Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is a significant historical site located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This park commemorates the events of the American Civil War Battle of Cedar Creek, which occurred on October 19, 1864. The park consists of over 3,700 acres of preserved land, including the historic Belle Grove Plantation.

The park is situated in Frederick County, Virginia, approximately 15 miles south of Winchester. It is easily accessible by car via Interstate 81. The location offers a picturesque view of the Shenandoah Valley, with the Shenandoah River flowing nearby.

The historical background of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park dates back to the Civil War era. The Battle of Cedar Creek was a pivotal moment in the war, as Union General Philip Sheridan launched a surprise attack on Confederate General Jubal Early’s forces. The battle ended with a decisive Union victory, marking the end of Confederate control in the Shenandoah Valley.

Visitors to the park can explore the battlefield and immerse themselves in the history of the Civil War. There are numerous trails and interpretive signs that provide information about the battle and its impact. The park also offers guided tours, ranger-led programs, and living history demonstrations that bring the past to life.

A major attraction within the park is the historic Belle Grove Plantation. Belle Grove was built in the late 18th century and served as a grand plantation home. Today, visitors can tour the meticulously restored mansion and learn about the lives of its residents during the Civil War era.

Nearby attractions to Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park include the city of Winchester, which offers a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley are also worth a visit for those interested in further exploring the region's history and culture.

In summary, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park in Virginia is a significant historical site that commemorates the Battle of Cedar Creek during the American Civil War. Located in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, the park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the battlefield, visit the historic Belle Grove Plantation, and discover the rich history of the region. With nearby attractions in Winchester and other museums, visitors can experience a complete historical and cultural experience when visiting this area.

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is situated in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nestled along the scenic Cedar Creek, the park spans across the counties of Frederick and Warren. The geographical location of the park offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile farmland, the park showcases the unique landscape that echoes the historic events that transpired here during the American Civil War. With its idyllic setting, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park invites visitors to explore its diverse terrain and immerse themselves in the rich history that is intricately woven within the fabric of the land.

Address & Contact

7712 Main Street
Middletown, VA 22645
Driving Directions
Phone: 540-490-9569
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park would be during the months of May and June. This time frame offers pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 74°F to 83°F, and average minimum temperatures ranging from 52°F to 60°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is around 4.6 inches, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park: Architecture and Building Trails Colonization and Settlement Military African American Heritage Scenic Views Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Enslavement Plantations Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Strasburg Visitor & Information Center

Strasburg Visitor and Information Center is private land managed as a park by the Town of Strasburg. The Strasburg Museum at Hupp's Hill, inside the visitor center, displays local history exhibits. Woodland trails pass earthwork fortifications left behind from the Civil War's Shenandoah Valley campaigns. It is a site on the Virginia Cave and Karst Trail.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Strasburg Visitor & Information Center.

Campsites within or near Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park

Quality Inn Stephens City-Winchester South

A stay at Quality Inn Stephens City-Winchester South places you in the heart of Stephens City, within a 10-minute drive of Dinosaur Land and Shenandoah University. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 167 Town Run Ln, Stephens City, Virginia 22655
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Winchester South-Stephens City, an IHG Hotel

Located in Stephens City, Holiday Inn Express Winchester South-Stephens City, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, a 5-minute drive from Appleland Sports Center and 6 minutes from Valerie Hill Winery. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 165 Town Run Ln, Stephens City, Virginia 22655
Web: Link

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

A stay at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites places you in the heart of Middletown, within a 5-minute drive of Wayside Theater and Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 91 Reliance Road, Middletown, Virginia 22645
Web: Link

Holiday Inn & Suites Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows, an IHG Hote

With a stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows, an IHG Hotel in Front Royal, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club and Shenandoah River. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Front Royal? This hotel has facilities measuring 5000 square feet (465 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 111 Hospitality Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link

Motel 6 Front Royal, VA

When you stay at Motel 6 Front Royal, VA in Front Royal, you'll be in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Shenandoah River and Warren Memorial Hospital. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 141 West 15th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link

Relax Inn Motel

With a stay at Relax Inn Motel in Front Royal, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Shenandoah River and Warren Memorial Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1525 North Shenandoah Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link

Wayside Inn

With a stay at Wayside Inn in Middletown, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and Belle Grove Plantation. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7783 Main St, Middletown, Virginia 22645
Web: Link

Twi-Lite Motel

With a stay at Twi-Lite Motel in Front Royal, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Shenandoah River and Warren Memorial Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 53 West 14th Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link

Blue Ridge Motel

With a stay at Blue Ridge Motel in Front Royal, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Warren Memorial Hospital and Shenandoah River. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1370 N Shenandoah Ave, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link

Gateway Inn

With a stay at Gateway Inn in Front Royal, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Warren Memorial Hospital and Shenandoah River. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1400 N Shenandoah Ave, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Web: Link