All Events

In the Garden at Monticello

Jefferson's Grove

  • Included with Every Ticket
  • Not Accessible
  • Meets at the Fishpond

A guided walk through a portion of Monticello's forest to learn about Jefferson's ideal American landscape.

Location: Historic Mountaintop Area

Parking is free at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center.

Past Event

Jefferson's Grove in the morning with his Monticello house in the background

In 1806 Thomas Jefferson envisioned a pleasure ground on the northwestern side of Monticello. He designated this area to be a "Grove," representing his ideal American landscape, where "gardens may be made without expense" by removing the "superabundant plants." He intended it to be an ornamental forest in which the largest trees are trimmed high "so as to give the appearance of open ground." 

Since 1977, this eighteen-acre tract of forest has been maintained and contains many mature native trees and woodland wildflowers, including spring flowering ephemerals.

Follow signs to the Fishpond on the west side of the house to meet for the tour, or ask a Monticello staff member to direct you.