Location: Harrisonburg
Top Things to do in Harrisonburg
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The 9 Best Museums in Harrisonburg, Virginia (VA)
Harrisonburg is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley region of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 48,914, with a census-estimated 2016 population of 53,078. Harrisonburg is the county seat of the surrounding Rockingham County, although the two are separate jurisdictions. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Harrisonburg with Rockingham County for statistical purposes into the Harrisonburg, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a 2011 estimated population of 126,562.
Restaurants in Harrisonburg
1. Explore More Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By GrandmaGrandpatime - Leeds, United States
We had a great time at the museum! My triplet grandchildren are 7. We were visiting Massanutten Resort and decided to take the drive. I was a bit concerned about the area after what I had seen on the television and the racial tensions that are well documented.....BUT what a lovely section of the city we experienced. The people we encountered were very friendly, warm and inviting. The hands on activities were awesome! The kids were able to touch EVERYTHING! When you are 7 and curious, what a treat!!
2. John C. Wells Planetarium
3. Mineral Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
4. Virginia Quilt Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
The Commonwealth is proud to call the Virginia Quilt Museum its official quilt museum. Nestled in the heart of Harrisonburg's downtown historic district, the Museum is considered a resource center for the study of quilts and their place in the cultural lives of Virginians. The Museum offers rotating exhibits of antique and contemporary quilts from its collection, other institutions, and private collections. Additionally, the Museum works to further its educational mission by hosting workshops and lectures.
Reviewed By willc586 - Norfolk, United States
Charming, old school historical building (was Warren Sipe's home back in the day) that was well-repurposed into this delightful gem of a small museum. It's creaky in places, has paint peeling off some of the walls, a slightly musty smell of history in the air all which adds to the homage to the quilter. Elvis was in the spotlight on the second floor which was the entrance floor. Who knew that hound dogs, returned letters and jailhouses could look so good in stitchery? The beauty, exquisite and time-intensive details of the workmanship, and the obvious talents that made all of the quilts on all three floors--what a privilege to behold! The collection of old sewing machines made one appreciate the evolution of the modern machines that are available now. This is not a large museum but I believe that is part of the ambiance of the collection; some of the displays are changed during certain times of the year. It's a quiet and appealing place to spend some quality time with an organic art.
5. Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center shares and celebrates the historical and spiritual legacies of Brethren and Mennonites in the Shenandoah Valley. These two faith traditions emphasize peace and non-violence, the priority of spiritual over material values, disaster relief and voluntary service, care for neighbors, stewardship of the land, and the role of the faith community in discernment and practice. At the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, visitors and volunteers alike engage with these values and faith traditions through stories, artifacts, historic buildings, and experiential learning opportunities. The 24-acre campus of the Heritage Center features historic buildings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, interpretive displays, and stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley--a hidden gem that is not to be missed!
Reviewed By LMOverby - Columbia, United States
An interesting site that offers delightful, personal tours and an introduction the Brethren and Mennonite traditions. My guide, J. D. Glick, is a retired Brethren pastor and gave me a wonderful, insightful tour of the log cabins, blacksmith shop, cobbler's shop, combination one room schoolhouse and church, and larger 19th century bishop's home. I planned on about an hour visit, but was there for over two hours. Highly recommended.
6. Larkin Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Larkin Arts is a community-minded art center, committed to promoting and supporting artists and enthusiasts of all ages and levels by providing quality art products, education, exhibits and working studio space.
7. Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum
8. Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Curiosity41901369269
Visit visited the Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing. It's a free self-guided tour. The museum is located in the Hugo Kolh Studio where Mr. Kolh is present creating jewelry. Visitors are able to watch him design but respectfully requested not to speak with/ask questions. You can stand there as long as you want watching him making by hand with no help from a computer his beautiful jewelry. Museum area is filled with antique jewelry making machines dating back to the early 1800s. That was very interesting. One is able to purchase or order specifically designed jewelry from Mr. Kolh. One of his employees named Anna was very accommodating and informative about Kohl's creations/apparati used. The jewelry museum is located in the old Ice House building built in 1934. There are also many other businesses/eateries in the Ice House area plus antique machines from the ice house.
