Historic Patriot Loop

Eastern Virginia is famous for its rich colonial history, and this itinerary is the perfect way to explore the highlights with an Indian® Motorcycle. The full route is 81 miles (not including the additional driving tour options at Yorktown and Jamestown Island) and will take about three hours without stops. 

Leaving the Indian® Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginia dealership, you will travel north on Highway 17 to Yorktown Battlefield. Once there, spend time exploring the visitor's center where you can see many battle artifacts and a detailed overview of how the battle unfolded. There are also two separate driving tours you can take that are each 16 miles long. These tour routes take you through the British, French, and American encampments among other highlights and contain multiple informational signs.  

Just outside of the battlefield is historic Yorktown, where you can stop at the Nelson House and see cannon balls from the battle still embedded in the brick. The American Revolution Museum is a great stop for those wanting to see what life was like in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. 

Next, venture onto Colonial National Historical Parkway, a 23-mile scenic parkway that will take you from Yorktown to Williamsburg and then onto Jamestown. There is no commercial traffic allowed on the parkway and there is a strictly enforced speed limit, which makes this route a great way to get to the major historical sites in a relaxing and scenic environment. 

Colonial Williamsburg is just a short detour off the parkway (very clearly marked) where you can see some of the oldest buildings in Virginia as well as staff/shop owners dressed in period clothing. There are many wonderful local restaurants and pubs to enjoy lunch before continuing to Jamestown Island. Once you reach Jamestown, there are two museums worthy of exploring. The first is the Jamestown Settlement, a recreation of the original settlement, replicates ships used to cross the Atlantic. The Historic Jamestowne cultural heritage site contains thousands of artifacts.  From Jamestown you can take the ferry across the James River (the ferry is free of charge and runs about every 20 minutes or so). After crossing the river, follow the route to where it intersects with Highway 10, then turn south towards Smithfield.  Be sure to check out downtown Smithfield on your way through town (and stop by the Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor for a treat). From Smithfield, you will reconnect with Highway 17 north to get across the James River and to Jefferson Ave. Turn left onto Jefferson Ave to return to the dealership.