Things to Do in Lexington, Virginia

Nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Lexington, Virginia, boasts a rich history and a charming downtown. Here are a few must-see stops for those who love the past.

Lexington has a charming downtown historic district with a number of shops and restaurants. It’s listed on the national register of historic places.

Also downtown, you’ll find the Stonewall Memorial Cemetery. Stonewall Jackson along with two Virginia governors and 144 confederate veterans are buried here.

This historic home features an excellent collection of Jackson’s furnishings and personal items. Civil War buffs will not want to miss this site.

The college was founded in 1749 as the Liberty Academy, and later renamed for George Washington. It was here that Robert E. Lee retreated to at the end of the Civil War. He spent the rest of his life rebuilding the college in the War’s aftermath with only 40 students attending when he arrived. There were 400 by the time of his death in 1870. In honor of his efforts, the school was renamed once again as Washington and Lee, a name it has kept to this day.

Located below the Jackson Memorial Hall, the VMI Museum exhibits deeds of valor performed by alumni over the years. The museum is free of charge and it is from here that cadet tours begin.

William Wilson, a local merchant, postmaster, and treasurer of Washington College, built the house in 1820. The property consisted of an icehouse, a smoke house, a stable, a carriage house, a large garden, and two small buildings.

Editor's Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Lexington things to do.