Queen Victoria’s Birthday
Saturday, May 17, 2025; 11 am-5 pm at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Purchase General Admission Tickets | Fort Members receive complementary admission.
Join us at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum for a day of revelry in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday! Celebrate Her Majesty’s 37th birthday by stepping back into 1855 with cannon fire and Victorian finery. Queen Victoria took the throne at age 18 and ruled from 1837 until her death in 1901.
Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can visit with our historical interpreters, join in a game of croquet, explore hands-on activities, and enjoy live music and dance performances. Afternoon tea, a Queen Victoria favorite, will be served to visiting guests.
Guest arriving early will be treated to a parade of bagpipes to start the traditional tributes to the Queen, including a musket volley, cannon salute, and toasts from the Fort’s Chief Factor, Dr. Tolmie. Throughout the day, visitors can learn about historic firearms from black powder demonstrations, visit with blacksmiths working at the forge, enjoy music and dance around a May Pole, and even challenge Dr. Tolmie, to a game of croquet. Guests enjoy crafts and interactive activities, including joining a tea party.
Carriage Ride
Enjoy a whimsical horse-drawn wagon ride through the Fort Nisqually orchard. Rides begin at the Nisqually Picnic shelter and meander across the field and around the orchard. Rides occur every 10 minutes. Tickets have a timed start and are sold on a per seat basis, with up to 6 participants per carriage ride.
- Tickets are $12 per person, children under four can ride free, but must remain in a parent or guardian’s lap for the duration of the ride.
- Wagon ride tickets do not include entry to the museum for the rest of Queen Victoria’s Birthday celebrations inside the Fort. Event Admission is separate.
