Attractions - Museums

National Firearms Museum

The history of America on display
The National Firearms Museum in Fairfax County is home to permanent galleries and displays of weapons from all eras of American history. Throughout the museum you will find some of the most famous weapons from cinema fame such as Star Wars blasters, Eddie Murphy’s pistol from Beverly Hills Cop, firearms used by John Wayne spanning his illustrious movie making career, and guns from the movies Pulp Fiction, The Untouchables and more.

Woodlawn Estate

The 19th century comes alive
Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site and National Historic Landmark, is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Daily tours and special events give visitors a glimpse of life in Fairfax County around the turn of the 19th century. On site is also the Frank Lloyd Wright Pope-Leighey House.

George Mason’s Gunston Hall

Home to one of our nation’s Founding Fathers
George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, made his home in Fairfax County close to his friend George Washington. Gunston Hall operated as a 5,500 acre tobacco plantation during the Revolutionary Era and now remains as a reminder of America’s past. Visitors to this Fairfax County museum can appreciate the splendor of Georgian style architecture, as well as learn about the daily life of one of the nation's most influential founding fathers.

The Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Explore the beauty of flight
The Udvar-Hazy Center is the sister property of the Air and Space Museum located on the National Mall. The two sites together showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. The Space Shuttle Enterprise, SR-71 Blackbird, and Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay are just a few examples of what aviation gems await the curious public. Visitors can also enjoy flight simulators, guest speakers, special events, guided tours, and IMAX movies when visiting this Fairfax County museum favorite.

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

A great place to experience history
Take a step back in time and discover the Fairfax Station and the role it played during the Civil War. Also highlighted is the efforts begun here by Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. The Fairfax Station Museum is a great place to view model train displays, railroading, and the fascinating story of our local community.

Herndon Depot Museum

Explore the history of Herndon
Herndon, a historic community, was once the heart of northern Virginia’s dairy farming country. At one time a major rail stop, the town has maintained its character and charm, with boutique shops and numerous restaurants. Begin the visit with a stop at the Herndon Depot Museum, open Sundays, except holidays, from noon - 3pm, and located in the historic train depot.

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

Meet the “real” George Washington
Fairfax County is home to America's first and most celebrated President. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens offers visitors of all ages insight into the life and times of this revolutionary hero. In addition to the historic mansion you’re invited to immerse yourself in our nation's past through this Fairfax County museum's interactive galleries and exhibits that showcase milestones in our young democracy’s existence. Also pay your respects at the tomb of George and Martha Washington located on the grounds.

Colvin Run Mill

Living museum highlighting Fairfax County's past
This well preserved historic site includes four buildings on 36 acres and offers a wide range of interpretive programs and demonstrations for people of all ages. Guided tours of the mill and miller's house are offered six days a week throughout the year. The on-site 19th century General Store is also open for business where you will find candy, toys, jams, jellies and more.

Enjoy These Fairfax County Museums

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George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22309
Phone: 703-780-2000

Discover the real George Washington at Mount Vernon! In addition to being America’s most visited historic home, the estate now includes 25 interactive galleries and theaters. The Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center feature artifacts, original movies, hands-on exhibits, and an immersive Revolutionary War "snow" experience. Learn about Washington’s life, from his boyhood to his wartime service, agricultural entrepreneurship, and his presidency. Tour the beautifully restored mansion, four distinctive gardens, and get a glimpse of Mount Vernon’s working farm. More Info
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Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim

3610 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone:

The City of Fairfax purchased the historic Blenheim estate in early 1999 to preserve and develop into a Civil War house museum and open-air park. Blenheim is a c.1855 central-hall-plan brick farmhouse on 12 acres located at 3610 Old Lee Highway. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in early 2001. It is nationally significant for the 100+ signatures, art, and poetry created by Union soldiers, a "diary on walls" providing insight into typical soldier life, during the Civil War. On site Civil War interpretive center provides an excellent meeting space with 925 square feet and pleasant atmosphere. More Info
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Reston Museum

1639 Washington Plaza
Reston, VA 20190
Phone:

The Reston Museum offers walking tours, community exhibits and children’s workshops, and features a collection of materials related to Reston's history from 1965 to the present. These materials include planning and historical documents, newspaper and magazine articles, photographs, manuscripts, and other items relating to the civic, social and cultural life of Reston. More Info
Claude Moore Colonial Farm
6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
A reconstructed revolutionary war farm, Claude Moore Colonial Farm is worked with the same tools and methods employed by farmers in the 18th century. The farm demonstrates the life of a poor family li…
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Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism
8301 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308
Located on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by woods and gardens, the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism is a perfect setting for your next event. The main building and grounds…
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Fairfax Museum
10209 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22030
The Fairfax Museum, located in the former Fairfax Elementary School, produces special exhibits on the city's history, offers educational programs, and schedules walking tours of the historic district …
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Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
11200 Fairfax Station Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Take a step back in time and discover the Fairfax Station Museum and the role it played during the Civil War. Learn about the humanitarian efforts begun here by Clara Barton, founder of the American …
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Franconia Museum
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
The Franconia Museum is a private museum dedicated to preserving the past, present, and future of the Franconia area through pictures, artifacts, and stories.
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Freeman House Museum
131 Church St., Vienna, VA 22182
The Freeman House was constructed to serve as a general store, but took on a number of roles including housing soldiers as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War. The house is now a museum and old-…
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Frying Pan Farm Park
2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, VA 20171
Frying Pan Farm Park recreates a time of great transition in rural America, from the 1920s to the 1940s, which included the advent of the tractor, the milking machine, mechanical bailers among many ad…
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