Lexington: History and Trails in Virginia

Lexington combines historic sites with trails through nature and town. Families can choose between cultural history and outdoor activity: a walking tour leads to historic sites in downtown, while short and longer hiking options offer different ways to plan an outing. This mix also shapes the search for the right vacation rental: consider whether you mainly want to explore downtown or set aside time for trails and scenery.

Experience History at Historic Sites

Lexington’s carefully preserved downtown is listed in the state and national registers of historic places. The Lexington Visitor Center provides a free map for a walking tour of 46 historic sites in downtown. You’ll find the Visitor Center at 106 E. Washington Street. The map gives families a practical starting point for taking in historic places as they explore downtown.

Stops on the Civil War Trail in Lexington include the Jackson House Museum, the University Chapel at W&L, the VMI Museum, Jordan’s Point, and Jackson’s grave at Oak Grove Cemetery. The University Chapel was completed in 1868 at the request of Robert E. Lee, president of Washington College. Those interested in learning about different aspects of local history will also find “Unheard Voices of Black Lexington,” a series of 15 sites documenting the history and contributions of Black residents of Lexington.

The Jackson House has been a museum and historic site since 1954. In 1979, it was carefully restored to its condition during the Jacksons’ occupancy. The historic house experience includes a kitchen garden, an exhibition gallery, and a museum shop. The VMI Museum was founded in 1845 and was the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its collection of 20,000 artifacts serves to collect, preserve, interpret, and present the heritage of the Virginia Military Institute. Old Barracks is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Museums, Collections, and Downtown

The Reeves Collection also offers a distinctive way to explore cultural history. Its 6,000 objects include earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. The collection spans from Chinese pots dating back 4,000 years to contemporary bowls for Japanese tea ceremonies. The museums and galleries at Washington and Lee University welcome visitors free of charge during the visiting hours listed on their website. Those interested in art and culture can factor these institutions into their plans and check visiting hours in advance.

In addition to historic sites, downtown Lexington has shops offering fine art, Virginia-made gifts, jewelry, and other goods. This makes it easy to complement an interest in history with a look at art and regional products, without devoting the day to a single museum.

Trails Between Town and Nature

The Woods Creek Trail follows Woods Creek through nature in downtown Lexington and is an easy 2¼-mile hike. The trail provides habitat for deer and other wildlife. The section by the Virginia Military Institute offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These trail features make it an option for those who want to combine a walk with wildlife viewing and mountain views.

For a longer route, consider the Chessie Nature Trail: this seven-mile rail-trail runs parallel to the Maury River from East Lexington to Buena Vista. Brushy Hills Preserve, meanwhile, encompasses 560 acres of watershed and a 14-mile trail network. The trails are mostly forest paths and former logging roads; the area is reserved exclusively for passive recreation. Which option suits your trip depends on how much time you want to set aside for longer routes and whether you prefer a rail-trail or forest paths.

For a guided historic experience, a 40- to 50-minute walking tour takes you through the historic VMI Post. Meet at 12:15 p.m. in the lobby of the VMI Museum on the second floor of Memorial Hall. If historic sites and museums are to be the focus, a vacation rental in Lexington can serve as a base for a stay planned around them.

You can also include other nearby places in your trip plans: Danville, Harrisonburg, Martinsville, Waynesboro, and Hampton.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.