Lexington Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Lexington is a charming city in the heart of Virginia. Known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic American experience.

History buffs will be enthralled by Lexington's significant role in the Civil War. The city was home to both the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University, which served as hospitals during the war. Visitors can explore the historic campuses and immerse themselves in the stories of soldiers and scholars who walked these hallowed grounds. The Stonewall Jackson House, where Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson lived, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this legendary figure.

Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Outdoor activities abound, from hiking and biking along the scenic trails of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to kayaking and fishing in the pristine waters of the Maury River. The Natural Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, is a must-see attraction. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, is a towering limestone arch that spans 215 feet high and 90 feet wide.

Lexington's vibrant cultural scene adds another layer of allure to this enchanting city. Art lovers can explore the many galleries showcasing local talent, while music aficionados can enjoy live performances at the Lime Kiln Theater, an outdoor venue nestled in a picturesque quarry. Foodies will delight in the diverse culinary offerings, from farm-to-table dining experiences to charming cafes serving up Southern comfort food.

As the sun sets, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along Lexington's Main Street, lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. The city's small-town charm is enhanced by its friendly locals, who are always eager to share their love for their beloved hometown.

Alternative names: Population: 7.3 thous.Area: 2.52 mi²Elevation: 1030 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°47'7"N, 79°26'31"W

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VirginiaUnited States

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Lexington Top Attractions

Lexington Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lexington offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: University Chapel, Natural Bridge, Stonewall Jackson House, Oak Grove Cemetery. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Church • History museum
University Chapel
University Chapel of Washington and Lee University is a National Historic Landmark in Lexington, Virginia. It was constructed during 1867–68 at the request of Robert E.
Arch • Geologic formation • Historical place
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is a geological formation in Rockbridge County, Virginia, comprising a 215-foot-high natural arch with a span of 90 feet.
Historical place • Museum • Military museum
Stonewall Jackson House
The Stonewall Jackson House, located at 8 East Washington Street in the Historic District of Lexington, Virginia, was the residence of Confederate general Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson from 1858 to 1861.

Monuments and statues • Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery
The Oak Grove Cemetery, originally known as the Presbyterian Cemetery, is located on South Main Street in downtown Lexington, Virginia, less than a mile from the campuses of Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.
Museum • Military museum
George C. Marshall Foundation
The George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia, was commissioned by President Harry S. Truman in order to preserve the papers of General George C. Marshall. Marshall served as Army chief of staff, secretary of state and defense and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for the Marshall Plan.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Lexington Presbyterian Church
Lexington Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church building at Main and Nelson Streets in Lexington, Virginia. It was designed by architect Thomas U. Walter in 1843, and completed in 1845.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church, originally known as Lexington African Baptist Church, is a historic Baptist church building in the city of Lexington, Virginia, United States.
Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
Hull's Drive In
Hull's Drive In is a 319-space drive-in theatre in Lexington, Virginia, one of the seven drive-in theatres still currently operating in Virginia.
Gothic Revival architecture • Universities and schools
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Military Institute is a public senior military college in Lexington, Virginia. It was founded in 1839 as America's first state military college and is the oldest public senior military college in the United States.
Garden • Park
Boxerwood Gardens
Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden is a 15-acre arboretum featuring both native and unusual plant specimens, located within a larger preserve at 963 Ross Road near Lexington in Rockbridge County, Virginia, United States in the Shenandoah Valley.
37°47'14"N • 79°26'37"W
Washington and Lee University
Historical place • Universities and schools
Neighbourhood
Washington and Lee University Historic District
The Washington and Lee University Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing the historic core elements of the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
37°47'30"N • 79°25'19"W
Renegade Art Glass
Museum • Shopping
Gothic Revival architecture
Barracks
The Old Barracks is a historic building on the campus of the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. Built in 1848 and repeatedly enlarged and redesigned by a succession of architects, it includes at its core the oldest surviving building of the campus.
37°47'22"N • 79°26'14"W
Preston Library at Virginia Military Institute
Library
Greek Revival architecture • Interesting neighbourhood
Lexington Historic District
The Lexington Historic District is a national historic district located at Lexington, Virginia. It includes 11 contributing buildings on 600 acres and dates from 1823. It includes Greek Revival, Queen Anne, "Picturesque Cottage", and other architecture.
Georgian architecture
Col Alto
Col Alto is a historic home located at Lexington, Virginia. The original section was built about 1827, and is a two-story, double-pile, three-bay, Georgian style brick dwelling with a hipped roof. In the 1930s, the house was remodeled, enlarged, and modernized by architect William Lawrence Bottomley.
Georgian architecture
Mulberry Hill
Mulberry Hill is a historic house located at Lexington, Virginia. It was built in at least four different building periods that range from the late-18th century to the early 20th century. The original section was built about 1798.
Greek Revival architecture
Blandome
Blandome is a historic hilltop home built circa 1830 and located overlooking the downtown area and within the city limits of Lexington, Virginia.

Day trips

Lexington – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lexington, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Berglund Center (Roanoke), Crabtree Falls (Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area), The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs).

44 milesSW
Sport venue, Civic center, Sport
Berglund Center, Roanoke
The Berglund Center, formerly known as the Roanoke Civic Center, is a beacon of entertainment and community events in Roanoke, Virginia. This versatile arena, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a plethora of events ranging from concerts...
20 milesE
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Park
Crabtree Falls, Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia, off of Virginia State Route 56.
48 milesW
Casino, Gambling, Military museum
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier is a luxury resort located in the Allegheny Mountains near White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, in the United States. Since 1778, visitors have traveled to this part of the state to "take the waters" of the area.
45 milesSW
Museum, Art museum, Postmodern architecture
Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke
The Taubman Museum of Art, formerly the Art Museum of Western Virginia, is an art museum in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, United States. It was designed by architect Randall Stout.
47 milesNE
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Grand Caverns, Grottoes
Grand Caverns, formerly known as Weyer's Cave, is located in the central Shenandoah Valley in the town of Grottoes, Virginia, United States. A limestone cavern, it claims the distinction of being America's oldest show cave, in operation since 1806.