Things to do in Lexington
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Region
Shenandoah Valley
Type
Historic city and college town
Setting
Along the Maury River
Known for
VMI, Washington and Lee, historic sites and the Chessie Nature Trail
Lexington is a compact destination for history-minded travelers who also want mountain scenery and time outdoors. Its downtown streets connect the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Washington and Lee University, museums and historic buildings, while the Chessie Nature Trail follows the Maury River toward Buena Vista. Start with a walk through town, then choose a museum or historic house; check each site’s current schedule before setting out, since access and hours vary. [1][2]
Plan a trip to Things to do in Lexington
Why go
Lexington combines a walkable historic center with two university campuses and a landscape of rivers, ridges and nearby valleys. Visitors can explore the public-facing museums and historic sites, learn about the city’s layered past, and spend part of the day on foot beside the Maury River. Downtown is also a good base for browsing local shops and taking in the architecture at an unhurried pace. [3]
Highlights
Historic downtown
Walk Washington Street and the surrounding blocks for historic buildings, independent shops and a close-up sense of Lexington’s compact town center. The downtown is listed on the state and national historic registers. [4]
Stonewall Jackson House
This downtown house museum interprets Jackson’s civilian life in Lexington—as a professor, church leader, businessman and husband—through guided tours of the historic home. Confirm tour availability, hours and admission directly with the site before visiting. [5][6]
Virginia Military Institute Museum
The museum presents VMI’s institutional history and collections. Visitors interested in the historic post can also check whether a cadet-led walking tour is running during their visit; schedules may change with the academic calendar. [7][8]
Washington and Lee University museums
W&L’s museums include the University Chapel and Galleries, Reeves Museum of Ceramics and Watson Galleries. Exhibitions, visitor policies and opening arrangements can vary, so check the university’s current visitor information before making this a fixed stop. [9][10]
First Baptist Church and Black history
First Baptist Church—originally Lexington African Baptist Church—is an important landmark in the history of Lexington’s Black community. The congregation traces its founding to 1867; the present church was built in 1894–95. Treat this as a respectful exterior visit unless the congregation or an official tour confirms access inside. [11]
Chessie Nature Trail
For a quieter counterpoint to museums and downtown, walk or bike part of this public trail along the Maury River. It follows a former railroad right of way between Lexington and Buena Vista; the surface is gravel and dirt, and VMI advises visitors to plan ahead because facilities are limited. [12]
History and character
Lexington’s story is visible in its street plan, historic buildings and institutions. The city’s identity is closely linked to VMI and Washington and Lee University, while historic sites also illuminate the lives and communities that shaped the town beyond its campuses. A visit can pair a university museum or historic house with a slow walk through downtown; for a broader perspective on local Black history, consult the tourism organization’s walking-tour material and the state’s historic-register information. [13][14]
The region’s outdoor appeal is part of the experience, not an afterthought: the Chessie Nature Trail offers a riverside route close to town, while the wider Rockbridge area opens onto mountain scenery and additional trails and natural landmarks. [15]
Planning a trip
- Allow time to walk. Downtown, the campuses and several historic attractions are close enough to combine on foot, though museum visits and campus walks can add substantial time.
- Check schedules before you go. Museum hours, tours, campus access and exhibitions can change. Confirm details with each attraction, especially around university breaks and holidays.
- Dress for the trail. The Chessie Nature Trail has a gravel-and-dirt surface, and its managing institution notes that facilities are limited. Wear suitable footwear, carry water and follow posted guidance. [16]
- Respect active institutions and neighborhoods. University grounds, churches and historic residences are working places, not just visitor attractions. Follow posted rules and avoid entering private property.
- Build in nearby scenery. If you have extra time, use Lexington as a base for exploring the wider Rockbridge area, including Natural Bridge State Park and Buena Vista, Virginia.
Explore nearby
Buena Vista, Virginia
A neighboring city at the other end of the Chessie Nature Trail.
Natural Bridge State Park
A nearby state park known for its dramatic natural arch and surrounding scenery.
Staunton, Virginia
Another Shenandoah Valley destination for historic streets, arts and museums.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The mountain landscape that frames outdoor trips across this part of Virginia.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Visiting Lexington, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ Chessie Trail, Virginia Military Institute.
- ↑ Downtown Lexington, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ Downtown Lexington, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ About the Stonewall Jackson House, Stonewall Jackson House.
- ↑ Visit, Stonewall Jackson House.
- ↑ VMI Museum, Virginia Military Institute.
- ↑ Visit VMI, Virginia Military Institute.
- ↑ Visitors, Washington and Lee University.
- ↑ Art Museum, Washington and Lee University.
- ↑ First Baptist Church, Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
- ↑ Chessie Trail, Virginia Military Institute.
- ↑ Historic Attractions, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ Black History Walking Tour, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ Visiting Lexington, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism.
- ↑ Chessie Trail, Virginia Military Institute.