Things to do in Lexington
George C. Marshall Museum/Virginia Military Institute
George C. Marshall graduated from VMI in 1901 and served his country as Army Chief of Staff during World War II, Ambassador to China, Secretary of State, President of the American Red Cross and Secretary of Defense. Exhibits in the museum trace the career of Marshall with particular emphasis on the eras of the two World Wars and the Marshall Plan. A 25-minute electric map presentation highlights the significant events of World War II. On display is the Nobel Peace Prize that was awarded to General Marshall in 1953. Open daily 9am – 5pm; closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Located on the grounds of VMI. Call 540-463-7103 for more information.
Lee Chapel and Museum
This National Historic Landmark was built in 1867 under Robert E. Lee's supervision. Lee and members of his family are buried beneath Lee Chapel on the Museum level. The famous statue by Edward Valentine portraying General Lee resting on the battlefield is located in the Chapel and Lee's office is preserved much as he left it for the last time on September 28, 1870. Open April - October Monday - Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm; November - March Monday - Saturday 9am – 4pm; Sunday 1- 4pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays. Call 540-463-8768 for more information.
Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA
Military Memorabilia Museum
The Military Memorabilia Museum offers a unique & extensive personal collection of military uniforms and artifacts primarily from Europe. You will find uniforms from Great Britain, France, Germany, the United States Armed Forces and much more. Guided tours are offered. Open April - October Wednesday - Friday noon – 5pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm. Call 540-464-3041 for more information.
122 ½ South Main Street, Lexington, VA
Natural Bridge Caverns
The Military Memorabilia Museum offers a unique & extensive personal collection of military uniforms and artifacts primarily from Europe. You will find uniforms from Great Britain, France, Germany, the United States Armed Forces and much more. Guided tours are offered Open April - October Wednesday - Friday noon – 5pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm. Call 800-533-1410 for more information.
Natural Bridge Park
This Park is one of Virginia's most cherished natural wonders. Rockbridge County derives its name from the formation. The natural bridge is 90 feet long, 150 feet wide at one end and 50 feet wide at another. The span contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock; if possible to weigh, the scales would show about 36,000 tons. The Bridge is a compelling reason for visitors to come to the area. The magnitude of the structure, the history of the bridge and the surrounding area, and the natural beauty of the nearby region are all enticing reasons for visitors to stop over and experience an unforgettable moment. Open during the summer months 8am – 10pm; winter months 8am – 6pm. Call 800-533-1410 for more information.
Route 11 South, Lexington, VA
Natural Bridge Wax Museum
Take a three dimensional trip through Shenandoah Valley history at the Natural Bridge Wax Museum. Featuring life replicas in scenes that will delight, amaze and inspire. Be entertained through the use of sound, light and animation. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, confederate soldiers, General Lee, Daniel Boone and 170 other life-like figures in narrated historical scenes. Open daily December -March 10am – 5pm; April, September - November 10am – 6pm; May - August 9am – 9pm. Call 800-533-1410 for more information.
Rockbridge Vineyard
Bridge Vineyard is located in the historic and beautiful countryside of Rockbridge County and is just twenty minutes north of downtown Lexington. The vineyard produces fine Virginia wines, which have won many awards in national and state competitions. Rockbridge Vineyard is open May through October for tours, tastings and various festivals. Call 540-377-6204 for more information.
30 Hill View Lane, Lexington, VA
Stonewall Jackson House
The Stonewall Jackson House is the only home that Thomas Jackson ever owned. It is a modest brick town house, built in 1801, with a mid-century stone addition at the back. The Stonewall Jackson House is furnished with many of Jackson's own possessions, as well as appropriate period pieces chosen to match items listed in Jackson's 1863 estate inventory. Guided tours, conducted on the hour and half hour, provide information on Jackson's family and early life, and the community in which he lived. Call 540-463-2552 for more information.
8 East Washington Street, Lexington, VA
Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery
The Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery began as the burial ground for the old Lexington Presbyterian Church in 1789. General Stonewall Jackson, 144 Confederate veterans, two Virginia governors (John Letcher and James McDowell) and Margaret Junkin Preston, the Civil War Poet Laureate of the South are buried in the cemetery. The statue of Stonewall Jackson was sculpted by Edward V. Valentine and dedicated July 21, 1891. Jackson and his family are buried beneath the statue. Call 540-463-3777 for more information.
South Main Street, Lexington, VA
Theater at the Lime Kiln
Where master stone masons once plied their trade and kilns burned red hot with the making of lime, professional actors and musicians now entertain audiences on summer nights. With a sky full of stars for a roof, an earthen floor and stonewalls for a stage, visitors to Theater at Lime Kiln quickly discover why it has been called "the most unusual theater setting in the United States." Plays, musicals and concerts uniquely blend regional history, music and heroes with the universal art of drama from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All plays begin at 8pm; all concerts begin at 7:30pm. Call 540-463-7088 for more information.
Lime Kiln Road, Lexington, VA
Virginia Horse Center
The Virginia Horse Center is a comprehensive facility to serve equine competition, education, marketing, travel & recreational interests for the world of horses and the people who breed, love and enjoy them. The Center is a reflection of the many different kinds of horsemanship and includes all breeds and disciplines. Times vary, but most shows are 10am – 10pm. Call 540-464-2950 for more information.
Route 39 West, Lexington, VA
Virginia Military Institute Museum
The Museum is in the lower level of Jackson Memorial Hall. Jackson Memorial Hall houses the Cadet Chapel and has a large oil painting depicting the VMI Cadet charge at the Battle of New Market in 1864. The VMI Museum contains exhibits that illustrate the history and traditions of the Institute. Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed for holidays in correlation with Virginia Military Institute. Call 540-464-7232 for more information.