FAQ's

Is this a functional outdoor park? NO IT IS NOT! The sculptures once resided in a nearby public outdoor museum that eventually went bankrupt. They have since been moved to private property that doubles as a busy industrial recycling facility. Pedestrian access to the property is NOT PERMITTED outside of scheduled tour dates and photography workshops.

Are you open to the public year round? No. The Presidents Heads reside on PRIVATE property that doubles as a busy recycling facility. The operation is shut down on 8 weekends per year to allow for public access via pre-ticketed tours. Additionally, there are occasional photography workshops offered at the Heads. All dates can be found on the Events tab of this website. Do not attempt to access the property outside of tour dates as this would be considered trespassing.

What if I am not interested in a tour, and just want to see them and take a few pictures? Public access is ONLY offered through pre-ticketed tours or photography workshops.

Can I see the Heads from the road? No. They are pretty tucked away and invisible from the nearest road.

Why does Google say that you are “Temporarily Closed”? For two reasons. 1) As a courtesy to dissuade people from driving long distances outside of tour dates with the hope of just showing up and getting access to the Heads and 2) because that Google Business site does not give us the option of mentioning that we open infrequently for pre-ticketed tours.

What does the “Ruins of Presidents Park” tour entail? It is a self-guided tour with a two hour window of opportunity for you to visit the Presidents Heads. As part of the ticket price, you are entitled to two OPTIONAL 25 minute speaking sessions that take place near the sculptures. The first is a Presidential Trivia contest and the second is a storytelling session inclusive of the entire history of the sculptures and their transition from their creation in Houston to their pit stop at Presidents Park thru their current location in Croaker, Va. During some tours, we offer a “BASIC ACCESS PASS”, which is a no-frills, inexpensive ticket that entitles you to explore the property in the absence of both of the aforementioned speaking sessions. Additionally, some tours will offer a “VIP Pass” that is offered for those that want to avoid crowds.

How much are tour tickets? It depends on the type of tour, the visitor’s age, and the time of day. Most adult ticket prices range between $20-$33. For many of our daytime tour sessions, children under the age of 7 are FREE and tickets for those between the ages of 8-17 cost $9. If you click on the BUY TICKETS link in the events tab, you will be able to see the prices for the event in which you are interested

How and when will I receive specifics and logistics for the tour for which I registered? You will receive an e-mail to the address with which you registered beginning a few weeks before the tour date, then again a few days before the tour date. This comprehensive e-mail will cover all the information you need to prepare for your visit. That e-mail sometimes goes to SPAM in your inbox. As a result, you can check @John Plashal Photo and @ Fred Schneider Photography on Facebook for specifics a few days prior to the event.

How far out into the calendar year do you publish your events? We prefer to publish up to 6 or 7 months out but are not always afforded that luxury. What you see under the Events tab is what is currently for sale. Please check back periodically for future dates above and beyond what is published.

Why is there a difference in the adult ticket prices? The morning passes are less expensive than the afternoon passes because, in the event of a sunny day, the Heads are back lit in the morning, which could be problematic for photographers. The Heads become front lit by the early afternoon. Should it be a sunny day, the later in the afternoon, the better the lighting.

We cannot make the published dates for a scheduled tour. Am I able to schedule a private individual or family tour on a different date? Regretfully not. Access only occurs during published tour dates or photography workshops.

How many sculptures reside on the property and are available to see? All Presidents up to and including George W. Bush are present and in full scale. Thirty-nine of the sculptures reside in a “tight cluster” that is navigable, albeit often wet and muddy. Washington, Jackson and Lincoln sit separate from the others . The sculptures are between 15-18 feet tall.

What is the refund policy? “THE RUINS OF PRESIDENTS PARK” tour refunds are accepted up until 48 hours prior to the beginning of the first event of the day. No refunds will be accepted if requested within 48 hours of the first event of the day. ALL REFUNDS MUST BE REQUESTED THROUGH EVENTBRITE. THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE - UNLESS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER, IN WHICH CASE A FULL REFUND WILL BE ISSUED.

Is the “Ruins of Presidents Park” session for which I registered two hours in duration? The event is NOT two hours long, rather a two hour window of opportunity for you to visit. That being said, you will receive an itinerary in an e-mail prior to the event with the scheduled times of the Presidential Trivia and Storytelling sessions. It is up to you if want to participate in those sessions.

Is there anything special that I need to bring? RAIN BOOTS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS A MUST. TRUST US WHEN WE TELL YOU THIS. The common area is almost always dry but the main cluster of 39 sculptures almost always sit in varying degrees of mud and water. For those of you that want to participate or listen to both optional speaking sessions, a folding chair is always a great idea if you do not want to stand in place for 50 minutes. For those of you that are mindful of sun protection, there is ZERO shade at the Heads. You are completely exposed. A hat, umbrella and/or sunscreen is always a good idea.

I am a photographer. Can I take pictures or fly a drone? Yes. Photography and videography is allowed as long as etiquette is exercised. Drones may NOT be flown during the speaking sessions.

Do you conduct this program if it is raining? Yes. Unless it is forecasted to be sustained and heavy. We have a high threshold for cancellation out of respect to those that spend days traveling to the area in anticipation of this highly unique experience. Many guests actually prefer rainy and moody weather as it lends to the eerieness of the locale.

Can I buy tickets on the spot? Only if the event is not sold out. We have strict attendance limitations with which we comply.

What ages encompass a YOUTH TICKET? Ages 8-17 require a YOUTH TICKET. Ages 7 and under are free and are listed as a CHILD TICKET.

Are there bathrooms on the property? Yes. There are portable toilets on the property.

Are dogs allowed? Yes!!!!!! Canines are our best guests. Having your dog on a leash is required. Please make sure to carry a bag to clean up after your pup.

I am traveling from afar to visit the Presidents Heads and would like some recommendations on lodging? Williamsburg is about 10 minutes from The Heads and offers accommodations that fit ALL budgets.

How far away are the Heads from other cities in Virginia? The Presidents Heads are about one hour west of Norfolk/Virginia Beach and one hour east of Richmond. Charlottesville is about two hours away and DC is about three hours away.

Do you conduct other events at The Presidents Heads? Yes. We occasionally offer various nighttime events at the Heads. Please review all event descriptions and FAQ's before committing.

Is this the only tour that you conduct in Virginia or are there others? Yes, there are other tours that we offer. Most notably at the Belmead on the James in Powhatan, Va. and Swannanoa in Afton, Va. Tour information and ticket links can be found at “www.johnplashalphoto.com”.

If I have further questions, to whom should I direct them? Please send an e-mail to "thepresidentsheads@gmail.com" with any additional questions. Please allow 1-2 days for a response.