Tour the historic Magnolia Grange plantation home built in 1822.

Magnolia Grange is one of the treasures of Chesterfield County. This historic plantation home built in 1822 is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are open to the public, but you must have a reservation. In addition to tours, Chesterfield offers special events, like tea parties, holiday events, and history programs for children at Magnolia Grange.

My daughter (8) and I toured Magnolia Grange and learned much. Before our tour, I made a reservation by calling: 804-748-1498. The tour is $5 for adults and $3 for children. No cards are accepted, so come prepared with cash or check. The tour lasted about 45 minutes. The guide did an excellent job of asking questions to encourage critical thinking and telling us fun tidbits of information about this Federalist-style home's furniture, ceilings, and other details. Many of the items in the house are original, which is cool!

I especially loved the ornate ceilings, arches, and detail, even on the wallpaper. My daughter's favorite was the children's room. She loved learning about the toys and how different they are from her toys. Even 200 years ago, she loved that children loved to play with dolls, just like she does! When the tour guide learned that my daughter loves music, she made sure to show her the piano and explain how that was a major source of entertainment for the family and their guests. While my daughter enjoyed this tour, I would not recommend bringing children younger than 7, as no touching is allowed. There is no heat in the home, so dress warmly if you visit during winter. Alternatively, plan a visit on a warm day!

After your tour, consider heading to Harry G. Daniel Park, about five minutes away. This large park has a playground, soccer, and baseball fields.