In Lexington, historic museums and marked sites meet trails along a river, through a preserve, and through nature in the downtown area. You can therefore choose different priorities for your stay: explore collections and local history, or set aside time for hiking trails.
Museums and History in Lexington
Lexington's carefully preserved downtown is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. One site with its own history is University Chapel: it was completed in 1868 at the request of Robert E. Lee, who was then president of Washington College. The Old Barracks is also a prominent example of the area's historic heritage and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
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 a collection of 20,000 artifacts. The Reeves Collection offers a distinct perspective on everyday life and design 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 the Japanese tea ceremony.
The Jackson House Museum was carefully restored in 1979 to reflect the period when the Jacksons lived there. Thomas Jackson's home in Lexington has been a museum and historic site since 1954. The visitor experience includes a kitchen garden, an exhibition gallery, and a museum shop; visitor offerings may change. Those interested in the history of Black residents can explore “Unheard Voices of Black Lexington,” a collection of 15 sites documenting their history and contributions.
Several marked sites in Lexington are part of the Civil War Trail, including the Jackson House Museum, University Chapel at W&L, the VMI Museum, Jordan's Point, and Jackson's grave at Oak Grove Cemetery. This offers a different way to explore local history than looking at museum collections. Shops in Downtown Lexington offer fine art, gifts made in Virginia, jewelry, and other goods; the selection may change over time.
Visiting Hours, Tour, and Orientation
The museums and galleries of Washington and Lee University welcome visitors free of charge during the stated visiting hours. Check the current hours before your visit. A guided walking tour of the historic VMI Post takes 40 to 50 minutes. The stated meeting time is 12:15 p.m. in the lobby of the VMI Museum on the second floor of Memorial Hall. Availability depends on the semester, so confirm the current schedule before traveling.
The Lexington Visitor Center provides a free map for a walking tour of 46 historic sites in Downtown Lexington. You can find it at 106 E. Washington Street. As visitor materials may be updated, it is worth checking the latest edition. This can help you decide in advance whether to focus on downtown sites, a museum, or a guided tour.
Hiking Trails and Nature
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 network of 14 miles of trails, consisting mostly of wooded paths and former logging roads. Only passive recreation is permitted in the preserve; check the city's current guidelines before visiting.
The Woods Creek Trail follows Woods Creek through nature in downtown Lexington. The hiking route is 2ÂĽ miles one way. The trail provides habitat for deer and other wildlife; the section at the Virginia Military Institute offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When comparing distances, note the different measurements: the Chessie Nature Trail is a seven-mile rail-trail, Brushy Hills refers to the length of a trail network, and the Woods Creek Trail distance is stated one way.
If you're looking for a hotel in Lexington, you can start by choosing where to stay based on your planned focus: museums and historic sites, collections, or outdoor trails.
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