Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley? Head to Lexington! Discover a charming historic town packed with Civil War history, collegiate spirit, outdoor adventures, and vibrant culture. Whether you're touring campuses, exploring mountain trails, or strolling quaint downtown streets, Lexington offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Lexington, VA Highlights:
- Downtown Lexington: Stroll brick-lined streets filled with boutiques, historic buildings, art galleries, and cozy cafés.
- Virginia Military Institute (VMI): Tour the historic military campus, museums, and witness the VMI cadet parade.
- Washington and Lee University: Explore one of the oldest colleges in the U.S., complete with Lee Chapel and beautiful grounds.
- Virginia Horse Center: Watch equestrian competitions and events at this nationally recognized horse complex.
- Stonewall Jackson House: Step into the preserved home of the Confederate general and learn about his life and legacy.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lexington is during the spring and fall (April–May and September–October). Mild weather, colorful scenery, and lively events make these seasons ideal for exploring historic sites, hiking, and enjoying local festivals.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lexington is easily accessible via I-81 and I-64, about 1 hour from Roanoke and 3 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Bus: Greyhound and Megabus offer services to nearby cities; local taxis or rideshares can get you into town.
- By Train: Amtrak serves nearby Staunton, VA (about 45 minutes away), where rental cars are available.
Where to Stay
- The Georges – Boutique luxury hotel housed in beautifully restored historic buildings right in downtown Lexington.
- Hampton Inn Lexington-Historic District – Comfortable hotel set in a 19th-century manor house with easy access to major attractions.
- Best Western Lexington Inn – Budget-friendly option offering modern amenities just a short drive from downtown.
Best Things to Do
1. Miller's House Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
There is no doubt that Lexington has a long industrial and transportation history. Once the home of an industrial complex on Jordan’s point that is no longer around, Lexington has a lot to offer in this area of history. Miller's House Museum is dedicated to the preservation of this history and does so by displaying and celebrating the many roads, rivers, and rails that once were and those that still area. The museum is housed in a humble home that was built earlier in the 1800s. It is the lone structure that remains of the once-thriving complex established by John Jordan. Learn all about the historic Rockbridge area and about Jordan’s Point through dioramas and other exhibits at the museum.
834 Stono Lane, Lexington, Virginia 24450, Phone: 540-460-3111
2. Lee Chapel and Museum
As part of Washington and Lee University, Lee Chapel is the burial place of General Robert E. Lee. Because of this, it is a National Historic Landmark and a great point of interest for tourists. The chapel, once-and-now, named Grace Episcopal Church was where Lee and his family attended church during his Presidency of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Lee’s family and favorite horse, Traveller, are also buried here on church grounds. In the basement of the church, a museum looks at the history of the university and houses Lee’s preserved office.
11-17 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA 24450, Phone: 540-458-8768
3. Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University has changed names several times over the years. Since its founding in 1749 as Augusta Academy, its name has changed four times, finally settling on a name that recognizes two men who greatly affected the college: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. In 1972, parts of the college were named Historic Landmarks – only the third college in the nation with this distinction. Today’s guests can visit the college and some of the landmarks, such as Lee Chapel and Lee’s home, which was built to his specifications. In all, over 325 acres house the university’s buildings and residencies.
204 West Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450, Phone: 540-458-8710
4. Virginia Military Institute
While not as well-known as Annapolis, Virginia Military Institute was the first state-supported military school in the nation. Founded in 1839, today’s students receive liberal arts undergraduate degrees while training for service. Many people of note passed through the doors, including famous general Stonewall Jackson, who taught at the school until the Civil War called him away, and alum WWII General George Patton. During the school season, available tours can be scheduled with one of the current cadets and leaves from the VMI Museum. Guests can peruse through the 15,000 artifacts and chronicles at the library.
319 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA 24450, Phone: 540-464-7211
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Stonewall Jackson House
This house is the only one that Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson ever owned. In 1979, the museum restored the home to its formers glory, including period-style furniture to match the era. Tours revolve around Jackson’s life prior to the Civil War, including his domestic life and his tenure as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. A garden beside the home grows herbs, flowers, and vegetables that Jackson’s wife, Mary Anna, would have grown. Admission to the gift shop and garden is free, though a small fee is required for a general admission ticket to view the home.
Stonewall Jackson House, 8 E Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450, 540-464-7704
6. Cyrus McCormick Farm and Workshop
Another National Historic Landmark in Lexington, the Cyrus McCormick Farm was the home and workshop of inventor Cyrus McCormick. McCormick, credited with creating the mechanical reaper, owned 532 acres of land. Today, the museum, which consists of eight remaining buildings, stands on five of those acres. In 1954, the home was donated by the McCormick family to Virginia Polytechnical Institute for an agricultural landmark. For free, guests can visit the farm and take in the history of the farm and McCormick’s daily life by looking at the blacksmith shop, grist mill, smokehouse, schoolroom, slave and housekeepers’ quarters, carriage house, and of course, the main manor.
128 Cyrus McCormick Circle, Raphine, VA 24472, Phone: 540-377-2255
7. Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Gardens
For those visitors who wish to spend time outdoors, a stroll through the Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Gardens arboretum is a good start. Over 15 acres, guests can view local and exotic shrub and tree species. But the garden is about more than highlighting plants, the people at Boxerwood have initiated projects to enrich the soil, manage clean water, restore lost habitats to animals, and aid in pollination. All programs use the mission to reduce our carbon footprints and to repair what has already been harmed. Kids are encouraged to get dirty on play trails, and adults can sit in on a workshop or symposium.
963 Ross Road, Lexington, VA, Phone: 540-463-2967
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
8. Lime Kiln Theater
For those seeking entertainment, the Lime Kiln Theater offers several concerts and plays throughout the summer months. Visiting groups put on plays, such as Sleeping Beauty or a Shakespearean drama. Local and popular bands put on shows in an intimate setting to give viewers a special experience found nowhere else in Virginia. Though a season pass can be bought in advance, tickets for single shows are available for pre-purchase and at the door. Planning ahead guarantees the shows will not be sold out. Lime Kiln Theater is a non-profit, so all proceeds and donations go to the maintenance and upgrade of this unique outdoor theater.
607 Borden Road, Lexington, VA 24450
9. Chessie Nature Trail
Guests can take a stroll through the Chessie Nature Trail, a 7-mile path that connects Lexington to Buena Vista, VA. Originally part of the C & O railway system, the old railbed and Maury River guide visitors along the path as it winds through farmland, forests, and open fields. At one point, the railroad bridge was removed, so hikers need to take a small detour from the trail to cross the river. The Virginia Military Institute often uses the trail for practice marches and a 5K puts marathoners on the trail annually. Along with people, hikers can see everything from minks to bald eagles. At the Buena Vista trailhead, guests find great fishing waters, including trout and bass.
Lexington, VA 24450
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