For basic information about hours, admission fees, purchasing tickets, etc., go to the Visit Kenmore or the Visit Ferry Farm pages.
If you have a question not answered below, email learn@gwffoundation.org.
You may also call Kenmore at 540-373-3381 x1014 or Ferry Farm at 540-370-0732 x10.
VISITING KENMORE AND FERRY FARM
May I go inside the houses at Kenmore and Ferry Farm on my own without taking a guided tour?
No. Only guided tours go inside the historic houses.
May I walk the grounds without paying admission?
At Kenmore, the grounds are open to the public for free during business hours.
At Ferry Farm, an admission fee is required to access the grounds.
How much time should I plan to spend at Kenmore and Ferry Farm?
A visit to Kenmore with a guided tour of the house and a quick walk through the gardens will take about 45 minutes.
A visit to Ferry Farm with a guided tour of the house and a self-guided tour of the grounds about 1.5 hours.
What is available for those who are not English language speakers?
Currently, the tours at Kenmore and Ferry Farm are not available in any language other than English. If you have a translation app on your smart phone, however, we will be happy to speak into it and allow it to translate for you.
If I see an archaeological artifact on the ground, what should I do?
You should not pick up anything that appears to be an artifact. Note the location of the object and then notify the nearest available staff member. For an artifact to be useful and to yield the best information, archaeologists need to know not just what it is but where it was found.
Where can I park during my visit?
At Kenmore, parking is available on Washington Avenue in front of Kenmore.
At Ferry Farm, parking is available in gravel lots next to the Visitor Center.
I lost something during my visit. What do I do?
If you think you lost the item at Kenmore, call 540-373-3381 x1014.
If you think you lost the item at Ferry Farm, call 540-370-0732 x10.
ACCESSIBILITY
Are Kenmore and Ferry Farm accessible and ADA compliant?
At Kenmore, the historic home is not.
At Ferry Farm, the Washington house replica is accessible.
How much walking is there during a typical visit?
At Kenmore, the guided house tour takes about 60 minutes. Kenmore is confined to one city block.
At Ferry Farm, the guided house tour also takes about 60 minutes. Getting to and from the Washington house requires a 0.5 mile round-trip walk on a hard-surfaced path with no elevation change. Other points of interest to see on the roughly 60-acre Ferry Farm require additional walking on paths or hiking on trails with elevation changes.
May I bring my stroller?
Strollers are not permitted in the historic houses at either Kenmore or Ferry Farm but are permitted anywhere on the grounds and in other buildings.
DISCOUNTS
Do you give discounts for groups?
Yes, provided that there are at least 10 people and the visit has been scheduled 14 days in advance. To request a group visit, complete this form.
May I use my National Park Pass to enter Kenmore or Ferry Farm?
No. Kenmore and Ferry Farm are not part of the National Park System and park passes are not valid for admission. Although each site has been designated a National Historic Landmark, Kenmore and Ferry Farm are privately owned and operated by The George Washington Foundation,
a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
NECESSITIES
Are food and drink allowed?
Food or drinks are not permitted inside either of the historic houses at Ferry Farm and Kenmore.
At Kenmore and Ferry Farm, food and drink are permitted on the grounds and, since there are no food services available, lunches or snacks brought by visitors may be enjoyed in the many shaded, grassy areas of the property. Please dispose of all waste in the proper containers available on the property.
Are there restaurants close by for before or after we visit?
Kenmore is a moderate walk or a very short drive away from some of Fredericksburg’s best restaurants downtown. Ferry Farm is just across the river from the restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg and also has a few fast food and ice cream options nearby.
PHOTOGRAPHY
May I take photos or videos during my visit?
At Kenmore, personal photography is allowed, however flash photography is not permitted inside the house or galleries. Taking videos is not permitted inside the house. Guests may take personal photos and videos on the grounds. Equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted. Professional photography requires consent (see below). We encourage the hashtag #HistoricKenmore on any social media posts.
At Ferry Farm, personal photography is allowed inside the Washington House, however taking videos is not permitted. Flash photography is not permitted inside exhibit areas. Guests may take personal photos and videos on the grounds or in other buildings open to visitors. Equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted. Professional photography requires consent (see below). We encourage the hashtag #FerryFarm on any social media posts.
Aerial photography or the general operation of a drone is prohibited at Kenmore and Ferry Farm.
Photos and videos taken for personal use at either site may not be used for any commercial purpose without express written permission from The George Washington Foundation.
May I take professional, engagement, wedding, graduation, or other similar project types of photos at Kenmore or Ferry Farm?
Photography and filming for engagement, wedding, graduation, etc. type photos requires prior approval, $100, and a permit from The George Washington Foundation. This policy applies even if the photos or videos will not be published or otherwise used commercially. This policy applies to both professional and non-professional photographers and videographers. Photography for engagements, weddings, graduations, etc. is restricted to the grounds only – no photos or videos may be made in any interior spaces.
To request permission and secure a permit, fill out this form and email L. Pikkaart at Development@gwffoundation.org or call 540-373-3381 x1024.
To make the $100 permit payment, follow this link.
May I take commercial photography/videography for publication?
Please visit our Media and Press page for the answer to this question.
PETS
Are dogs allowed at Kenmore and Ferry Farm?
At Kenmore: When the site is open, dogs and owners are allowed on the grounds at no charge but the dog must be on a leash at all times. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up any waste.
At Ferry Farm: When the site is open, dogs and owners are allowed on the grounds. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. The dog owner must pay the Ferry Farm admission fee but there is no charge for the dog. Annual pass holders must check in at the Visitor Center before entering the grounds. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up any waste.
At Special Events: During special events at Kenmore and Ferry Farm, ONLY service dogs are allowed on the grounds. No other pets are permitted during special events. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up any waste.
Service dogs are allowed at Ferry Farm and Kenmore including inside all modern and historic buildings.
GUEST POLICIES
May I dress in 18th century or other period clothing during my visit?
Individuals or groups who wish to wear period costumes at George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore are asked to observe and adhere to the following guidelines:
• Guests may not portray or resemble George Washington, Mary Washington, Fielding Lewis, Betty Lewis, or any other members of the Washington or Lewis families.
• Guests may not, in any form, interpret or perform for other Ferry Farm or Kenmore guests, outside of their party or group.
• Guests may not act, or appear to act, as a representative of George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Historic Kenmore, or The George Washington Foundation.
• George Washington’s Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore reserve the right to refuse entry to guests in costume, if deemed inappropriate or distracting, as determined by Ferry Farm and Kenmore staff.
Does Kenmore and Ferry Farm prohibit firearms?
Guests, except law enforcement, are prohibited from bringing firearms and weapons onto The George Washington Foundation’s property.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
At this time, we are NOT requiring visitors to wear masks. The CDC has classified Fredericksburg and Stafford County as an area with very low levels of transmission of COVID. Guests are welcome to wear a mask while on the grounds or touring the Kenmore House or Ferry Farm.