Places To Go

 

Trail Headquarters & Exhibits


The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has two primary visitor contact stations located at Historic Jamestowne in coastal Virginia and the Zimmerman Center for Heritage in southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail also has an special museum exhibit about the Werowocomoco site hosted by the Gloucester County Visitor Center in Gloucester, Virginia. For more information about any of our visitor centers, follow the links below.

 
A statue of Pocahontas against a sky in sunset.
Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne serves as the trail's headquarters and is the starting and ending point of the trail.

The Zimmerman Center and its pier viewed from a boat.
Zimmerman Center for Heritage

The Zimmerman Center is the trail's gateway to the Susquehanna River and Native Lands Park, the site of the last Susquehannock village.

Historic photograph of the Gloucester County Courthouse.
Gloucester County Visitor Center

Historic downtown Gloucester is home to an exciting new exhibit about nearby Werowocomoco, the center of power during the Powhatan Chiefdom.

 

Chesapeake Gateways by State


There are dozens of places throughout the watershed that offer access to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Some sites, such as parks, wildlife refuges, and marinas, offer water access and views of the Chesapeake's natural wonders. Other sites, such as visitor centers, museums, and historic sites, offer experiences related to the Chesapeake's history and culture.

The Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails Network (Chesapeake Gateways) is a network of places that connect visitors to the Chesapeake Bay's unique natural landscape and rich cultural heritage. The network includes a diverse collection of parks, trails, museums, marinas, refuges, historic sites, visitor centers, and beyond. These places serve as entry points, or "Gateways," to experience the Chesapeake.

Find Places By State:

 
A beach scene with grassy dune.
Virginia

Places to visit along the Chesapeake Trail in Virginia.

People jogging and running along a riverside trail.
Washington D.C.

Places to visit along the Chesapeake Trail in Washington D.C. and the surrounding region.

A bright sunset with pine trees, still water, and shore birds.
Maryland

Places to go on the Chesapeake Trail in Maryland.

An overlook with view of river and farmland.
Pennsylvania

Places to go on the Chesapeake Trail in Pennsylvania.

A small boat at a dock at twilight named "Delaware"
Delaware

Places to go on the Chesapeake Trail in Delaware

A castle tower on the edge of a lake with fall foliage.
New York

Places to go on the Chesapeake Trail in New York

 

Passport Stamp Collection Sites

 
 
The map above shows partner sites and trail visitor centers that offer the trail's "Passport to Your National Parks" stamp. Learn more about passport stamps here. Click on any of the above locations for links to the organization's website. You can use these locations in partnership with other resources on this page to plan a trip along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail!
 

More Ways to Visit

  • A rack of canoes with a marsh landscape behind.
    Things To Do

    The trail offers countless ways to enjoy the rivers, marshes, and coastlines of the Chesapeake Bay.

  • A family rides bikes on a boardwalk near Jamestown, Virginia.
    Trip Ideas

    We've picked a few of our favorite places where friends and families can learn about heritage and experience untouched natural wonders.

  • An egret flying over a marsh
    Virtual Visits

    Can't come to the trail in person? Explore photos, videos, and wildlife webcams that will transport you to the rivers and shores of the Bay.

Last updated: January 26, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690

Phone:

(757) 856-1220

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