Take a Tour

Take your group through a captivating, docent-led museum tour that explores the Battle of Great Bridge, as well as an interactive tour of the surrounding waterways.

  • The Battle of Great Bridge, December 9, 1775, played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and the subsequent creation of our great nation. It was this patriot victory that forced Lord Dunmore, British Royal Governor of Virginia, and his soldiers to evacuate and ultimately leave Virginia. As a direct result of this victory, four days after this crucial battle, The Virginia Convention adopted the first public declaration expressing a spirit of independence. How different our country might be, had it not been for the Battle of Great Bridge and the significant contributions of our waterways.

    DETAILS

    Please make reservations two weeks in advance. To reserve your tour, call 757-482-4480 or email us.

    COST (groups of 10 or more)

    $7 Self-guided | $9 Docent-led guided tour (allow 1.5 hours)

    Tour escort and uniformed motorcoach driver receive complimentary admission.

    Payment must be made in advance or on the day of your visit, in the form of one payment. Cash or credit. Company/Business Checks may be made payable to GBB&WHF. Personal checks are not accepted.

    PARKING

    Bus parking is free and available on-site.

  • Discover reasons for the American Revolution and the role of the Virginia Colony by learning about colonial life in Virginia, the Stamp Act, Dunmore’s Proclamation, and heroes of the Battle of Great Bridge. Explore the strategic importance of this location and learn how the waterways shaped transportation of goods, supplies and troops during colonial times. Investigate the watershed, wetlands, habitats, and ecosystems around the Great Bridge.

    Programs include a guided tour through the museum, a tour of the outdoor historic trail and a walk along our nature trail and overlook. Students will interact with experienced docents who will engage and inspire.

    SOL REQUIREMENTS

    Virginia History and Social Science SOLs: K.2, K.3, K.5, 1.2, 1.5, VS.1 VS.4e, VS.5a, USI.5a & d, USI.6 

    Virginia Science SOLs: K.4, 1.4, 1.8, 2.8, 3.8, 4.8, 6.8, 6.9a & e

    DETAILS

    Field trips are available on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10am-5pm. Program length is approximately 2.5 hours.

    Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance. Rates are subject to change without notice.

    To book a field trip, call 757-482-4480 or email us. Please indicate desired dates, size of group and age/grade levels.

    *Field trips are not booked until a signed confirmation form is received.

    GROUP SIZE

    We can accommodate groups of up to 110, with multiple ages and grade levels. Large groups may be split to ensure all students have an enjoyable and educational visit.

    COST

    $6 per student. Classroom teachers are free. One chaperone per 15 students is free. Additional chaperones are $6 per person.

    One payment may be made at admissions or advanced payment may be made by calling 757-482-4480. School checks may be made payable to GBB&WHF. Personal checks are not accepted.

    PICNICING

    Outdoor picnic tables and grounds are available for bagged lunches. Picnic tables accommodate 60 students including four wheelchairs. Additionally, several benches are available for use during lunch.

    MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

    Gift Shop is available onsite, please indicate if you would like your group to visit the gift shop.

    PARKING

    Parking is free and available on site.

A man dressed as a historical soldier explaining something to a group of children and adults outdoors in a park, with trees and a picnic area in the background.
A man in a black polo shirt points to an informational sign titled "Living Shorelines" at an indoor exhibit with a wooden slat wall. The sign features a photograph of a waterway with a person working near the shoreline and a structure on the water, a
Museum display with various household items, including a spinning wheel, model ship, antique clock, and wooden utensils, behind glass.
A group of children on a field trip, listening to a person dressed as a historical figure in a colonial costume with a tricorn hat, outdoors among trees.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout troops are invited to visit and earn a Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum patch! Group rates apply; guided tours available upon request. Troop leaders should book at least two weeks in advance. Download our PDF guide, visit the museum, complete activities for your grade level and earn your patch!

Explore the Park and Trails

Explore miles of walking trails in natural landscapes along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway including a marsh overlook that gives visitors a glimpse of the topography as it looked in 1775. A quarter mile loop in the outdoor Historic Park features interpretive signs, a re-creation of the original causeway and an obelisk donated by the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution honoring those who served in the Battle of Great Bridge.