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Day Trips from Harrisonburg

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Day Trips from Harrisonburg: Historic Sites & Museums

Explore the best historic sites, museums, and landmarks within driving distance of Harrisonburg, VA. Battlefields, heritage towns, and world-class museums that bring history to life. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 historic sites near Harrisonburg

Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Antietam National Battlefield

Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Just 1 hr 52 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.9 stars by 1,749 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 52 min4.9 (1,749)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Howison Hill, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Howison Hill

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Just 2 hrs 5 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 5 min4.8 (24)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Port Republic Battlefield Marker, Port Republic, VA 24471

Port Republic Battlefield Marker

Port Republic, VA 24471

Just 26 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

26 min4.8 (12)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Gettysburg Battlefield: Lee’s Headquarters, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Gettysburg Battlefield: Lee’s Headquarters

Gettysburg, PA 17325

Just 2 hrs 30 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.8 stars by 379 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 30 min4.8 (379)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg, VA 23803

Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg, VA 23803

Just 2 hrs 28 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 672 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

2 hrs 28 min4.7 (672)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Bolivar, WV 25425

Bolivar Heights Battlefield

Bolivar, WV 25425

Just 1 hr 41 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 41 min4.7 (81)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Manassas National Battlefield, Manassas, VA 20109

Manassas National Battlefield

Manassas, VA 20109

Just 1 hr 35 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 35 min4.7 (62)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Just 2 hrs 5 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 1,521 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 5 min4.7 (1,521)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA 20109

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas, VA 20109

Just 1 hr 32 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 5,175 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 32 min4.7 (5,175)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market, VA 22844

Virginia Museum of the Civil War

New Market, VA 22844

Just 25 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 768 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

25 min4.7 (768)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, New Market, VA 22844

New Market Battlefield State Historical Park

New Market, VA 22844

Just 25 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 204 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

25 min4.7 (204)HistoryNature$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Ben Lomond Historic Site, Manassas, VA 20109

Ben Lomond Historic Site

Manassas, VA 20109

Just 1 hr 37 min from Harrisonburg, rated 4.7 stars by 136 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 37 min4.7 (136)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Sites Day Trips from Harrisonburg

What are the best historic sites near Harrisonburg, VA?

The best historic sites near Harrisonburg include museums, battlefields, heritage villages, and architectural landmarks. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and ratings.

Are there free museums near Harrisonburg?

Yes. Many historic sites and some museums near Harrisonburg offer free admission or suggested donations. State and national historic sites are often free or very low cost. Check the budget estimates on each card.

What historic towns are near Harrisonburg?

Several well-preserved historic towns within driving distance of Harrisonburg feature walkable downtown districts, period architecture, and local museums. These make excellent full-day trips combined with lunch and shopping.

When is the best time to visit historic sites near Harrisonburg?

Historic sites and museums are great year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor sites and battlefields. Many sites host special events and reenactments in summer and around holidays.

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