Hours of Operation:
Highland is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for general admission. Private guided tours may be scheduled in advance for 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Beginning Monday, December 2, Highland will switch to a winter schedule: open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily for General Admission guests. Private Guided Tours will continue during the winter months, available by reservation at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Highland will be closed on November 28 for Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and from January 1 through 24 for annual cleaning and maintenance.
General Admission Ticket
General admission to Highland includes entry to interior exhibits in the 1818 Guesthouse, the new A Window to a New America exhibition, and exploration of outdoor spaces.
1818 Guesthouse
Highland’s new interior exhibits are designed as a self-paced experience that weaves the story of Highland’s free and enslaved residents into the same narratives. Focusing on Monroe’s presidential years, the exhibits show how Highland is a lens for understanding early American history and its present-day legacies. A guide will be present in the interior spaces for questions and conversation.
A Window to a New America
Highland’s newest installations open a window into Virginia’s agricultural legacy, how it affected the lives of people who lived here, and how it shaped America’s growth. We invite you to enter into conversation with history as you explore the connections between individual relationships and larger movements and the ideals of democracy framed over 200 years ago.
Exploration of Outdoor Spaces
General Admission Ticket-holders are free to explore the site at their own pace. In addition to the 1818 Guesthouse interiors, the Highland property offers the time and space for unhurried, physically-distanced exploration.
- Self-guided tour of exterior spaces including gardens and lawns, with exterior views of dependency buildings, and a focus on the landscapes of the historic property
- A takeaway paper brochure with a map and facts about the property
- A scavenger hunt for children and families
Admission is $18 per adult (discounted online price: $17), $13 for youth aged 7-12, and children six and under are admitted for free. Follow the registration link below for available dates and times.
Private Guided Tour
In this exclusive guided visit for small groups, guests will experience Highland accompanied by a guide. This is a unique opportunity for a private viewing of the 1818 Guesthouse and the new A Window to a New America exhibition, curated with the guidance of Highland’s Council of Descendant Advisors.
The exhibits in the Guesthouse interior are designed as a self-paced experience that weaves the story of Highland’s free and enslaved residents into one narrative. Focusing on Monroe’s presidential years, the exhibits show how Highland is a lens for understanding early American history and its present-day legacies. Follow the registration link below for available tour dates and times.
This private guided tour includes:
- A guided visit of outdoor spaces with an introduction to historic Highland
- Self-paced exploration of the re-curated Guesthouse exhibits accompanied by a guide before Highland opens to the public
- Further self-paced exploration of the outdoors with a takeaway paper brochure with a map and facts about the property
Private tours are available by reservation only. If you are interested in reserving a date or time that is not listed in our registration system, please email education@highland.org. Admission is $150 per group, with no discounts or special offers. Each tour time may accommodate one group, consisting of up to six guests.
Locals Pass
If you live locally and want to visit Highland more frequently, we have the perfect ticket option for you! The Locals Pass is a 5-visit punch card granting general admission for the Locals Pass card holder and up to one guest per visit to Highland (one punch per person).
- Plan on bringing more than one guest? Additional guests with you may purchase a reduced rate general admission ticket for $17 on the day of your visit.
- Looking for a unique gift for yourself or another? The Locals Pass cardholder is eligible for a 10% discount off Highland Museum Shop merchandise (excluding consignment art and donation items). Valid Locals Pass card must be presented to receive the Museum Shop discount.
- The Locals Pass punch card is non-transferable and there is no expiration date.
Purchase your Locals Pass online using the link below or the pass may be purchased in the Highland Museum Shop for $50.
Monroe’s Farm Friends Annual Family Grounds Pass
Families may purchase an annual family grounds pass granting them access, during regular business hours, to the historic grounds of Highland. Monroe’s Farm Friends is a great option for families looking for a convenient outdoor space to picnic, play games, and visit farm animals. While you are here, take a hike on our Rustic Trail which is free and open to the public during regular business hours. The pass also provides free admittance for the family to the annual spring sheep shearing event, in addition to the other family activities throughout the year.
A Monroe’s Farm Friends family grounds pass costs $50 annually and covers an entire household including two adults and all children 18 years and younger. To purchase your family grounds pass, visit the Highland Museum Shop or purchase online using the link below.
Planning a Group Visit?
Blue Star Museum Program
Highland is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museum program. Active United States Military personnel and up to five dependents will receive FREE general admission from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. There is no need to register in advance to take advantage of this offer. Please present a valid U.S. Military ID upon arrival for admission.
Museums for All
Welcome SNAP-EBT Guests!
All guests who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program are eligible to receive free general admission tickets for any individual or group of up to four (4) family members over the age of 6 (children 6 and under are always free). There is no need to register in advance to take advantage of this offer. Please present a valid SNAP/EBT card and photo ID upon arrival for admission.
What is Museums for All?
Museums for All is an access initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that aims to ensure that every family and child has access to a high-quality museum experience. Participating museums offer deeply discounted admission to any individual or group of up to four individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The initiative is currently administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).
Since its launch in 2014, 415 museums in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have joined the initiative, reporting more than 1.9 million visits by individuals meeting the entrance requirements of the program. These numbers reflect the value that participating museums place on access and inclusion, as well as the value that the general public—regardless of current socioeconomic status—places on museum visitation. In many “hub” cities, several museums have come together to become part of this initiative.
Can I use my SNAP EBT card from another state?
Yes! Museums participating in Museums for All will accept SNAP EBT cards from any state. If you live in one state but want to visit a participating museum in a different state, you can!
Highland Rustic Trails
The Highland Rustic Trails are open to the public and free of charge. The trails are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (trail entry is prohibited after 3:30 p.m.). For more information and updated hours visit https://highland.org/plan-your-visit/highland-trails/.
Pet Policy
James Monroe’s Highland does not permit pets on the property. Leashed service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.
COVID-19 Precautions
Highland’s historic core is open and inviting, and offers a healthful experience in a historic setting. The exterior spaces are appropriate for walking, picnics, and self-directed exploration. Face masks are optional. Hand sanitizer stations are found in the Museum Shop and in front of the main restrooms.