Visitor Guidelines

Welcome to Clermont Farm! We’re glad you’re here to enjoy our historic grounds, working farm, and educational programs. To keep everyone (and animals) safe, here are some guidelines.

  1. Check In First
    All guests must check in at the office or with the tour guide upon arrival. Think of it as “farm roll call”—we need to know who’s on the land with us and not set off the security systems.

  2. This is a Working Production Farm, Not a Petting Zoo
    Our animals have important jobs here—like producing food, grazing pastures, and teaching visitors about agriculture. Please admire them from your side of the fence. Some are not friendly, and given bio-security requirements today (both animals and people have diseases), they are not available for hugs, selfies, or handfeeding.

  3. No Pets, Please
    We love your furry friends, but they’ll need to sit this one out. For everyone’s safety and biosecurity (including your pets), no dogs, cats, or other animals are allowed on the farm.  Contact us first about certified personal assistance animals on leashes.

  4. Stay in Designated Areas
    Clermont is both a working farm and a historic site—translation: there are plenty of things you don’t want to trip over, bump into, or fall into. Stick to marked areas for your own safety.

  5. Watch Your Step
    This is a working farm, which means boots/closed shoes beat flip-flops every time. And yes, that’s exactly what you think it is on the ground.

  6. Hands Off the Equipment
    Our tractors, wagons, and tools are not rideable, drivable, or Instagram props. We promise they’re far less exciting than they look.

  7. Respect the Land and History
    Clermont has been around for centuries—we’d like to keep it that way. Please don’t pick flowers, climb fences, or carve your initials anywhere.  Help us with our archaeology requirements!  If you see a possible historical artifact on the ground (piece of pottery, whatever), please let staff know - they are required to photograph it in its original location and document it, before sending it to the collections of the owner of the farm, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, as required here by State law. 

  8. Follow Staff Instructions
    Our team is here to make your visit safe, educational, and fun. If they ask you to do—or not do—something, please follow along. They know where the electric fences are!  We look forward to seeing you and talking about the farm’s work and history.