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The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry — 5 Reasons it Needs to Be on Your Virginia Bucket List

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Founder’s District. All opinions are 100% mine.

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to explore Virginia, you won’t want to miss taking a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

The only 24-hour state-run ferry in Virginia, riding the Jamestown-Scotland ferry is arguably one of the most exciting ways to cross the James River.

Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, but you’ll also have the unique experience of crossing the James River with your car!

That’s right, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is a free automobile ferry service that transports approximately 936,000 vehicles annually.

Keep reading to learn more about this incredible Virginia attraction and how you can experience it 365 days a year below.

The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry — 5 Reasons it Needs to Be on Your Virginia Bucket List

1. Over 95 Years of History

One of the biggest things that attracted me to the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry was of course the ferry’s interesting history.

In fact, the Jamestown-Scotland ferry service will soon celebrate its 100th birthday in just a few years!

A man named Albert Jester first came up with the idea to build a vessel that could transport both humans and automobiles across the James River back in 1923.

In 1925, Jester’s dream came to life with the birth of the “Captain John Smith”, which could carry 16 Model T’s across the James River at the time.

A number of new ferries have been built since the original “Captain John Smith”, but the service has continued to run over the past 96 years.

To be able to take part in something that has been going on for almost 100 years is reason enough alone to take a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in my opinion!

2. Breathtaking Views

In addition to the history, you’ll also experience some incredible views aboard the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry.

You’ll love seeing Jamestown from the water during the 15-minute ferry ride, and you’ll also have the opportunity to view other interesting sites on both sides of the James River, like Historic Jamestown, Bacon’s Castle, Smith’s Fort, and Chippokes Plantation and State Park.

This is a great way to get a general lay of the land and even capture some beautiful photos from the water during the ride.

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3. An Efficient Way to Travel

If you’re looking for an efficient way to get from Jamestown to Surry, the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is an ideal choice.

It doesn’t get much easier than this 15-minute ferry ride.

4. A Wonderful Crew

One of the best parts about the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry?

The crew!

After all, the ferry’s friendly and helpful crew of over 70 people are of course what make the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry possible.

Many crew members have worked for the ferry for decades, and some even have family members that have followed in their footsteps and are now part of the crew as well.

5. It’s Free!

If you’re still not convinced to take a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, let this last point win you over.

The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is completely free!

It operates rain or shine, 365 days a year.

I promise, you don’t want to miss out on this unique experience the next time you’re in Virginia!

Have you ridden the Jamesstown-Scotland Ferry? What are your favorite things to do in Virginia?


Holly

Holly is a millennial travel and lifestyle writer based in New York. With ten years of experience in digital publishing and photography starting with her work writing for College Fashionista and Her Campus at Ithaca College, Holly has been featured in publications such as Southern Living and Lonely Planet. She enjoys sharing her travel expertise as well as lifestyle inspiration in categories such as home décor, DIY beauty, and fashion. More importantly though, Holly is a true Hufflepuff, and her Starbucks order forever remains a grande Iced Sweet Cream Cold Brew. When she's not writing or editing photos for this site, you can find her reading anything in the Sarah J. Maas universe or cuddling with her chihuahua x pomeranian pup Pixie.