Discover Shenandoah Valley: History and Nature

Meems Bottom Covered Bridge is 200 feet long and has a single span; it is the longest of the few remaining covered bridges in Virginia. Shenandoah County lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains. Along with the scenic views along several designated Virginia Byways, picturesque routes 11, 600, 675, 42 and 263 add to the appeal.

George Washington National Forest covers 75,349 acres in Shenandoah County. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River flows through the county’s rural landscape. If you’re planning scenic drives, check road conditions and Byway designations before setting out on a specific route.

Architecture and History

Built from local limestone in 1795, the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse is the oldest continuously used courthouse west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It also serves as a visitor information center and a museum of the historic courtroom. Check seasonal opening hours before your visit.

About 160 acres of the New Market Battlefield are preserved by the Commonwealth of Virginia as New Market Battlefield Historical Park. The restored Bushong House stands on the eastern edge of the battlefield; it was used as a hospital by both sides. Tours led by museum staff at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War offer insights into the Battle of New Market and the Civil War in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Check current tour arrangements in advance.

Built in 1848, Edinburg Mill offers a vivid glimpse into the history of Shenandoah Valley, with memorabilia, antiques, and old equipment and tools. The mill is also home to the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum. It is one of the few mills in Shenandoah Valley that Sheridan did not burn down during the Civil War. Fort Valley Museum is housed in Union Church at Dry Run, also known as Old Brick Church. The museum offers online access to a collection of recorded oral histories.

Caverns and Exhibits

Shenandoah Caverns are less than a mile from Interstate 81. The fully guided tours last about an hour and cover one mile. The caverns are open seven days a week, except December 25. Before traveling, check the holiday schedule and any seasonal operating notices.

American Celebration on Parade features more than 20 life-size parade floats, including floats from parades held for the inaugurations of U.S. presidents. Access is seasonal. If you’re interested in history and public pageantry, the attraction pairs well with a museum visit.

Seasonal Experiences and Local Traditions

In winter, Bryce Resort offers skiing and snowboarding on eight runs, accessible by a high-speed quad chairlift. Swimming, boating and fishing are available at Lake Laura at the resort; visitors can also hike the three-mile trail around the lake. Lake activities are seasonal. Check operating dates before making plans.

Held annually, Shenandoah County Fair features agricultural exhibits, rides, live entertainment, tractor pulls, children’s activities and classic fair food. Its dates change each year. Also held annually, Edinburg Ole Time Festival has a different focus, with historical reenactments, antique displays, traditional crafts, local art and live music. Check the dates for both events in the year you plan to travel.

At the Route 11 Potato Chips factory in Mount Jackson, visitors can watch chips being fried, sample them and buy them. The company is an agribusiness in Shenandoah County. When choosing a hotel, it’s worth first deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay: historic collections, cavern tours, scenic views and seasonal events each offer a different focus for planning your days.

Discover more destinations: New Market, Strasburg, Basye, Mount Jackson, Woodstock, Edinburg, Nelson County, Lynchburg.

For the broader travel overview: Virginia.