Maskay guide

What to see and do in Staunton, Virginia

Staunton presents American history through experiences at different scales: a playhouse, outdoor historic farms, a presidential birthplace and a scenic train. Choose the performances and departures first, then leave enough time for museums and walking rather than compressing them into one continuous circuit.

American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse

American Shakespeare Center performs in a playhouse inspired by the Blackfriars theater of Shakespeare’s era. Productions and tours reveal a close relationship between actors, stage and audience.

Choose a specific performance from the current schedule and build the evening around it. Tours and performances are separate experiences, so confirm the appropriate ticket and timing.

Frontier Culture Museum

Frontier Culture Museum uses buildings and living-history interpretation to explore Indigenous, African and European contributions to regional culture. The visit involves walking through outdoor settings rather than remaining in a single gallery.

Allow several hours according to your interests and mobility. It is particularly useful for families and travelers interested in social history; check current access, weather and interpretation schedules.

Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum

The birthplace and museum examine Woodrow Wilson’s life and presidency, including World War I, women’s suffrage, domestic reforms and his administration’s racial segregation.

The visit works best as a critical exploration of history rather than an unqualified celebration. Check current tours and exhibitions, and allow time to consider the different themes presented.

Virginia Scenic Railway

Virginia Scenic Railway departs from Bridge Street in Staunton for excursions through the Shenandoah Valley. It offers a way to experience the landscape without spending the whole outing behind the wheel.

Routes, departures and available seats depend on the date. Choose the actual excursion before arranging other plans and confirm what is included in the ticket.

Planning your visit

Book the play or railway departure that interests you and leave the remaining time for the museums. Outdoor walking and different ticket schedules make flexibility useful.

Sources: americanshakespearecenter.com · frontiermuseum.org · woodrowwilson.org · virginiascenicrailway.com