Reviews of James Monroe's Highland (Tourist Attraction)

Greg Hart

Visited all three presidents houses in the area and this one was well worth the visit. Don't think that because it is the smallest and not very commercial that it's not worth your time. Our guide was one of the best and gave us a whole history book worth of information...almost more than I could absorb in the time of the visit in spite of having read biographies of Jefferson and Madison where much was said about Monroe as well. The house may be small and plain but there is a wealth of artifacts and knowledge contained within and well worth a visit.

Benjamin Tisell

This place is great! The rather dull impression you might get from the front desk staff will quickly be washed away if you're fortunate enough to get Barbara as your guide! I took the "Rediscovering Highland" tour and it was amazing, one of the best I've been on in Virginia. Did you know that the house that is there today will be moved to start an archaeological dig for the original Monroe house? I highly advise you visit before then!

Dan Gustafson

Small but well done. As others have posted, it is NOT his home (which burned down around 1830). However, it does show the foundations of the original home and a guest house he had built. Lots of original furnishings paintings, dishes, etc. Not as majestic as Mount Vernon, Montpelier or Monticello but a nice stop for a walk and a tour. Staff and guide were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. An enjoyable few hours.

Ronii Fink

Had a great guide...very informed. So enjoyed the tour.

jason york

Much smaller than Monticello and others but the tour was more intimate tho shorter time wise and the admission fee reflects that. The guide was VERY informative and the surrounding views STUNNING

Avram Granett

Interesting tour. Around the corner from Montecello and a third of the cost. Previous tours discussed Monroe's legacy in Africa as well as in the US. Recent excavations changed the tour making it more about what historians think may have existed in the space.

Moving on with Old Man River Old man river

This home is the smallest of the three Presidents homes in the area. It is still being restored. It has a small souvenir room where you purchase you tickets to tour the house. The landscape is very nice. I learned a lot about President Monroe and how he lived.

Barbara Darby

Great place to visit for families or couples.

Dave Lindberg

Great tour. I learned a lot about one of my founding fathers.

Xiao Li

Secluded mountain side estate

karl helmstetter

While the house and land is not as grand as Monticello, it is also more accessible and welcoming. I've had several beautiful walks on the land, here, and they throw several entertaining events here, every year. Some are period themed, and others are just fun county fairs in a beautifully pastoral field. If you can manage coming up while the leaves turning, the drive through the ash trees is unforgettable!

Will Beauchamp

Great Historical place to visit. Glad to have seen were some of my Kin lived way back! Well preserved and had a good guide to lead us through. This Texan recommends for this place for anyone who likes History!

Albert Mathewson

Great tour guide. I was a little disappointed that the President' s home had burned to the ground. Very much worth the price. It can be done on the same day as a trip to Monticello. I learned much about this amazing man on the tour.

Mary Johnston

The yours were interesting and the tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Chris Clucas

It was fine. The original house isn't there so that means you're looking at period rooms interpreted as Monroe would have had it.

Tanner Holland

Definitely an under-rates colonial attraction near Monticello. Madison's home is much more modest compared with his neighbor but the tour was reasonably priced given the low volume of tourists and it was well worth the value as our guide was very well informed. Most of us on the tour knew little about James Madison but left with a wealth of knowledge.

Marcus Moore

Ash tree lined entrance road is spectacular, it is particularly notable since the Ash Borer will probably decimate the trees eventually. The boxwoods are also impressive, and the history is riveting.

TomandLin Force

History at its best

Teran Tadal

Well worth the visit!! Cheaper then Monicello and the historians really care.

Amy M. Toman

Good small historical site. We parked in the small lot and checked it out. Definitely not 9n the scale of larger birthplaces, but nice. And the drive way if beautiful!

Greg Gowens

Wow! We had a great time on this tour. We arrived a little after 4pm and were the only ones on our tour. We were treated to a wonderful viewing of the house and lots of great stories about Monroe and his family. Even though we didn't get to spend much time on the grounds, the price of admission was still worth it. Highly recommended!

Dini Lean

Beautiful visit

Eugene Weber

This is not the house that Monroe lived in, yet we're glad to have added to our list of historical places visited.

Dell S

Compared to Monticello, it was a much more relaxed and enjoyable tour albeit a smaller event. Monticello has become VERY touristy and the amount of people can be overwhelming. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and expounded on some little known facts about an oft forgotten, but very influential President. Well worth a visit, especially if you can find a ticket coupon online. Just an fyi, the gift shop has kid-oriented materials, but the tour is more adult-oriented. Please note that you tour the guest cottage and grounds. The original Monroe house was lost to a fire but many original Monroe pieces are on display.

Krista Holle

Had a pleasant day in the hills of Charlottesville. The James Monroe house actually burned down but his guest house is up for viewing including a lot of original Monroe artifacts. Tour guide was well-informed and interesting. There are also several trails around the area that you could make a day of it. Don’t go expecting Monticello. That’s nearly impossible to top but if you like history you will enjoy the tour.

Mona Diaz

If you are interested in history, this is a must visit. The personal are very knowledgeable and helpful. The original house does not stand, however they believe they have found the foundation. Digging with continue in the warmer months!

Margaret Cronin

History in the making. A lot of archaeological diggings being done to find out where the actual house sat during Monroe time. Beautiful setting,

Crystal Kunkle

Loved it. Will go there again. Earlier this time and hopefully miss the school groups.

Terry Clark

A little did appointing since the home is not the actual home only the house in back that is shown first. The little white house is the original guest house. The are doing some archeological digging there and have uncovered many things. Also not a wide selection of Monroe souvenirs, for example, spoons, thimble ,shirts,or the usual type things that a majority of tourist like to encounter at these places.

Horse Doc

Beautiful property and great time speaking with Deborah in the Welcome Center

Caleb Sanders

A beautiful piece of land with a history of a somewhat forgotten president. Turns out he was kind of a big deal. Some amazing original furniture, decor, and historically significant pieces. We had a great docent to provide our tour. Also, they are finding lost history and architecture every year, so worth stopping back in from time to time.

Rebekah Elkins

Great staff! We toured with an older man (unfortunately I forgot his name... He is doing the research on finding Monroe's descendants and is leaving at the end of the month) who had also worked at Monticello, so he was able to tie the overarching narrative together very well! I loved how he really got into the story of Monroe, who is so underappreciated in today's society. The grounds were awesome--including the lovely cat. We learned a lot! Also, we watched an African-American man spinning thread in the slave quarters. He was so cool! It would have been an awesome experience for kids! We spent about 4 hours there.

MoLLiy Driver

My brother got married here. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous

Logan bowman

Great place so close to Jefferson

Nick Nardo

You gotta go if you like history

Daniel Stark

President Monroe's home is a quaint estate. It has beauty, charm and the history of this great president's life on hand. It seems to be over shadowed by the bigger personal estates of other presidents in the region but that shouldn't take away from what this place has to offer. Highly recommend a visit.

Jeanne Dunchus

Very interesting and beautiful country views. Who would have know he was responsible for so much in our history!

Mark Chamberlain

This is a totally different tour/place, and for the better! Don't want to give anything away regarding the changes but well worth the time to visit.

Marsha Reynolds

Excellent, knowledgeable guide!

Jaedin Martinez

it was ok......... IN A GOOD WAY!!! I WAS SO SUPRISED! So much to see and learn about

James Fishwick

Nice place to hear music

Valerie Gerry

Beautiful grounds and scenery! Interesting historical facts. Toured the guest house. The main house burnt down.

Lori McAfee

They were closing so we just got a short tour. Interesting spot and close to Monticello.

Zephyrz Inferno

I had a good time here and learned quite a bit, but my son is wheelchair bound and Highland was not equipped to handle that. There is only one of the original buildings left which was neat to see and there are trails for hiking that are enjoyable.

Scott Martin

Well it is a very nice place to tour but. It was not Monroe's home. They have just learned his home burned down sometime after he died. But part of this structure was his guest house and is original. It is well worth the price of admission and the guide was very nice. I have now been three times. I guess this was the last time for us. I recommend this step highly.

Joyce Wales

Peaceful retreat in the Virginia hills. Beautiful trees, especially the 300+ yr old white oak. Our guide was well versed and informative. The guest house is well preserved with actual furnishings. The original upholstery on the couch in the parlor is amazing! A must see for history buffs and patriots alike.

La Walk

Nice grounds, good tour!

Caroline Hamric

We got married here and it was FABULOUS! The event staff, particularly Addie and Holly, were great to work with.

dave boyle

Original house is gone but location has been determined. Very knowledgeable docent, good information to better understand Pres Monroe

Lori Elling

We had a lovely visit to Highland and learned a lot more than we thought we would. James Monroe is not talked about as much as he should be with all the accomplishments he achieved and, we were happy to learn about a lot of those achievements during our tour. Our tour guide, Martin, was very knowledgable and nice and made the tour that much more enjoyable. Part of the house that is standing was not associated with President Monroe but, they have it decorated as it might have been had it been the original house. The original house burned in a fire but, luckily it was after President Monroe had vacated and some of the original Monroe family furniture has been moved back in and, is in near perfect condition. A very nice tour and a nice way to end our tri-presidential home visit in the Charlottesville area.

Marian Stier

What an amazing man. His history has been left out of our education. He accomplished so much on our behalf.

Ryan Parr

A very enjoyable and educational presentation, with plenty of info on the sight and it's historical relation to James Monroe and his accomplishments. Most photography will occur only outside the main dwelling quarters, however you are at liberty to explore the outside area which consists of the main structure in a slave work area in addition to outer dwellings that have a presentation that explains some of the work that was conducted.

vickedx

Fantastic tour and wonderful history!

John Harris

Mildly interesting but not a great value. There's just not a lot to see/do/learn. Not a horrible thing to add to a Charlottesville visit, but I would not make a special trip for it. I would certainly not go a second time.

David Richardson

Amazing tour guide, provided details on the most recent archaeological discoveries happening on the site.

Matthew Coons

Great wedding. 10/10 would repeat.

Carrie Davis

Great tour, archeology in their future, and Monroe is more fascinating than you might know or think. This site deserves your support - the grounds are beautiful, so you will not be disappointed!

Allie Genia

Small but very beautiful, it's a quick trip from Monticello to visit here as well. If you can, make the time! The staff are very friendly as well!

Daner Reider

Don't miss this home of President #5. Key finding was the revelation that there was the discovery of the foundation of his real home, after assuming an existing structure was his home. Knowledgable guides provide excellent information about many little known facts about Monroe Many call his home Ashland because of ash trees lining the entrance road. However, the Monroes always called it Highland.

Rod Struck

Great history. Beautiful setting.

Brian Hansen

Meh. Nice folks and the place is kept up very well- it's not very interesting because his actual house burned down more than 100 years ago so the tour is of a guest house with period antiques. Meh.

JennyKevin Schmidt

Beautiful place to visit

Jason Brown

Very nice visit! The day we went was not crowded so our family could take all the time we needed without feeling rushed. It is exciting as more and more is being found out about the buildings and grounds!

L McCormick

Clean, beautiful, relaxing!

Larry Meyer

For a little know place (at least to me), this place was filled with history. The tour guide was very informative and knew what he was talking about. Would recommend if you're into US history.

Joy Magnan

Had a great time with the kids. Not many activities but all of the animals were great. The kids really enjoyed it

Chloe Zimmerman

I will echo with a lot of other reviewer‘s have said; it’s definitely an enjoyable visit, but probably not that exciting if you’ve just come from Monticello. It’s also important to note that James Monroe‘s home is no longer standing, and this is just a tour of the grounds and a guest house that he built. For those who love history, it’s still definitely worth a visit. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. But if you want to be wowed you may not feel like it was worth the stop.

Julie Bruno

Lovely site. Great tour. My second visit.

James Bush

Martin was very knowledgeable and patient with our questions. The tour was one of the best I've ever been on.

Elizabeth Robertson

I love coming here! So much history plus it’s absolutely gorgeous!!

James Davis

Informative guide, peaceful and much less crowded than Monticello. Would have like to have been able to see the excavation of the foundation of Monroe's original home.

MckenZie Walker

They are a tiny place trying out new things on the forefront of technology. It's an excellent and multifaceted experience.

Judi Bloxson

Very nice and I formative. Enjoyed our visit.

Wendy Nilsen

A wonderful piece of history. Usually, these sites have a script they stick to. Monroe's house is different. The docents and leadership are excited and will share their findings with you. Thanks to the team at Monroe's house, I learned a lot and had the best historical trip in years!

Herman Irizarry

Very interesting place. Our 5th President's home. The staff was very nice. It's small compared to Monticello but still worth seeing.

Josh Peters

Monroe's home is a lot smaller than I thought it would be (though a new escavation may show he resided at another home on the property). The property is nice, and the inside of the house is well maintained. Our tour guide was full of information and promoted us asking questions.

Tracey Filar Atwood

While not as grand as Monticello or Mount Vernon, this is an interesting place to visit. The grounds are lovely, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

Tim Steele

The original structure is gone. Only the guest house remains. Archeologists have located the site of the original structure. Guide was very informative.

Tyral Crowe

Great this time of year with the gardens and great statue.

SCOTT BOYER

Nice small historic site the guide we had was most excellent

Jason Garrison

Great history, and the home of Albemarle County fair

Adam Longwell

A small, modest home but worth visiting for anyone interested in American History. Due to it's proximity to the other Presidential homes, I feel like it is worth the stop over. There isn't much to see but what they do have is worth seeing. I was a touch disappointed by the lack of exhibits available and I feel like this site could really use some more support from the public.

Sarah Concepcion

While not as showy or large as neighboring Monticello, Highland is fascinating and well worth visiting. Our guide told us about Highland's ongoing archaeological digs that help us understand more about the estate and grounds. Even the rooms are still being discovered as researchers try to restore Monroe's home to what he would've seen. My favorite part was the dining and interpreted study rooms. They're filled with Monroe family objects that seem homey. The dining room also had displays of the Monroe presidential china, which started the eagle symbol of the President. And the animals on the estate are equally cute. We saw cows, sheep, a donkey, chickens and a peahen.

Richard Nelson

Great Historical place to visit

Dan Gentry

Beautifully restored and preserved piece of American history with an amazing staff that give great and informative tours.

Lloyd-Janet Mize

Historical. Good tour

Alan Randle

not nearly as spectacular as Monticello, but they are so close you have to visit the other after you visit the one. Great history here and tour guide was great.

Darla Campbell

Very informational and educational place to visit

Marvin Fell

Nice tour place is actually small but tour guides are great

Ellie Gale

This place was amazing for our dance for a UVA club - Chi Alpha. It was beautiful and mystical and historic. Great vibes. Great nature all around.

Brian McSteen

Really neat museum on James Monroe's old estate. It's fascinating that they are still learning about the estate and Monroe's life even to this day. The land and home is wonderfully maintained and the guide we had was extremely knowledgable. This isn't Montecello, but it is hugely interesting (and way cheaper to visit).

Kyle Wichtendahl

This was a fun, informative, and beautiful place. The original home is no longer standing, but it is still worth visiting to learn much about the man and the plantation. An,excellent tour with an excellent guide.

Philip Andreae

Interesting historical place, knowledgeable staff about a relatively unknown president

roderick nasbe

Attended the annual sheep shearing. Fun event for children, families. Easy parking. Nominal entrance fee. Beautiful grounds. Great for weddings and similar events.

Humdrum

A very nice drive up to the house but there really isn't much to see. The current homestead is not even the orginal nor is James Monroe isn't even buried here. There are some interesting artifacts within the home and a statue in a garden but not much else. The tour guides are very knowledge and give a good insight into Monroe and his life. It's quite expensive for a replica home. Monticello and Montpelier are much nicer and have more to offer.

Jennifer Trippeer

It is a lovely venue.

Russ Carrier

Smaller property and shorter tour vs Monticello, but less crowded and thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. Nicely done.

Carrie Heasley

Very interesting history. Our tour guide was wonderful.

Allen Ingling

The magnificent Ash tree lined entrance road is spectacular, it is particularly notable since the Ash Borer will probably decimate the trees eventually. The boxwoods are also impressive, and the history is riveting.

Michelle Kessler

Very interesting and not too crowded.

Robert Schaevitz

In the shadow of its more famous neighbor (Monticello) this is a wonderful place for those interested in early US history. Very informative guided tour and well maintained buildings and grounds. Five miles from Monticello.

Donna Thompson

This is a small but fascinating place. We loved it. There is an amazing original collection of furniture, paintings, Napoleon bust, etc. Few people the day we visited, late May. Highly recommend.

George W

Beautiful place. Great history.

Lesley Swanson

Beautiful estate. Great for events. Disappointing to drive there to see the James Monroe house, pay the price, and THEN find out his house is no longer standing. A bit misleading. There are other buildings and some of the Monroe family's furnishings. However, the guide was very knowledgeable and answered all questions asked, even a few that were not directly concerning Monroe.☺

Blue Water67

While not as elaborate as other nearby Presidential homes, it was a worthwhile tour with a very good guide. Our early President's often ended up with heavy debts having to bear many of the costs of being in office and entertaining guests. Nothing can overshadow his many accomplishments.

Meng Wu

Just down the road from Jefferson's Monticello. Consider stopping by for a 1-2 hr visit if you're in the area. I did the guided tour and discovered that the house has an interesting history. A bonus: a Virginia Folklife festival was taking place on the grounds during my visit.

Wuraoluwa Ayodele

Quiet and amazing place

Karen Bonk

Very interesting even my boys were amazed at all the history.

patty hedges

Great opportunity to learn a bit about James Monroe while visiting the area. Beautiful location, accessible, adequate parking and nice gift shop. Informative tour takes about an hour and then another 30 min or so to view the additional buildings and property. Don't go with high expectations of something great and you won't be disappointed....important to keep in mind, this is not Monticello.

John Krott

Nice setting

Sarah D

Nice place, but small. They're working on excavating the original home, that will be nice.

Harold Aloysius

James Monroe appeared just as we were finishing some of the best fried chicken I have ever tasted -sorry grammy. He regaled us with quandary of what the founding fathers faced as they birthed a new nation. It is amazing to see how far the country has slipped with regard to our current leaders' grasp of what true governance should be. THANK GOD for the peach cobbler -it eased the pain.

Tai Vicari

If you want to spend a leisurely day in the 1800's this is the place. The tour of the home doesn't take long but is interesting. I did the Virtual Reality tour as well. For the amount you spend it's okay. Now what I really like was walking the grounds seeing the animals. There was a tour Guide in the smokehouse area who demonstrated how to spin wool. It was a treat

Meg Mykrantz

Very interesting place. Was a little confusing as to where to purchase entry tickets, and what the packages were. Very well preserved home of an important, if lesser known, US president. Much quieter than Monticello.

Erica Harrison

Beautiful and quiet love the atmosphere perfect for an intimate wedding.

Ashley Rosson

We had the privilege of coming out on opening day. Beautiful grounds!! We love James Monroes Highland, that now offers trails too!! We love this place and all that it has to offer!

Chandy Byrum

The homeplace burned years ago. So, you can only view the guest house and grounds. Once it has been rebuilt I will probably return since they've located the foundation markers.

Mark C

Went here for evening music program held during summer months. It's free! Bring a picnic but they also have food trucks and beer/wine for sale. The performers were great. There is a pavillion with tables or an expansive lawn for seating. Family friendly. We enjoyed ourselves and I would recommend you take advantage of this great opportunity if you can!

Adaline Lining

I was only able to see the grounds because it closes at 5. I'm sure that of I had been in time to take it all in, it would be great. Speaking solely on the grounds, they are incredibly beautiful. I watched the sun set and it took my breath away. It's also right next door to Monticello, so it's worth even a quick stop.

Friedrich Parkner

Matthew was awesome! He lives amercan history!

Vetta link

Pice was right. Nine dollars self tour. Next to Jefferson's. Cheaper if you're on a budget.

Frank Pulliza

A very beautiful and serene place.

Mike Petersen

Beautiful place with knowledgeable guides. Amazing history.

Claudine Morgan

This place is beautiful!

Matheson Harris

Beautiful property and buildings. Well maintained. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Lots of original furniture and art owned by President Monroe. Gift shop was nice and had lots of unique gifts and memorabilia.

Andrew Irving

Absolutely beautiful place, phenomenal as a venue. Great history. Pleasant and engaging staff.

Frances Singh

A very interesting experience. The actual house no longer exists but what was thought to be a wind of the original house was furnished beautifully with Monroe artifacts. The augmented reality experience and video are both well done. Our guide was informative and also told us about the genealogical research going on which will reunite families of the enslaved individuals who worked the estate.

Bill Farr

Beautiful setting

Don Bebee

Just a secluded place on TJ's land to chill and grow his garden. Long lane lined with Ash trees. You know who planted those!

Elizabeth Knight

This was a wonderful experience for both me and my children. The tour was engaging and informative.

Laurie Beyerle

Nice tour

Edward McGrath

Nice place to visit

Will Berkovitz

Love visiting and learning more about Mr. Monroe! Fascinating tour and beautiful setting!

James R Watson, D.O.

Very interesting

Bob Moshier

Beautiful historic and a great free string musical presentation great violin

Christopher Bayonet

Wonderful staff, great walk - definitely worth the price of admission

Stephany Fry

This site is transitioning into something wonderful. The staff is knowledgeable and upfront about their history and that they are always learning new things. The house on site is not James Monroe's as that is believed to have been destroyed in a fire, as the staff is now learning. I can't wait to visit again and see how far they've come.

cerasela baban

The area looks very nice, but there are very few things to see on the property. All the slaves' quarters are not the originals, they just looks like regular little houses with an old feel - nothing like the inhumane conditions they really had.