The 5 Best Museums Around Martinsburg

Museums do more than display artifacts — they keep local history alive, spark curiosity, and remind us how far we’ve come. Across the Eastern Panhandle and surrounding Shenandoah Valley, these cultural landmarks celebrate everything from natural wonders to Civil War stories and hands-on science. The Best of the Best contest recognized museums that educate, entertain, and inspire, offering visitors a deeper connection to the region’s past and future.

Luray Caverns

More than just a breathtaking natural wonder, Luray Caverns doubles as a museum of geology, engineering, and history. Located just across the Virginia border, it’s home to awe-inspiring underground formations and the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ — a natural instrument that plays music from the cavern walls. Above ground, the attraction also features the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and Shenandoah Heritage Village, turning every visit into a multi-layered exploration of the region’s story.

Jefferson County Museum

The Jefferson County Museum in Charles Town dives deep into the heritage of West Virginia’s oldest county. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, it preserves the legacy of local figures like Charles Washington and the events that shaped early America. Exhibits highlight everything from Civil War relics to local craftsmanship, making it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding how national history intersects with local lives.

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

Winchester’s Museum of the Shenandoah Valley combines art, history, and horticulture in a way that’s both enriching and accessible. Visitors can tour galleries filled with fine and decorative arts, explore the historic Glen Burnie House, and wander through beautifully landscaped gardens. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits and community events, blending the Valley’s deep roots with a forward-thinking appreciation for culture and design.

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

Designed with kids — and the young at heart — in mind, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum turns learning into play. This Winchester favorite features interactive exhibits covering everything from science and health to the environment and local geography. Families love the rooftop garden, climbing structures, and hands-on experiments that make every visit a new adventure in curiosity.

Belle Boyd House Museum

Right in Martinsburg, the Belle Boyd House Museum connects visitors to the story of one of the Civil War’s most daring spies. Belle Boyd, known as the “Cleopatra of the Confederacy,” once called this historic home her own. Today, the museum is managed by the Berkeley County Historical Society and features exhibits on local history, period artifacts, and rotating displays that capture Martinsburg’s role in shaping the region’s identity.

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