Last updated: June 7, 2022
Thing to Do
Make Your First Stop at the Visitor Center
NPS
Start at the National Park Service's Visitor Center at Middletown Courts, 7712 Main Street in Middletown, Virginia. Pick up a park brochure, self-guided driving tour or trails map, passport stamps, and Junior Ranger booklet.
Plan your visit with a park ranger or volunteer. See exhibits to learn about the settlement and agricultural history of the Shenandoah Valley as well as its role as an important theater of war during the Civil War. A highlight of the exhibits is an 18-minute lighted battle map that illustrates the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864.
After hours or when the Visitor Center is closed, you may still stamp your NPS Passport at the orientation kiosk in the parking lot.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
Activity
Museum Exhibits
Pick up the official national park map and guide and download the mobile app, stamp your national parks passport, and get the activity book to become Junior Rangers.
Exhibits at the visitor center introduce you to Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, and the partnerships that preserve Shenandoah Valley. An animated three-dimensional map of the battlefield accompanies an 18-minute video presentation on the Battle of Cedar Creek.
Books, educational items, and gifts are for sale from the Shenandoah National Park Association (SNPA) park store inside the visitor center.
Then, enjoy exploring!
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
7712 Main Street, Middletown, Virginia
Take exit 298 off Interstate 81 to Middletown. The Visitor Center is at 7712 Main Street in Middletown Courts Plaza, a strip mall on U.S. Highway 11.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
The Visitor Center has a wheelchair ramp to the entrance. Inside the visitor center are no steps. Narration accompanying the battle map and video is captioned.