When it comes to visiting Virginia’s historic sites, many famous locations spring to mind: Mount Vernon, Manassas Battlefield, Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg. But for your next road trip, consider these lesser-known places sprinkled throughout Northern Virginia.
Leesburg, Dodona Manor: 312 East Market St., Leesburg, Va. 20176
Those familiar with World War II history may recall the influence of George C. Marshall, author of the Marshall Plan, an American initiative to rebuild Europe after the war. Marshall led the U.S. Army in war and later served as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under President Harry S. Truman. But when he was not racing off to Washington, Marshall enjoyed the peace of his home at Dodona Manor, now the George C. Marshall International Center. Visitors will enjoy docent-led tours of the 19th-century house and the tranquil gardens, learning more about Marshall’s life at home with family. The site is steps from downtown historic Leesburg, where visitors may grab a bite to eat from Leesburg’s many restaurants, sip a coffee at Trinity House Cafe, or take a moment for prayer at St. John the Apostle Church, a three-minute drive from Dodona Manor. The grounds are open to the public, and tour tickets may be purchased at georgecmarshall.org.
Winchester, Patsy Cline Historic House: 608 S. Kent St., Winchester, Va. 22601
The National Historic Landmark in Winchester is an overlooked treasure. The family home of the iconic singer celebrates the tragically short life of Virginia Patterson Henley, who became the country music star Patsy Cline. Now a museum, Cline lived in the modest house in the blue-collar neighborhood from age 16 to 21. Her career skyrocketed with hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” At the height of her stardom, Cline died in a plane crash in 1963. She was the first woman inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973 and her popularity has never waned.
The museum opens April 1, Wed.-Mon., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Strasburg, The Strasburg Museum: 440 E. King St., Strasburg, Va. 22657
The Strasburg Museum is a gem. Northern Virginia Daily named it the best museum in the Shenandoah Valley in 2025. Exhibits tell the story of a town founded by German settlers in 1761. The building is a National Historic Landmark, originally home to a steam pottery studio that later became the Southern Railway Depot. It is a must-see for lovers of railroad, Civil War history and those who want to learn more about the role of German settlers in America. It is open May-October.
Hague, Burial site of Declaration of Independence Signer Richard Henry Lee
This historical site is so far off the beaten path that there is no physical signage leading to it — yet it’s close to the new, Gothic-inspired church home to St. Paul Mission in Hague. Founding Father Richard Henry Lee, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and president of the Continental Congress, is buried alongside other Lee family members in what is today called the Burnt House Field in Hague. Remote and serene, the Burnt House Field is located along Mount Pleasant Road, off Coles Point Road and state Route 612. GPS directions may be found at bit.ly/44ylZWe.
Colonial Beach, George Washington’s Birthplace: 1732 Popes Creek Rd., Colonial Beach, Va. 22443
Visit the birthplace of the nation’s first president, also a designated U.S. National Park site. Visitors can learn more about the Washington family at the Memorial House Museum, walk or hike the expansive grounds, visit the Potomac River beach, or indulge in a picnic on the grounds. For avid collectors of the National Parks passport stamps, be sure to commemorate your visit at the Visitor Center. The park is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and more information may be found at nps.gov/gewa.
Orange, James Madison’s Montpelier: 11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station, Va. 22957
Many are familiar with Monticello, home of Declaration of Independence writer Thomas Jefferson. But fewer are acquainted with Montpelier, home of Jefferson’s close friend and the fourth U.S. president, James Madison. Visitors may tour the house and expansive grounds, learning more about the quiet author of the U.S. Constitution. Since 2017, Montpelier has hosted an exhibit detailing ongoing archaeological ventures into the lives of those enslaved by the Madison family. Tickets are required and may be purchased at montpelier.org. Montpelier is open Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and Fri.-Mon., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
