10 Things to do in Harrisonburg That You Shouldn't Miss

July 20, 2021 Brandee Mangan

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

150 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3629 +1 540-442-8900 [email protected] http://www.iexploremore.com
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

Explore More Discovery Museum

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

91 E Grace St JMU - Miller Hall 1103, Harrisonburg, VA 22807-1014 +1 540-568-4071 http://www.jmu.edu/planetarium/
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

John C. Wells Planetarium

3. Mineral Museum

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 +1 540-568-6421 [email protected] http://sites.jmu.edu/mineralmuseum/
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Mineral Museum

4. The Barn at Creekside Farm

917 Muddy Creek Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802-0113 +1 540-830-1283 [email protected] http://thebarnatcreekside.com
Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

The Barn at Creekside Farm

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, just minutes west of Harrisonburg, this transformed bank barn dates back to 1885. From vintage decor to fresh picks, experience The Barn for one-of-a-kind treasures in a one-of-a-kind setting. Open the 2nd weekend of every month. Saturday 9 am - 5 pm. Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm. See schedule for additional special days that we are open.

5. The Friendly Fermenter

20 S Mason St Suite B10, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-4020 [email protected] http://friendlyfermenter.com
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Friendly Fermenter

Reviewed By Hokie67 - Lexington, United States

This seems like you're walking into someone's basement home brew room. And it is in many ways. It looks like it's home brew shop that sells its 'home brew' on tap and you can buy your equipment and ingredients here. My wife, who loves IPA's, went with the Ruin Jason double IPA. Any double or triple IPA is a true test of a Brewmeister. And this one passed with flying colors - as the added hops were there to add character not just mo' bitter. I had a Big Toby - an Imperial Red. It could have used a little more oomph, but was a delightful sipper. BTW, you can get a 4 OZ glass, which was what we both had after a huge lunch with a drive home awaiting us. Plus - you can get your Shenandoah Beerwerks Passport stamped! It's small with tough parking nearby, but if circle a few times you'll find something. But - this is true anywhere in downtown H'burg.

6. Massanutten Regional Library

174 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3629 +1 540-434-4475 [email protected] http://www.mrlib.org
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Massanutten Regional Library

We strive to be a highly visible center for culture, technology, and knowledge, serving the wide-ranging needs of our diverse community. Come read and learn with us at Bridgewater, Broadway, Elkton, Grottoes, Harrisonburg, Luray, & Shenandoah. One library card. Seven libraries that inform, inspire, connect!

7. Elevation Sports

1925 E Market St Ste 302, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3432 +1 540-705-0951 [email protected] http://www.goelevationsports.com/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 63 reviews

Elevation Sports

Elevation Sports is the Shenandoah Valley's premier provider of Bubble Soccer, Combat Archery, and Nerf Wars. We provide Unforgettable Experiences by offering unique, family-friendly recreational activities that promote health and wellness through physical exercise! Enjoy walk-in Pay & Play as well as pre-booked reservations with your family or a group of friends! Also offering Party & Event reservations for exclusive use of our facilities!

Reviewed By leonardf2020

Walked by this spot in the mall and had An awesome nerf battle with Sean, Billy, and a couple good friends!! If your looking for something to do outside of the Massanutten resort this is a great option!

8. Virginia Quilt Museum

301 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3606 +1 540-433-3818 [email protected] http://www.vaquiltmuseum.org/
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Virginia Quilt Museum

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.

9. White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard

5060 Newcomer Ln, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-2403 +1 540-421-6345 http://www.whiteoaklavender.com
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 490 reviews

White Oak Lavender Farm & The Purple WOLF Vineyard

White Oak Lavender and the Purple WOLF Vineyard is a year round venue. We offer wine tasting and we have a beautiful gift shop. From Memorial weekend to Labor day there are daily guided farm tours one hour after opening. Private tours and group experiences are available by reservation at any time of year. Wine tasting, Classes, Events and Self Guided tours are offered year round. We have a Discovery Area that includes viewing our domestic farm animals. It is not a zoo but our animals do love people! We have alpaca, horses, miniature horses, sheep, goat, rabbits and free range exotic hens. We do allow picnics. Our guests also enjoy our wine tasting and our lavender ice cream all year round! Fun for all ages and a variety of interests! 10:00 AM - 6 PM April -December CLOSE AT 5 PM Jan, Feb and March WE ARE CLOSED 3 DAYS PER YEAR: THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEARS! Thank you and we look forward to your visit!

Reviewed By kayakstef

We spent an enjoyable afternoon at White Oak Lavender Farm playing chess, walking around the petting zoo and admiring the view. The ladies in the gift shop were sweet and informative.

10. Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center

1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-8429 +1 540-438-1275 [email protected] http://www.brethrenmennoniteheritage.org
Excellent
66%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 35 reviews

Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center

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.

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