Tour Highlights
Take a deep dive into Mount Vernon’s landscape and see the estate from a new perspective.
During the tour, you’ll:
- Go behind the scenes on Mount Vernon's trails.
- See where 18th-century roads once wove through the forest.
- View the Mansion from the west gate, which is not accessible to the public.
- Learn how a forest regenerates and how we aid the process.
- See the livestock facility where our animals live away from the public eye.
Please allow 10-15 minutes to walk from the Ford Orientation Center to the 12-acre field to meet your guide.
This tour is weather-dependent and will not take place in rainy conditions.
Safety Guidelines
For the safety of our guests, please observe the guidelines below.
- Children must be accompanied and monitored by a parent or guardian at all times.
- Please stay seated while the ride is in motion.
Meet your Tour Guide
Dean Norton
Dean Norton serves as Mount Vernon's Director of Horticulture and Livestock and is currently the estate's longest-serving employee, having started on June 23, 1969. Norton has a deep affection for George Washington's beautiful estate and has dedicated significant time to studying 18th-century gardens and gardening practices throughout his career.
He is widely recognized as an authority on garden history and is a beloved ambassador for Mount Vernon, sharing the story of Washington and his estate with audiences around the world.
