Valley Turnpike Museum

Valley Turnpike Museum is in the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center at 212 S. Main St. The museum chronicles the story of US 11—also known as the Valley Turnpike—through historical documents, photographs and artifacts. Initially a buffalo migration route, the corridor was frequented by native hunters before European settlers began utilizing the trail in the early 1700s. It later became a key transportation passageway during the Civil War.

Exhibits relating to early valley exploration, the growth of the Shenandoah Valley and present-day development also are on display.

Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.