The Engineer Wharf, one of two fishing piers at Fort Monroe is temporarily closed. The Finger Pier remains open. Also closed is the section of Fenwick Road between Ingalls and the East Gate of the fort. Detour signs will aid travelers around the closure.
+1 more active alerts
Fort Monroe National Monument
Virginia
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
About Fort Monroe National Monument
Fort Monroe National Monument is a national monument located in Virginia. Spring: Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F with rain being common. Summer: Temperatures range from 75 F to 100 F with rain and sun equally common. On very sunny days, be prepared with plenty of water. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Hurricanes are more likely to threaten the are at this time of year. If planning a visit during this time, please be mindful of the storm activity. Winter: Temperatures range from 40 F to 50 F on average with snow being uncommon.
Take exit 268 from Interstate 64 (I-64) in Hampton, Virginia toward Fort Monroe. Turn left from the exit ramp onto South Mallory Street. Turn right at the second light onto East Mellen Street. Cross the bridge and turn left at the light onto Ingalls Road. The Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center is on the left after about two-thirds of a mile. Park on Ingalls Road or in the lot behind the building.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Fort Monroe is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Fort Monroe National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Road Biking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, and 13 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Fort Monroe
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Fort Monroe
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Fort Monroe before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Fort Monroe. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Fort Monroe. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escaping slavery sought their freedom at the fort during the Civil War. The fort remained bastion of national defense until 2011, when it became a national park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Monroe
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Appalachian
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant…
Appomattox Court House
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of…
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington House is the nation’s memorial to Robert E. Lee. It honors him for specific reasons, including his role in…
Assateague Island
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague…
Blue Ridge
A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up…
Booker T Washington
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil…