Presidential library and history museum

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

1.0 road mi · about 3 min

A presidential library, museum and birthplace complex about one road mile from Virginia Scenic Railway's Staunton boarding point.

The place

About Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum interprets Wilson's life, times and impact through a seven-gallery museum and a guided visit to the 1856 Greek Revival Manse where he was born.

Use a balanced lens: exhibits address a consequential and controversial presidency, including segregation, suffrage, domestic reform and World War I rather than presenting a commemorative-only narrative.

A general ticket includes the self-guided museum and a guided Manse tour. Tour slots are first-come and may sell out on weekends, so arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Most visits take about three hours. The archives are separate and require an appointment.

What stands out

Tour the Manse

Reserve time for the first-come guided visit to the 1856 birthplace.

Examine the presidency

Use the museum's balanced treatment of reform, war, suffrage, segregation and legacy.

See the World War I trench

Explore a major museum environment without assuming it is a mobility route.

View the Pierce-Arrow

See the presidential automobile while treating historic photos as dated placement context.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Virginia Scenic Railway trip

The museum ranks first about 1,650 meters, or one road mile and roughly three minutes, from the Staunton boarding point at 415 Bridge Street.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursDaily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
  • Admission$20 adult; $18 senior 65+ or active military; $12 youth 6-17 or active college student; free age 5 and under.
  • Museums for All$3 each for up to four general admissions with SNAP/EBT and valid photo ID; special programs excluded unless stated.
  • TourGeneral admission includes the self-guided museum and a first-come guided Manse tour; arrive 15 minutes early.
  • TimeAllow about three hours for a typical general visit.
  • ParkingFree adjacent lot with two accessible spaces behind the museum; the route from the lower lot includes a hill and stairs.
  • AccessibilityMuseum floors and the Manse first/lower levels are accessible, but the Manse does not allow motorized scooters. A loan wheelchair is available.
  • Service animalsTrained service animals are allowed; comfort, therapy and emotional-support animals are not.

Choose a longer living-history visit

Add Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia

Use the Frontier Culture Museum for an outdoor two-mile interpretive loop and seasonal demonstrations.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is the museum open?

Daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.

What does admission include?

The self-guided museum and a first-come guided tour of the Manse birthplace.

How much is admission?

$20 adult, $18 senior 65+ or active military, $12 youth 6-17 or active college student, and free age 5 and under.

How long should visitors allow?

The museum recommends roughly three hours for a general visit.

Is parking free?

Yes. An adjacent free lot has two accessible spaces, though the lower-lot route includes a hill and stairs.

Is the whole Manse accessible?

The first and lower levels are accessible, but no full-building claim is made and motorized scooters are not allowed inside.

Are service animals allowed?

Trained service animals are allowed. Comfort, therapy and emotional-support animals are not.

Do the photos show current room layouts?

No. They are dated or historic images and do not establish current object placement, entrances, parking or access.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.