Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Mount Jackson, VA

  • Published 2022/08/13

Mount Jackson is a quaint town located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

The town sits on the banks of the Shenandoah River, amid the stunning scenery of the Virginia countryside.

Named after the United States’ seventh President, Andrew Jackson, Mount Jackson is home to several of the most iconic attractions in Shenandoah County.

In addition, there are so many outdoor things to do that it is the perfect place for a family vacation.

The town is also rich in history and culture, with several historical sites to explore.

From beautiful parks to iconic wineries, there are plenty of things to see and do on Mount Jackson.

Mount Jackson is a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

If you’re looking for ideas about what to do see and do there, check out the best things to do in Mount Jackson, Virginia!

Cross the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

Daytime view of the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

Bob Couperthwaite / Shutterstock.com

You can’t start your Mount Jackson adventure without crossing the historic and iconic Meems Bottom Covered Bridge.

Stretching 204 feet, it’s currently the longest covered bridge in Virginia and is one of five historic covered bridges in the state.

This covered bridge opened in September 1893 and has kept operating since.

Unfortunately, it burned down in 1976.

Mount Jackson immediately started restoring the bridge and it reopened in 1989.

View from inside the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

IntangibleArts, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Meems Bottom Covered Bridge is one of the only remaining covered bridges from the 1800s in Virginia.

Today, it’s among the last covered bridges that support regular traffic.

It’s a beautiful site and worth a visit when you’re in town.

The burr arch truss design is a symbol of excellent American engineering.

Structure of the Meems Bottom Covered Bridge

AgnosticPreachersKid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take a Look at the Apple Basket Water Tower

The Apple Basket Water Tower might seem like an ordinary water tower painted like a basket of apples.

However, this tower is a historic landmark on Mount Jackson.

Built in 1904, the water tower has supplied water to the town’s residents for decades.

In 1971, the town retired the tower from service, preserving it as a landmark.

Located along Dutch Lane, the Apple Basket Water Tower is a unique and exciting sight worth checking out in Mount Jackson.

It’s also fun to point out to your kids after a long road trip to Mount Jackson.

Learn about the Town’s History at the Mount Jackson Museum

Located in the visitor center building, the Mount Jackson Museum offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the town’s rich history.

The museum contains various artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of Mount Jackson’s past.

Several interactive exhibits also make the museum fun and educational for all ages.

You can either take a guided or unguided tour of the museum.

The accommodating staff will also answer your questions about anything you have in mind.

The Mount Jackson Museum is the perfect place to learn about the town’s history before exploring the rest of Mount Jackson.

Visit this place before you continue your Mount Jackson adventure.

Bring Your Family to Lions Park

Lions Park is one of the best parks to visit on Mount Jackson.

It’s a great place to bring your kids to let them run around and explore.

Besides a wide area for fun and recreation, the Park also has a playground, a pavilion, and a picnic area.

Lions Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your family.

It’s also an excellent spot for a weekend picnic lunch.

Your kids will love the state-of-the-art playground featuring a crawl tube, zip trap, swing, bench swing, and slides.

While your kids are having fun, you can also relax under the shade of the pavilion or on one of the park benches.

Whatever you do, Lions Park is a great place to bond with your family and create lasting memories.

Cool Down at Mount Jackson Town Swimming Pool

While the State of Virginia has enjoyed a favorable “Goldilocks Climate,” the summer heat can still become unbearable.

The best way to cool down is to take a dip in the town swimming pool.

The Mount Jackson Town Swimming Pool is the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to escape the heat.

The pool opens from Memorial Day until Labor Day, so visit the place during those months.

The pool is also adjacent to a playground, making it the perfect place to take your kids for a swim and some playtime.

Spending a day at the Mount Jackson Town Swimming Pool is also a great way to socialize and meet the friendly locals.

You’ll surely make new friends in no time, especially in a public place like the Mount Jackson Town Swimming Pool.

Shop for Gifts and Souvenirs at Mount Jackson Thrift and Gift

You can’t visit a new place without buying a few souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones back home.

Mount Jackson Thrift and Gift is the perfect place to find gifts and souvenirs.

This store carries various items, from clothes to books to antiques and furniture!

The best part is that the store offers reasonable prices, so you won’t have to break the bank to find the perfect gift or souvenir.

Mount Jackson Thrift and Gift is a great place to find unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Drop by this store during your visit and browse some items for sale.

Take in the Local Vibe at Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe

Take a break from your Mount Jackson escapade and relax at Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe.

This cafe is the perfect place to relax, get some work done, or watch people.

Likewise, the cafe has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.

While the shop looks small from the outside, the interior is spacious, with a ton of room to move around.

The cafe also has a wide selection of coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals.

Some of their best-selling items include the iced Americano and lemon muffin.

Their shakes and sandwiches are also a must-try!

Since the Curtain Call Coffeehouse Cafe is in downtown Mount Jackson, you can watch the locals go about their day.

Roll a Strike at the Shenandoah Bowling Lanes

Bowling is an all-time favorite pastime among locals and visitors alike.

If you’re looking for a fun activity with your family or friends, head to the Shenandoah Bowling Lanes.

This place has operated since the 1960s, one of the longest-running businesses in Mount Jackson.

Despite its age, the Shenandoah Bowling Lanes remains the premier place to go bowling on Mount Jackson.

The bowling alley has 12 lanes, perfect for a game or two.

There’s also a snack bar that sells excellent food.

If you get hungry while bowling, you can take a break and grab something to eat.

The Shenandoah Bowling Lanes is open to bowlers of all levels from Monday to Saturday.

Experience the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory Tour

If you love potato chips, then you’ve probably tried Route 11s.

Did you know that their factory is in Mount Jackson?

That’s right!

You can even tour the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory and see how they make their delicious potato chips.

The tour takes about 30 minutes to an hour, an excellent activity for the whole family.

You’ll learn about the history of Route 11 Potato Chips and see how they built their brand into its current form.

After the tour, you can buy chips and other souvenirs to bring home with you.

The welcoming and friendly staff will also answer your questions about Route 11.

If you’re a fan of potato chips, check out the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory.

Sip Cider and Wine at the Winery at Kindred Pointe

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the Winery at Kindred Pointe is well-known for its first-rate wine and fine cider.

The winery offers a wide variety of wines, from fruity and sweet to dry and complex.

You’re sure to find a type of wine that you’ll love.

The cider is also a must-try!

The cider uses fresh apples from Virginia and tastes crisp and refreshing.

However, the winery itself completes the entire wine-tasting experience.

The Winery at Kindred Pointe sits amid a beautiful and tranquil setting.

It features a pavilion with a picturesque view of the mountains and valley.

There’s also an exquisite tasting room where you can enjoy a guided wine experience while a wise and knowledgeable host serves you.

Try Fine Wine in the Great Outdoors at Cave Ridge Vineyard

Vineyard of Cave Ridge Vineyard

Cheryl Velez / Shutterstock.com

There’s nothing quite like experiencing fine wine in the great outdoors.

The calmness and serenity of nature combined with the exquisite taste of wine are perfect.

If you want this experience, head to Cave Ridge Vineyard.

This vineyard sits on a mountainside and has some breathtaking views.

The vineyard also offers a wide variety of wines, from reds to whites to sparkling wine.

You’re sure to find your new favorite wine here.

The Cave Ridge Vineyard also offers wine tastings so that you can sample some of their best-selling wines.

If you’re a fan of wine, then this is the perfect place for you.

Add Cave Ridge Vineyard to your list of places to visit on Mount Jackson.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Visit the American Celebration on Parade

If you think you’ve seen every unique museum, then think again.

The American Celebration on Parade is a one-of-a-kind museum you won’t find anywhere else!

You can also find this museum in Quicksburg, six minutes from Mount Jackson.

This museum features an up-close and personal experience with 20 historic parade floats from famous national celebrations.

You’ll find floats from the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade, one from the Presidential Inaugural Parades, and even floats from the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

These majestic floats are larger-than-life, featuring exquisite detail and craftsmanship.

The American Celebration on Parade is a must-see for anyone who loves history or unique experiences.

Add this to your list of places to visit on Mount Jackson.

Explore the Shenandoah Caverns

Colorful interior of Shenandoah Caverns

Hulan / Shutterstock.com

The Shenandoah Caverns is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Mount Jackson.

You can find the cave in Quicksburg, Virginia, six minutes from Mount Jackson.

This massive cave contains natural rock formations, underground waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites.

The Shenandoah Caverns is an absolute sight to behold.

These stalactites and stalagmites took millions of years to form and show their true beauty.

The caverns are open year-round, and you can join various guided tours.

The Discovery Tour is the most popular, taking you through all the highlights of the caverns.

Do family-friendly activities or check out an on-site gift shop for souvenirs and other interesting items.

The Shenandoah Caverns are a must-see when you’re in Mount Jackson.

It’s an amazing natural wonder that will leave you in awe.

Learn American History at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War

Exterior of Virginia Museum of the Civil War

Daniel Reiner / Shutterstock.com

You can find the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, Virginia, 13 minutes from Mount Jackson.

This museum educates visitors about the American Civil War.

Virginia played a vital role during the American Civil War as a member of the Confederacy.

The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photos that chronicle the story of Virginia during this period.

There are also interactive exhibits that bring the history to life.

Structure at Virginia Museum of the Civil War

Barbara Barbour / Shutterstock.com

You’ll also learn about the 1864 Battle of New Market.

This major battle resulted in a Confederate victory.

If you’re interested in American history, then add the Virginia Museum of the Civil War to your itinerary.

Go on an Outdoor Adventure at the Fort Valley Ranch

The Fort Valley Ranch offers the ultimate outdoor experience here in Virginia.

This 34-acre ranch provides many activities and amenities that keep you on your toes.

You can find the ranch in Fort Valley, Virginia, 23 minutes from Mount Jackson.

Spending a day or two at the ranch is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.

The ranch offers many outdoor activities like horseback riding, camping, trail rides, fishing, canoeing, and more.

There are also plenty of beautiful scenic spots to take in the stunning views of the mountains and valley.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, consider visiting Fort Valley Ranch!

It’s the perfect place to explore the great outdoors and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that Mount Jackson is a hidden gem in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

This town features beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and historic sites.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind, and explore, add Mount Jackson to your list!

Discover the best things to do in Mount Jackson with this handy guide!

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