Things to do in Lexington, Virginia
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Region
Shenandoah Valley
Type
Historic city and college town
Setting
Rockbridge County, near the Blue Ridge Mountains
Known for
Historic downtown, Washington and Lee University, and Virginia Military Institute
Lexington is a compact Shenandoah Valley city where a walkable downtown, two college campuses, and a layered local history make for a rewarding visit. Start with the streets and historic sites in town, then choose between museums, a riverside trail, or a drive to Natural Bridge State Park. The local tourism organization offers visitor information, maps, and current event listings; check directly with individual attractions before you go, since hours, access, and programs can change.[1]
Plan a trip to Things to do in Lexington
Why go
Lexington suits visitors who like to explore at a walking pace. Downtown's historic streets and architecture are close to Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI), while regional trails and natural landmarks offer a change of scene. You can build a short visit around downtown and one museum, or stay longer to add a river walk, a performance or event, and a day trip into Rockbridge County.
The city's history is not one story. Its colleges and historic sites invite reflection on education, military history, slavery, race, and the ways communities remember the past. Walking-tour resources include a guide to Black history in Lexington as well as broader historic routes.[2]
Highlights
Pick up a walking-tour map from the visitor center and explore downtown buildings, residential streets, and campus routes. The tourism guide describes several themed walks, including downtown, Washington and Lee University, and VMI; check current visitor-center information before setting out.[3]
Explore exhibits on VMI and its alumni, including military and civilian careers. The museum's current visitor information lists hours, admission, and details about campus tours; confirm these before visiting.[4]
Jackson House Museum
The house interprets the life of Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and his household in Lexington. It is part of the VMI Museum System; check the museum's current schedule and visitor information before planning a visit.[5]
University Chapel and Galleries
On the Washington and Lee University campus, the chapel is now used primarily as a museum, with gallery spaces and the Lee family mausoleum. The university advises visitors to check its current schedule and policies, which can change for university events or weather.[6]
Make a nearby excursion to see the limestone arch and hike park trails. The Cedar Creek Trail passes under the bridge toward Lace Falls; the route includes stairs, so check the park's current accessibility and visitor guidance before you go.[7]
Chessie Nature Trail
Follow the Maury River along a seven-mile trail connecting Lexington and Buena Vista. The route uses a former railroad bed and canal towpath and passes farmland and historic canal remains; check trail guidance and conditions before walking or biking.[8]
History and character
Lexington's built landscape brings together downtown streets, Washington and Lee University, and VMI. Historic tours can help visitors understand how these places relate to the city's past, while individual museums offer more focused interpretation. The University Chapel and Galleries, for example, present the history of the building and its changing roles; the Jackson House Museum interprets Jackson's home and household; and the VMI Museum explores the institute's history and alumni.
The city's history also includes the experiences and contributions of Black residents. Lexington's Black History Walking Tour traces sites in downtown and the Green Hill and Diamond Hill neighborhoods, bringing attention to local institutions, businesses, and people often overlooked in broad accounts of the past.[9] Visitors can use that tour alongside other historic routes for a fuller picture of the community.
Planning a trip
Downtown and the campuses are close enough to combine on foot, though routes and campus access vary. The local visitor center provides maps and area information; check its current hours before you arrive. If you plan to visit a museum, campus, or special event, confirm opening times, admission, access arrangements, and any closures with the official site.
For a first visit, allow time for a downtown walk and choose one or two museum stops rather than trying to see everything at once. Add more time if you plan to walk the Chessie Nature Trail or make the drive to Natural Bridge State Park. The park's Cedar Creek Trail includes a stairway, and its current visitor information describes available accessibility arrangements; contact the park ahead of time if you have access questions.[10]
Explore nearby
Buena Vista, Virginia
Visit the neighboring city at the other end of the Chessie Nature Trail.
Natural Bridge State Park
Explore a major natural landmark, trails, and park exhibits in nearby Rockbridge County.
Shenandoah Valley
Use Lexington as a base for exploring the region's towns, landscapes, and historic sites.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Find mountain scenery and outdoor destinations beyond the city.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Visitor's Guide, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Development. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Black History Walking Tour, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Development. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Walkable Downtown Lexington, Virginia, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Development. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ VMI Museum, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Jackson House Museum, Virginia Military Institute. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ University Chapel and Galleries, Washington and Lee University. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Chessie Trail, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Development. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Black History Walking Tour, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Development. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.