museum is open daily and only closes for major holidays. You can find Gunston Hall right off of highways I-95 and Route 1.
2. Print out the coupons on the Gunston Hall website that can discount regular admission prices.
3. Start at the Visitor's Center. You can view a film here about George Mason and his political contributions. There are also exhibits about George Mason and the building of Gunston Hall.
4. Take a guided tour of the house. Tours are offered every 30 minutes and offer a comprehensive history of the ancestral home. The tours also summarizes the life of George Mason and highlights the architecture of Gunston Hall.
5. Look through the outbuildings, including a smokehouse, kitchen, dairy house, and laundry buildings. All of these buildings were used to run the 18th century home of the Mason family.

Tips & Warnings

• A museum shop is available at Gunston Hall. You can purchase books written about George Mason and Gunston Hall souvenirs.
• Family friendly activities occasionally are scheduled at Gunston Hall. These include additional tours, nature walks and family festivals.