James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, in the state of Virginia, near the east coast. Virginia is officially part of the South region of the USA. 

Read more about:

• JMU's home city, Harrisonburg
• Living in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley region
• A wilderness on your doorstep, Shenandoah National Park
• The nearest big city, Washington, DC
• getting to and from JMU on the maps and travel page

 

 

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Harrisonburg

JMU is located in Harrisonburg, a small progressive city of over 40,000 people. It is characterized by a quirky charm, and although Harrisonburg is small, it isn't sleepy.

Just a short distance from campus you'll discover new activities to try, new tastes and a new take on the American spirit.

The town offers many amenities, such as shopping, restaurants, a 14-screen movie theater, numerous parks, and free public transportation for students. It was named a 5-star Quality of Life Metro by Expansion Management Magazine.

Downtown Harrisonburg boasts 24 dining venues with choices as eclectic as the rest of the town center: Southern fare, Greek, Ethiopian, pan-Asian, Indian, tea with dainty sandwiches, authentic Mexican, fine dining, seafood and America.

Hot dogs at Jess' Quick Lunch and ice cream at Kline's Dairy Bar are student favorites.

• Visit Harrisonburg's official tourism website

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Shenandoah Valley

James Madison University is in the center of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley - located at the northern tip of the state of Virginia (VA), west of Washington, D.C.

Shenandoah Valley is both a geographic valley and cultural region, spanning 200-miles of natural wonders, extraordinary history, and breathtaking scenery. The area has the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.

You can travel through historic towns on scenic back roads that lead to charming picture post-card farms. Shenandoah Valley features the mountain peaks, winding river channels and peaceful vistas.

• Visit Shenandoah Valley's official tourism website  

The most famous regional attraction is:

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Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is 105 miles from its northernmost point just west of Washington, D.C. to its southern boundary near Waynesboro.

When you are in the wilderness of Shenandoah National Park it’s hard to believe you are just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington D.C. The nearest entrance to James Madison University is a 30 minute drive away.

Skyline Drive - a National Scenic Byway - is a meandering roadway with 75 overlooks along the crest of the mountains and into the Valley below.

Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles of hiking trails, two visitor centers with films and exhibits, historic sites, wildlife, ranger programs, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. You can stay also overnight at one of the park's historic lodges.

• Visit Shenandoah National Park's official website