Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Visitor Center Hours: The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Monday and Tuesday. B
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 5406820173 · bowa_rangers_3@nps.gov
The monument is located on VA 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway), 22 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA. From I-81 take I-581, then U.S. 220 south from Roanoke to VA 122. From the Blule Ridge Parkway take VA 43 south to VA 122. From Lynchburg take U.S. 460 west to VA 122.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Booker T Washington National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Booker T Washington National Monument?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Booker T Washington National Monument. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — hiking is one of the listed activities at Booker T Washington National Monument.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Visitor Center Hours: The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Monday and Tuesday. B
Nearby sites
Aneta Kaluzna / CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Forest Service George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philpott Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
