Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is anchored by a vibrant downtown district filled with historic architecture, local galleries and a handful of Civil War museums. It's also a great base for exploring Shenandoah National Park, famous for its lush wetlands, cascading waterfalls and rugged peaks.
Things to do in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is home to Virginia's first official Arts and Cultural District. The historic 10-block neighbourhood is brimming with characterful 19th-century architecture, trendy cafes and independent boutiques. You'll also find art galleries and pint-sized cultural attractions, including the colourful Virginia Quilt Museum with its historic and contemporary quilt displays.
Dive headfirst into Civil War history at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Centre. Using interpretive displays, films and guided walking tours, it offers a fascinating glimpse at famous Shenandoah Valley battles like Cross Keys, Port Republic and Piedmont.
For adventure seekers, Harrisonburg is a gateway to the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains, with the Swift Run Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park just 30 kilometres from the Harrisonburg town centre. From here you can hike sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
Harrisonburg is surrounded by a patchwork of farms, so why not embark on a self-guided agriculture tour? From hayrides to barnyard animals, Back Home on the Farm Adventures offers family-friendly fun. You can sample handcrafted dairy products at the Mt. Crawford Creamery and stock up on soap at White Oak Lavender Farm.
Getting around Harrisonburg
The easiest way to explore Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley is by car. The drive to Shenandoah National Park is around 30 minutes and a trip to Washington DC takes two hours. Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport is 20 minutes out of town.