Nope, I’m not talking about Mount Rushmore. If you’re an RVer with a taste for history and a penchant for quirky roadside attractions, you won’t want to miss The Presidents Heads.
This offbeat exhibit—once part of a now-defunct park—features colossal (and I mean huge) busts of U.S. presidents. The sculptures have weathered through time and have gone through a relocation move, but they now stand ready for your visit.
Want to learn more? Read on.
Glimpse into history
Artist David Adickes, inspired by Mount Rushmore, sculpted and installed larger-than-life busts of 43 United States presidents.
Adickes’ project helped establish the Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia. At a cost of almost $10 million, Adickes and landowner Everette “Haley” Newman II hoped the undertaking would become a well-visited destination. However, the park failed to draw sufficient crowds and subsequently closed in 2010.
Now what?
Once the park officially closed, landowner Newman hired Howard Hankins to destroy the oversized sculptures. However, Hankins decided instead to move the President’s heads to his 400-acre farm in Croaker, Virginia.
Relocating such large and unwieldy structures was quite difficult, seeing as each one weighs between 11,000 and 20,000 pounds! Some sculptures were damaged in the move, but Hankins determinedly set the heads in neat rows in one of his farm fields—even the damaged ones.
Since their relocation, the busts have weathered naturally and continue to tell a story of the inevitable passage of time.
Upcoming events
Although the 43 busts currently sit on the Hankins’ private property, they’re not entirely off-limits to visitors. RVers can see The Presidents Heads sculptures during specified days when Hankins opens the area to visitors.
In fact, guided tours and art workshops will be available in the upcoming weeks. These events offer a rare opportunity to explore the site up close. Visitors are welcome to participate in themed activities like scavenger hunts and presidential trivia, and capture unique nighttime shots under the stars.
If you plan to be in the area, here are some upcoming dates and events you might consider. Note that tickets are required.
• April 19-20, 2025: The April event continues the theme of historical exploration and photography. It provides another chance to experience the site’s unique ambiance with guided tours and creative photo sessions.
• May 24-25, 2025: Held during the Memorial Day weekend, this special event is designed to capitalize on the long weekend. It typically offers extended tour hours and a range of themed activities that blend history with fun challenges for families and photography enthusiasts.
These events allow RVers and history lovers to experience the intriguing blend of art and historic Americana that The Presidents Heads represent.
For any updates or additional details like start times and ticket options, please check the official website here.
RV parks nearby
After exploring this unique historical site, you’ll want a comfortable spot to rest. Fortunately, several excellent RV parks in the Williamsburg area offer a range of amenities to suit every travel style.
American Heritage RV Park (Williamsburg, VA)
• Amenities. Full RV hookups, modern restrooms, laundry facilities, cable TV, and pet-friendly sites.
• Highlights. Located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, this park provides a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.
Williamsburg Campground (Williamsburg, VA)
• Amenities. On-site activities include a heated swimming pool, jumping pillow, fire pits, hiking trails, and a pet park.
• Highlights. Family-run for more than five decades, this campground is perfect for those looking to combine historical exploration with fun outdoor recreation.
Thousand Trails Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
• Amenities. Indoor and outdoor pools, game rooms, mini golf, playgrounds, and spacious RV sites with full hookups.
• Highlights. This is ideally situated near historical attractions as well as modern leisure facilities, making it a great base for RVers wanting to experience both culture and comfort.
Each of these RV parks offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of amenities to recharge after your adventure among The Presidents Heads.
You should go!
If you plan to visit the area in your RV, consider adding The Presidents Heads to your itinerary. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll likely never forget.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…
- The secret hidden tunnel behind Mt. Rushmore’s presidents
- The back side of Mount Rushmore most never knew about
- Did you know? Mt. Rushmore was named as a joke!
- First Airstream Clipper, owned by a President, resurfaces
- Midwest presidential libraries to visit
##RVT1204
Thank you, Gail, for sharing this “roadside attraction.” It does seem worth visiting and we often travel to Virginia. Perhaps once dog #3 has become better managed and not a public nuisance if left alone in the RV we can visit this. Meanwhile, have a great weekend and safe travels!