Historic Harrisonburg "Where History & Hospitality Meet"

Visit the Mayor's house, a place where History and Hospitality meet! The Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center was home to Harrisonburg's first Mayor, Isaac Hardesty. During the dawn of the Civil War, Hardesty played host to Union General Nathaniel Banks for three days in May of 1862.  The house also served as the showroom for the Virginia Craftsmen Furniture Company from the 1920s until the late 1980s.  Today, the friendly and knowledgeable staff of Harrisonburg Tourism offer free tours of this historic house, circa 1848. The house tour explores renovated portions as well as the original structure, the Civil War Orientation Center, and the Valley Turnpike Museum.

Across the street you'll find the Virginia Quilt Museum. The museum is inside the Warren-Sipe House, home of Edward T.H. Warren. He was a prominent Harrisonburg attorney and fought in the Civil War until he was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. The structure was used as a hospital following the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Tour our settlement and history through the textures and fabric of Valley quilters. The museum offers permanent and changing exhibits, a Civil War history room, and a gift shop.

Guided Walking Tours can be booked through Discover Downtown Tours.

While visiting Harrisonburg, choose from a variety of dining options including family style, rooftop, traditional favorites and ethnic cuisine. Also be sure to visit the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. Enjoy Valley culture and traditions while touring our Historic District host to a variety of museums, galleries, shopping, and dining options. Harrisonburg was one of the first Arts and Cultural Districts in the area, and was also named a Virginia Main Street Community.

End your day with a short drive to the magnificent Edith J Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens where you'll step into a world of scenic beauty. Little is felt of the effect of modern progress upon the native environment. Wild flowering plants and trees can be enjoyed in a protected and pristine environment much as it would have been in the pre-European settlement era of the Shenandoah Valley. Discover serenity as you follow the winding trails through the native Oak-Hickory Forest or wander through the sea of daffodil blooms in the spring.