Welcome To Harrisonburg

Quick Facts
Population Harrisonburg 46,000 Rockingham County 75,000
Average Temperature January 33'F (1"C) July 73'F (23'C)
Elevation Downtown Harrisonburg 1352

Some towns nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley are quaint and sleepy. Not Harrisonburg. Trendy, locally-owned restaurants, museums, and art galleries connect historic downtown Harrisonburg to James Madison University, creating one of Virginia’s first designated Arts & Cultural District. This 10-block walk passes the Virginia Quilt Museum, Explore More Discovery Museum, Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market, Oasis Art Gallery, Valley Turnpike Museum, and parts of two National Historic Districts.

Dine at an array of international restaurants including Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Greek, Caribbean, and Cuban and sample local wine at the new CrossKeys Vineyard.

Stay at one of Harrisonburg’s countless hotels or historic homes turned into contemporary B&Bs. Relax at the Joshua Wilton House (where Richard Dreyfuss honeymooned in 2006), in the mountain woodlands at Mountain Valley Retreat, or somewhere in between.

But the true value of Shenandoah Valley lies in the great outdoors. Bike the Rocktown Trails, play one of four golf courses, and explore the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Join anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic and let the experts at Mossy Creek Fly Fishing help plan your fishing trip.  Hunt and fish in the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest, or enjoy camping and horseback riding in Shenandoah National Park, both within an hour’s drive of the city core.

Take your exploration underground at Grand Caverns or Luray Caverns, the area’s largest cavern.

Harrisonburg was ranked nationallly by Backpacker Magazine as a top spot for families to “beat nature deficit disorder.”

Just minutes from Harrisonburg you’ll find Massanutten Four Season Resort, a sprawling 6,000-acre resort featuring two recreation centers, an indoor/outdoor water park, golf courses, snow sports, new spa, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

While exploring, leave time for local favorites. Visit Silver Lake Mill and Dayton Farmer’s Market, or visit the modern campus of Eastern Mennonite University, where they hold an excellent Bach music festival each June.

Ready to delve deeper into Harrisonburg culture? Stroll around the scenic campus of Bridgewater College—Virginia’s oldest coeducational college, tour the Harrisonburg - Rockingham Heritage museum, Crossroads Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center, or plan to come in August during the Rockingham County Fair, named Virginia’s finest agricultural fair 12 years running.

Plan your Adventure today visit the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center or request a free Visitor Guide.