Rockbridge County · Shenandoah Valley

Lexington, Virginia

Lexington is the southernmost classic Valley town — Washington & Lee and the Virginia Military Institute share the downtown, and red-brick architecture runs to the courthouse and back.

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Lexington's compact downtown holds the W&L colonnade, the VMI parade ground, the Stonewall Jackson House, and a string of independent restaurants and cafés in walking distance of each other. The Natural Bridge of Virginia (a 215-foot limestone arch once owned by Thomas Jefferson) is 15 minutes south. The Maury River runs through town and offers swimming holes, a tubing run, and Goshen Pass for scenic drives.

Highlights

Washington & Lee colonnade and VMI parade ground
Natural Bridge of Virginia State Park, 15 minutes south
Goshen Pass scenic drive on Route 39
Stonewall Jackson House and Lee Chapel
Boxerwood Nature Center for families

Frequently asked about Lexington

What is Lexington, VA known for?

Lexington is best known for being home to Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute, the Natural Bridge of Virginia just south of town, and a historic downtown with antebellum architecture.

How far is Lexington from Roanoke?

Lexington is about 55 minutes north of Roanoke on Interstate 81.

Is Lexington VA worth visiting?

Yes — for a small town it has an unusual density of history, two college campuses, and easy access to the Natural Bridge and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

More Valley towns

Harrisonburg

Independent restaurants, breweries, and a walkable downtown.

Staunton

Best-preserved downtown architecture in the Valley.

Luray

Closest base to Shenandoah National Park's Central District.

Front Royal

Northern gateway to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah River.