Lexington: History, Museums and Nature Trails

Lexington offers a range of options for a trip, from historical collections and marked sites to trails through forest and river landscapes. Those interested in cultural history can compare the themes of the museums and historic sites; outdoors, the trails vary in length and type. This lets you plan around the interests that matter for your stay.

History and Collections in Lexington

Lexington’s carefully preserved downtown is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. University Chapel was completed in 1868 at the request of Robert E. Lee, who was president of Washington College. Old Barracks is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Historic buildings stand alongside collections with a variety of focuses.

The VMI Museum was founded in 1845 and was the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It collects, preserves, interprets and presents the heritage of the Virginia Military Institute through 20,000 artifacts. The Reeves Collection comprises 6,000 objects made of earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Its time span ranges from 4,000-year-old Chinese pots to contemporary bowls used in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Thomas Jackson’s home in Lexington has been a museum and historic site since 1954. In 1979, the Jackson House Museum was carefully restored to its appearance when the Jacksons lived there. Visitor amenities include a kitchen garden, an exhibition gallery and a museum shop; these offerings may change. The museums and galleries of Washington and Lee University welcome visitors free of charge during the visiting hours listed on the website. Check the hours before your visit, as visiting hours and access may change.

Historic Sites and Visitor Information

In Lexington, the Civil War Trail includes marked sites such as the Jackson House Museum, University Chapel at W&L, the VMI Museum, Jordan’s Point and Jackson’s grave at Oak Grove Cemetery. “Unheard Voices of Black Lexington” focuses on a different theme: this collection of 15 sites documents the history and contributions of Lexington’s Black residents.

For a walking tour of Downtown Lexington, the Lexington Visitor Center provides a free map featuring 46 historic sites. The Visitor Center is located at 106 E. Washington Street. Visitor materials may be revised; if you plan to use the map, check that you have the current version.

The shops in Downtown Lexington also offer a glimpse of the local selection, including visual art, Virginia-made gifts, jewelry and other goods. The selection may change. Along with the historic sites, a shopping stroll offers a different view of downtown than a focus on museums and collections.

Trails Along the River and Through the Woods

The trails vary in length and type: the Chessie Nature Trail is a seven-mile rail-trail that runs parallel to the Maury River from East Lexington to Buena Vista. Brushy Hills Preserve is a 560-acre watershed with a 14-mile trail network consisting mostly of forest paths and former logging roads. The Woods Creek Trail follows Woods Creek through nature in Downtown Lexington and is 2¼ miles long, measured one way.

Only passive recreation is permitted at Brushy Hills Preserve. City access information may change, so check the latest guidance before visiting. Habitats along the Woods Creek Trail provide space for deer and other wildlife. The section at the Virginia Military Institute offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The three options therefore differ not only in trail length but also in how they are described: as a rail-trail, a trail network or a one-way route.

The walking tour of the historic VMI Post takes 40 to 50 minutes. It meets at 12:15 p.m. in the lobby of the VMI Museum on the second floor of Memorial Hall. Availability depends on the academic semester, so check the current schedule before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Hampton, Danville, Martinsville

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