It was a cold day and it might have been nicer if the weather was warmer and we could have walked around to enjoy the area more. Our guide was very informative and friendly. The historical information was very good. It was ok but I am not sure if I would recommend a visit there to friends.

I just got home from visiting my daughters family in Staunton this past weekend that was open on a Sunday. We wanted something fun to do outdoors and we always enjoy visiting the Frontier Culture Museum with my grand kids. They enjoy running around and seeing all the animals and looking at the houses, and from what we had read they had Covid safety measures in place. So it seemed like a great idea.As usual the staff were very friendly and informative, and were very patient with the kids asking questions and running around. Which I very much appreciate. The kids also really enjoyed seeing all the animals, the pig at the German house is always their favorite.The reason I am giving this a 1 star review however has nothing to do with the staff, or the experience visiting the different farms. They were all wonderful. However I cannot ignore what I saw between the English and Irish cottages. Usually in years past there is a very lovely little pond where we will stop and look for turtles and frogs with the kids. This time when we visited we discovered that it had been drained and my grandchildren saw many dead fish stuck in the mud, and the smell was awful.I asked one of the roaming security guards why the pond had been drained, to which he wasnt really sure, but pointed me to where the drain for the pond emptied into a nearby creek.The creek runs behind the little Irish Cottage so I took a walk and discovered even more dead fish, floating in very muddy water, the largest being a bass that was over a foot long. My grand kids were very upset seeing this and we had a very hard time explaining why the pond was empty. I would love to know why the empty pond was left to rot and stink in the sun...

It was a great experience, was neat to see how each country/period contributed overall to the success of the museum. The blacksmith made all the nails and iron works for everyone. Was quite authentic, staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Come to find out, the dairy barn in the museum may be tied to the boarded up asylum (Western State Hospital) on the hilltop approaching the museum may be related?!!? Was a little bit of walking (more than a stroll) but they do offer golf carts for those that need them. Plan on a good 3 hours of walking and learning.

HIDDEN GEM ALERT! Super family friendly LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM. Tip: watch the virtual tour videos they have on their website prior to your visit! Our family had an amazing time interacting with costumed staff. We all learned so much! We went with 15yr & 12yr. Definitely great for young kids too! The price is a bargain!!!!!! We have been to many living history museums and this is at the top of the list!

This place is absolutely amazing. If you love history this is the place to go. Plan to do some walking, worth every step.

Such a unique find and great for the whole family! Amidst the current climate (with social distancing and such) we cannot recommend the museum highly enough.

We loved it. Please help spread the word and donate. Due to covid not all was open but it was still a great place for the whole family. Bring a good pair of shoes and water, and wear cooler breathable clothing.

Holy cow; this place is super cool! Totally worth going. Be warned its a lot of walking. Like a lot.

This was a great place to visit. You get out and stretch your legs and see some very well produced and preserved peaks into communities from the 1700s and 1800s. For kids it helps bring history to life. The authenticity is superb.

A surprise in the country. Knowledgable and friendly staff. Glad we purchased an Annual membership, which was only slightly more than the single day fee for 2. We will be back often.

Interesting idea not great application. Of the half dozen or so exhibits only two had anyone around. Would have been nice had there been people about to answer questions and explain things. I understand restrictions due to C19.

We loved our visit. The Interpreters did a great job and were all very knowledgeable. Also the staff did an excellent job with their COVID adaptations. This is an excellent museum for kids. Its not boring ( also we rented a golf cart for $10, which made the walk shorter. That was very helpful).

The animals are missing...I assume due to COVID. Overall, they are doing their best to adhere to restrictions. We still enjoyed it very much and the costumed interpreters were still very informative. We enjoyed the trip, as usual. Ages 9 months to 34 years.

Very cool place to visit! Their interpreters are knowledgeable and answer questions. Plus, there are benches and lots of shade to rest in the sun.

Great representations of early American farms. Presenters explain how life was then.

Very informative and realistic of the history of our Nation. Only negative is because of lockdown gardens were not very pristine.

This is such a great place for farmers, gardeners, non-growers, kids, and adults. Educational, and a nice place to walk around pet cows, too!

We had a wonderful time at this museum. It is spread across several acres of land. Paved walkways make it is to get from place to place. The people at each location were very knowledgeable about the people and time they represented. We especially liked the German farm. Lots of great signs which explain what the peoples life was like before they came to America and what it was like when they got hear. They have wagons you can put small children in and you can even rent golf carts to get from exhibit to exhibit. We walked. The weather was great. There are lots of benches in shady spots throughout the museum. We would love to go here again.

Very well done. Staff explained each exhibit very well and with great patience. Pleasantly surprised!

This is a once in a lifetime experience. The museum has transported real buildings from Europe and/or employed historically accurate building techniques to teach you about immigration to America. The stories are authentic. They delve into the histories of American Indians, enslaved Africans and white settlers from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Germany. The grounds are beautiful, with many animals to see. Totally worth it! Spend a whole day!

A fascinating approach to interpreting the history of frontier culture. They have imported historic homesteads from England, Germany, and Ireland in order to show roots of some immigrants to the American continent, and how their backgrounds influenced one another and shaped early US farming and homesteading. More recent additions include a west African farm and an indigenous peoples village as well, so the story is more complete as it now includes the colonizers, the enslaved Africans, and the native cultures that were already in the area.There are interpreters throughout the museum who are knowledgeable and happy to share.

Really worth the stop. Houses and farmhouses have been imported from England, Ireland and Germany. There is someone in each of the homes for education. This is especially great for kids! Primarily a walking tour, however it looks like shuttles and gold carts available.

Now the golf carts are $25 to rent instead of $10. Sad for us who loved to visit and have a lot of kids. Pricey

This place was good but they definitely didnt have people at all their stations to explain the culture nor were they dressed in the attire for the period for the couple of spots that did have someone there except the American 1860 site.

It’s good for what it is. No shuttle service and a few empty houses where there were no actors/actresses due to covid. Some of them weren’t in costume, but all seemed fairly knowledgeable...some were very informative! Get to see some farm animals which was the highlight for my toddler. Definitely bring a stroller.

Very nice. Educational.Rent a golf cart...or walk a lot

A beautiful museum of the cultures that shaped America. Mostly outdoor, scenic paths to various homesteads with gardens and livestock. They offer a shuttle service if the walking is too much. Story tellers at all locations share the periods experiences. We saw beer brewing, bread making, weaving and iron making. A wonderful day trip for the entire family!

Fun and interesting first time back since it opened many years ago. Great place to take a family for the day

My mom and I loved this place! It was so cool and informative. There are people in most of the houses that are in period costume and are doing something that would have been done during that time. Very cool and would go back.

This is a well laid out outdoor museum that puts all the building blocks together in the development of early america. It looks at european and african influence on how the culture of the shenandoah valley developed. Interesting people to add a human touch to history. Beautiful grounds and realistic exhibits.

We really enjoy this place. Its laid back and a great way to experience and learn about history. The people are friendly and informative. A really great outing right now during the pandemic.

The costumed workers were very knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. And the scenery is beautiful.

We had alot of fun and it has alot of neat buildings from around the world

Fantastic place to stretch your legs and learn from the historical reenactors.

A great museum and gift shop. You can walk or rent golf cart. Displays are meaningful.

If youre at all interested in the building history of the early settlers of America, this place has some wonderful examples of historic building practices. The buildings are from England/Ireland and transported here to be rebuilt for the museum. Awesome! From timber framing to thatch and clay tile roofing. Temporary shelters to modern log cabins. I wish I had more time to check it out. Definately going back!

Very cool educational and historic place. We were visiting family and spent the morning here. All of he workers are very fun, polite, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.

Great history museum, especially for kids if theyre learning history in school, this would be a nice visit as a field trip. Some of the exhibitions didnt have a live person to tell about the countrys history which would serve a big help of information.

Great experience for all ages and if someone has issues with walking. carts can be rented.

It was nice and interesting but in my opinion needs alot of care.

This was such a fun, educational experience. Not so much for the smaller kids. Enjoyed it, but was disappointed that not much going on with staff interaction.

Probably would be 5 stars if not for covid-19 staff reduction. Will check it out again some day when fully staffed.

So much fun. Friendly animals, hands on, people in costume, beautiful original buildings. Some golf carts to pick you up & drive to each to help you walk the entire thing if needed. We did 1/2 in morning, left for lunch then other half in afternoon with kids ages 4mo, 2, 6, 10, 11, 14. Must see!

Great sheep! Would pet again.

Very educational place about how colonial families started out, survived, and thrived in America.

Octoberfest was fun! Schnitzel was good- loved to cottages/houses and learning about the history. Kids had fun barrel racing. Spent a fun and enjoyable day there.

I learned so much about how my ancestors lived on this stroll through history. The reactors were very knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed the German house.

Totally awesome. We have toured 4 or 5 times. One of our favorite places to share with our out of state guest. I highly reccomend especially for those who love pioneer history.

We ADORED the Frontier Culture Museum! I saw a post on their Facebook page saying it was a pay what you will day. Its mid-January and 63 degrees, so we were all too excited to get outdoors for a bit! The ticket lady told us that since it was winter there would be less employees out there, but we didnt feel like that at all! Every settlement we went into had a guide who was warm, welcoming, and taught us so much! The 1600 English farm lady was even making a curant pound cake! It was cool to see how the fireplace was utilized to bake too! We also loved seeing all the livestock, and getting to even pet and feed some! In the native American Indian settlement two gentleman were burning and scraping a large cut log to make a canoe! They even have plans to take it to the river upon completion! Overall, I would say this museum is one of my favorites! You really get to be involved with the individual settlements and explore. Its easy to navigate, family friendly, and has tons of different events to enjoy. We are absolutely planning on getting a membership!

Field trip with my daughters school, it was fun and we all learned a lot. Staff was kind and knowledgeable. A lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes

We loved visiting the different exhibition sites, and the interpreters were fantastic!

Great experience. Our bus trip was took around on a big cart.

What a fun way to learn about the past.

Great learning experience with our grandkids and the staff was very informative and helpful.

This place has a lot to see. I like how it features different areas and time periods.

Lantern TourIt has been several years since we drove from Roanoke to the Museum for the Lantern Tours. Our first time attending was magical with the trees along the paths decorated with lights and burning bundles of firewood. In each home that we visited we were treated to a short vignette representing life at that time and place. If the actors were volunteers, they seemed like professionals. It was enchanting and we have always wanted to attend again. Finally we made it back this year and were sorely disappointed. No lights in the trees or burning bundles of firewood. Each home still had a brief story told by folks in period costume. The language used was modern day and did not reflect the country represented. It was like walking into the middle of a conversation with no point. It was even difficult to know which country the home was to represent. Even the gift shop lacked much in the way of gifts. Sadly, we can only wonder if the State of Virginia (we were told the State runs the Museum) has so severely cut the budget for this wonderful Museum that they are unable to provide the same experience from several years ago.

I always love visiting this place whrn driving through. We borrowed a golf cart which was well worth 10$.

Excellent place for kids and adults! This is an outdoor museum with lots to see and learn and plenty of room for the kids to run around! The staff is very knowledgeable and loves to answer questions. Plan to spend at least two hours walking along the winding trail that takes you through time as colonial America changes from the influence of its European settlers. There is a trolly that will drop you off at different locations throughout the park for those who dont wish to do so much walking. Bring a bottle of water and weather appropriate clothing.

Really interesting exhibits. The people at the different exhibits were very informative and friendly.

Very cool living history museum. We had more fun here than at Jamestown.

Took a 9 year old for a beautiful day with some learning thrown in. Learned several new things, and developed a clearer idea of how the people who came before us lived! FCM staff are constantly undergoing new trainings to better your experience. They do not pretend to be from the same time and place as the structure you find them in, though. They are super hard working, as they farm using the appropriate techniques for their time period.

Hadnt realized most of the buildings were authentic and had been relocated until we were there. The docents were wonderful and able to answer most any question. They even had an actual blacksmith operating the forge to make and repair items they used.

A great place to learn about how immigrants to America lived in early times and a great place to have meetings

If youve ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and see how YOUR ancestors settled this land or the land they came from, visit this place! Its a great day out in one of the most beautiful places on the Eastern side of the country.

We were there for a cross country meet this time. Visited village exhibits and gift shop about 5 years ago and found it culturally enlightening. Prepare to get your exercise walking! What a beautiful location with picnic benches, nice facilities, and friendly knowledgeable personnel. Cant wait to revisit the exhibits again soon. Plenty of parking available.

Connects the dots between Europe and Virginia. Do not underestimate how interesting this museum is.

Really nice site to learn about the European settlers

This is a wonderful place. They have brought over actual historic buildings from the places and times when a lot of our ancestors would have been coming to the area. Also are homes that were built here at different time periods. Even if you are not a history buff you would enjoy this place and if you are you will really appreciate it. I have been a few times over the years, and they have added to the exhibits. I have enjoyed every time I have been. Its great for all ages. It is a bit spread out, but they do have a shuttle or golf carts to rent for making getting around more doable. I highly recommend this place.

My family and I loved it! Spent almost 4 hours and still could have stayed longer. The staff was very knowledgeable. Would make for a fun excursion for my Cub Scouts!

Really cool. Lots of details. Really felt like stepping back in history. Paid $10 for a gold cart to drive between the farms. Glad we did that.

The interpreters, when available, were very informative. The iron forger even gave us a souvenir nail that we watched him make. However, it was very hot and exhibits were spaced far apart with spotty shuttle service. Having drink machines or functioning water fountains available at the restrooms throughout the park would have improved our experience greatly. Our kids (8 and 4) were initially very excited (especially for the farm animals) but soon lost interest due to being hot and thirsty. Worth going, but bring along a water bottle.

Great place to learn about the immigrants who worked hard to establish this great country. Very informed volunteers working to keep it an enjoyable place to visit. Golf carts rentals very inexpensive and well worth doing since it is spread out so much.

Affordable and fun :)

Rich on cultural history. Nice place for family. Heard Christmas time is the best time to visit. Will try coming around at the end of the year but I really enjoyed the Igbo festival amongst other things.

I loved coming here as a kid and had just as much fun as an adult! Was excited to see some new exhibits and cant wait to bring my children back.

Mostly quiet, there are not a lot of visitors around. Free shuttles available and golf carts for rent. Lots of activities and the buildings and 18-19th century-dressed actors gives you a good impression of the lifestyle from that century.

This place is amazing even in the winter. My toddler loves to see the animals! Fantastic and friendly staff, informative and, if you walk it, a pretty decent workout.

Amazing view of how people from Germany, England, West Africa,... etc have lived, however is a little bit expensive

It was my first visit there and discovering that it was an outdoor interactive museum was very exciting. All the exhibits there are original and shipped from the origin country then reassembled at the museum. I saw many trailheads too but we didnt explore them at the time. My cousin and I had fun looking at the animals and learning the history of each of the exhibits.

A wonderful step back in time!

Large area where you can walk around and explore different places from different time periods. They have a speaker at most of the places to inform you about them. We enjoyed it.

Such a great way to experience history. Everything is much more hands on and approachable. These are just set pieces behind glass barriers. It really feels like people are living in these properties and makes the whole experience more immersive.

So much to see on these beautifully presented and lovingly kept museum grounds. People in period dress were full of fascinating information and we got to play period games and musical instruments with them. Spent half a day enjoying just the farms of early Ireland, Africa and Germany and the blacksmithing shop. We got to watch a blacksmith while she made items needed to make period-appropriate repairs to exhibits on the grounds. Look forward to going back to visit the early American homes another day soon!

Wonderful venue! Erin is amazing to work with. We would have another event here in a heartbeat.

Great place! I love this museum

Amazing! It was like we stepped into history. So much to learn. We will definitely be returning!

Interesting and educational. All exhibits had volunteers there who were knowledgeable and ready to engage visitors. This was a Sunday and few visitors. Awesome. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Defintely worth a visit. Renting a golf cart recommended.

Wonderful museum. My kids loved being able to get “hands on” with the demonstrations. The workers were very knowledgeable and sweet. We will definitely be returning!

I loved this place!! I learned a lot.

I just fell in love with this place. Its a small town museum but theyve really done great job with it. Its a self guided walking loop around structures (houses, blacksmith shop, farmhouses, etc.) representative of the culture of early settlers. Theres an old world section with early irish and german cottages for example. Theres even a recreation of a west african village which I just love that they included. I sincerely hope it was a respectful representation. Anyway, you get to just walk around at your leisure and take a look at everything. Throughout the property there are people in period costumes who are very informative about the various cultures. Despite the cold and the rain today, I had a wonderful time!! Would definitely go back if I lived closer and I highly recommend it!!

My 2 year old and I had a wonderful time on our self guided tour ️

Great afternoon spent with 4 generations. Our family has a 1925 6 room schoolhouse and we hold a Sorghum Festival each year third Sat. In Oct. McDaniel Crossroad, NC in Sampson County so we really appreciate the history here. Folks were great!!!! Many thanks! The Matthews Family

A great experience Kids love it

Living history museum with farmsteads representing the different cultures that farmed in this valley. Actual homesteads from England, Ireland and Germany -- each brought over from Europe piece by piece. Interpretors are very knowledgeable and entertaining.

This is my 3rd visit this year and I live 2 hours away. Each time I discovered something fascinating. They didnt just recreate farms from 1700s Europe... They literally moved the buildings from there and reconstructed them here. Very educational and the interpretive residents were very knowledgeable.

Very relaxing day. Informative folks in most buildings. Fun experience.

Nice place walking trail to the exhibits

Great outdoor living museum.

Ive always enjoyed it. Last night I met the author and listened to his lessons on iron manufacturing in the Shenandoah valley. Theres almost always something worthwhile goin on here. Ive truly been blessed as an artist. The museum is some of my early clients. You may see a few pieces that this bigfoot has made there