Interesting things to know about the Maymont Mansion and Maymont Park in Richmond, Virginia

Maymont ParkPhoto byYelp Screenshot

Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River where James and Sallie May Dooley lived from 1893 to 1925. Maymont was named for Major Dooley's wife, Sallie May.

According to the couple's wishes, Maymont was left to the people of Richmond after their deaths. Over the next 75 years, additional attractions have been added.

The American Planning Association named Maymont one of the top 10 public spaces in 2011. Today, Maymont is a free community gathering place for Richmond residents and visitors.

The Maymont Mansion

Maymont MansionPhoto byMorgan Riley/Wikipedia Screenshot

Maymont Mansion is now a historic house museum. Entrances are at 2201 Shields Lake Drive and 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, Virginia. The mansion is now a historic house museum.

Maymont Park

The public park includes Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds and guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs, and rental spaces.

Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation.

Farm animals

In addition to the farm animals kept in the Children's Farm, Maymont is the permanent home for several native animals in the Commonwealth. Many of them have been injured and cannot live in the wild.