Fascinating Museums Near Fairfax

Fairfax, Virginia, is a Washington, D.C., suburb that was settled in the early 1700s and is the site of the first land battle of the Civil War. As such, the town has a rich and storied past that locals have preserved in museums and historic sites. Delve into Fairfax’s history when you visit one of these fascinating museums.

Fairfax Museum

The volunteer-run Fairfax Museum and its adjacent visitor center feature exhibits on and aims to educate guests about the area’s local history. It’s housed in what was once the Fairfax Elementary School, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places that dates back to 1873. Exhibits include a permanent collection called The Fairfax Story, which recounts the city’s and county’s past, as well as rotating exhibits on topics of regional and national importance. The Fairfax Museum organizes educational programs for youth groups and historic programs such as its Second Sunday series. Visit the Fairfax Museum from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. any day of the week. Admission is free.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Drive just 10 miles down the road to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the National Air and Space Museum’s sister facility in Chantilly. The center showcases a variety of space, flight, and aircraft artifacts and shares the history of human flight and aviation. Currently, visitors can see exhibits on Cold War Aviation, Aerobatic Flight, Business Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Human Space Flight. Stop by the restoration hangar to watch the staff work on real aircraft parts and antiquities. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a simulator ride in one of several historic aircraft, from the F-18 Hornet to the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the P-40 Warhawk.

Heritage Farm Museum

Visit the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum to learn about the area’s 250 years of agricultural history. This family-friendly attraction is located in Claude Moore Park, about 30 minutes from Fairfax in Sterling. Experience life as a shopkeeper or postmaster at the Waxpool General Store, or let your kids pretend to be farmers at the interactive children’s farm. Other hands-on exhibits include Grandma’s Kitchen, Ms. Su’s Schoolhouse, and the American Workhorse Museum. You can also learn what life was like for the Native Americans who first inhabited Loudoun County.

Learn about local history and the events that shaped the town of Fairfax at these charming and unique museums.

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