Walking Tours

Join us for a 1-hour guided walking tour that's a memorable--and affordable--way to get an insider's view of downtown! Many tours go inside museums, shops, restaurants, and important historical sites so you can meet the owners and get an interactive overview of downtown's best attractions.

• HAUNTED HARRISONBURG with Lisa Ha- Oct. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7pm; Oct. 28, 29, 30 at both 7pm and 9pm
  What happens downtown after dark? Take a lantern-lit stroll along the back streets of the historic district, and discover secrets hidden in the shadows. From a 19th-century inn where guests hear kids in the halls at midnight, to an old Confederate hospital, you'll visit a dozen "haunted" locations during this 1-hour guided walking tour and decide for yourself what the true story is behind downtown's unanswered mysteries.
  
  All age groups are welcome, though parents should use their discretion for children under 10. This is the most popular tour of the season, so reservations are recommended. Call 540-908-3496 or email info@DiscoverDowntownTours.com to save your spot. Tickets are $10/person, available at the Rocktown Gift Shoppe located in the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. Special dates and times may be available for groups of 8 or more.

• HARRISONBURG: HEART OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY
  Are you wondering, “What is there to do downtown?” This tour is for you! Join us for a 1-hour guided tour and find out what makes this Main Street unique. You’ll meet the families who run our most popular shops and restaurants, see museums lining Virginia’s first designated Arts & Cultural District, and learn the history of Harrisonburg and the fabled Shenandoah Valley. From a Civil War hospital to a modern microbrewery, this tour is an interactive overview of all things Harrisonburg, ending at our legendary frozen custard stand.
  
  This tour is available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 3pm and 5pm or by appointment. Tickets are $10/person, available at the Rocktown Gift Shoppe located in the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center or call for reservations: 540-908-3496. Reservations are required.

• Earlier in the season, Discover Downtown offered other tours on special topics. If you'd like a private tour on any of these topics, please contact us to arrange a date:
  • Woodbine Cemetery: Where History Comes Alive with Charlie Chenault
    Stroll beneath the beautiful old oak trees and learn about Harrisonburg's past through the stories of people interred at Woodbine Cemetery.
  • The Hidden Side of Harrisonburg with Dale MacAllister
    Murders, mysteries, even a secret tunnel beneath Court Square! Think you know Harrisonburg? Think again!
  • Civil War in Harrisonburg with Ben Fordney
    Go into the heart of the "breadbasket of the Confederacy" with one of the Valley's foremost Civil War experts.
  • Familiarization (FAM) Tour with Jamie Marsh
    Get a behind-the-scenes look (and taste!) of key downtown destinations. This tour equips front-line hospitalty workers to make knowledgable recommendations.
  • Tales Through Downtown, A Storytelling Tour with Sandy Parks
    Explore downtown while listening to a Master Storyteller share stories from the cultures of people who have settled here, including German, Irish, Kurdish, Mexican and others. Designed for kids age 5-12; parents optional.

Walking Tour FAQs:

When: The schedule of upcoming tours is listed above. Special requests will be accommodated whenever possible. Let us know what day, time, and tour topic you're interested in by calling 540-908-3496 or email info@DiscoverDowntownTours.com.

*All tours must have at least 2, and no more than 20, participants, and tours may be cancelled due to low pre-registration. Please reserve your spot ahead of time by calling 540-908-3496 or emailing info@DiscoverDowntownTours.com.

Where: All tours start at the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center at 212 S. Main Street. Come early to explore the in-house Valley Turnpike and Civil War museums, restaurant and tea room, and gift shop featuring many locally produced items.

Who: All age groups and fitness levels are welcome. Most tours involve walking approximately 10-blocks and offer several opportunities to sit down along the way. Please let us know if you have special considerations or questions.

How long: 1 hour

How much: $10/person. Come during First Fridays Downtown for a $2 discount!

Does this support downtown? Yes! Discover Downtown donates 10% of all income to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance.

Getting tickets: Tour guides may limit tours to 20 people at their discretion. Please reserve your tickets ahead of time by visiting the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center or contacting Discover Downtown by email info@DiscoverDowntownTours.com or phone (540)-908-3496. Please indicate how many people are in your group and what date you'll be joining us. Payment may be made in advance at the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. If you prefer to pay at the beginning of the tour, please arrive 10 minutes early. Cash and check only.

Refunds: Tours may be rescheduled due to inclement weather, or other reasons, at the discretion of the tour guide. Call ahead (540-908-3496) if you have questions. Ticket purchases are non-refundable in most cases. If the tour is rescheduled or you are unable to attend, your tickets will be honored for any other tour of matching value.

Contact: Call Discover Downtown at (540)-908-3496, or email info@DiscoverDowntownTours.com.