Manassas, VA
Area Guide
The City of Manassas is an independent city of Northern Virginia that is surrounded by both Prince William County and the independent city of Manassas Park. Manassas and Manassas park are both located approximately 25 miles south of Washington, D.C. and the D.C. Metro area, providing our residents a variety of federal department and agency career opportunities and an unprecedented economic stability, even during periods of nationwide economic downturn. A thriving biotech sector, world-class schools and innovative entrepreneurial opportunities are just a few of the reasons families, professionals, students, entrepreneurs and retirees are drawn to Manassas and Manassas Park. Our community is vibrant and naturally beautiful, banked by the shores of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers and nestled beneath the rolling Piedmont Mountains. The Manassas region is a balanced fusion of the urban and suburban elements that is friendly and convenient for both residents and visitors to enjoy. To learn more about living in or visiting Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County or the Northern Virginia metro area, please visit:
Experience Old Town Manassas
https://www.visitmanassas.org/
Prince William & Manassas Convention & Visitors Bureau
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Resident Guide
https://www.pwchamber.org/councils-committees/economic-development/p
Fairfax County/Capital Region Visitors Center
Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia
Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County
Visit Virginia
https://portal.virginia.gov/visit/
Official Tourism Site of Washington, DC
History
Our regional history is virtually synonymous with American history as a whole, and as such, this rich history is one of our area’s leading attractions. First settled by European explorers in 1608, Prince William County was created by an act of the General Assembly of the colony of Virginia in 1731. The area included in the original drafting eventually was divided into the areas now comprising Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, the City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park. Largely rural, the county’s population was centered for much of its lifetime near Manassas (home to the railroad junction) and the Potomac River port communities of Occoquan and Woodbridge. During the Civil War, Manassas became the site of two of American history’s most pivotal battles: the First Battle of Manassas on July 21, 1861, and the Second Battle of Manassas, August 28-30, 1862. Outside of the South, these battles are often referred to as the first and second battles of Bull Run. In the time leading up to the battles, Manassas Junction was a strategic railroad crossing, with rail lines leading to Richmond, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the Shenandoah Valley. Despite Confederate victories during these battles, Manassas Junction was in Union hands for most of the war. During the Reconstruction era, Manassas evolved into the community it is today, becoming an independent city in 1975. In the 20 th century, Manassas has enjoyed a rebirth and reinvigorated life as a suburban center and today is home to historic sites and the neighboring military installation Marine Corps Base Quantico, as well as being conveniently situated near the numerous government departments of metro D.C. To learn more about the unique history of Manassas and Manassas Park, or to explore the historic sites of the region, please visit:
Old Town Manassas
https://www.visitmanassas.org/
Manassas Museum System
Manassas National Battlefield Park
https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm
Civil War Traveler
https://www.civilwartraveler.com/
Prince William County Civil War Heritage Trail PDF
https://www.civilwartraveler.com
Weems-Botts House Museum
https://www.historicdumfries.com/weemsbotts.html
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - National Air and Space Museum
https://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/
Arlington National Cemetery
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/Default.aspx
Mount Vernon Estate
Iwo Jima Memorial
U. S. Air Force Memorial
https://www.airforcememorial.org/
Parks and Recreation
The mild climate of Manassas makes most outdoor activities enjoyable and available throughout the seasons: from horseback and ATV riding, hiking, biking and rock climbing to fishing, swimming, sailing, kayaking and canoeing, there’s an adventure awaiting you by land or by water. Equestrian activities, camping, nature watching, nature touring, and picnicking are available at most area parks; no matter what your preference, there’s a place to enjoy it in Manassas or Manassas Park. Regionally, there is a wealth of beauty and preserved nature available to enjoy, which is unique in any large metropolitan area, allowing Manassas residents the ability to truly enjoy the best of both worlds—where urban professionalism meets idyllic, semi-rural landscapes. Neighboring Prince William County Park Authority manages nearly 4,000 acres of park land, which include 50 public parks, two water parks, 4 recreation and community centers, 6 sports complexes, numerous golf ranges and an ice skating rink. Prince William Forest Park is the largest protected natural area in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region at over 15,000 acres. The hospitable climate makes biking a popular year round activity; there are over 86 miles of paved on-street and off-road bicycle trails available to metro area bikers, as well as the services of Capital Bikeshare, providing bicycle rentals for commuting or pleasure riding throughout the D.C. Metro area. The municipal, state and national parks of our area offer some of the nation’s finest bird watching, as well as history and nature coming together in the idyllic scenery of Virginia. To learn more about the parks, recreation, sports and activities available in Manassas, please visit:
City of Manassas Parks and Recreation Services
Manassas Park Community Parks and Recreation Division
https://www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/
Prince William County Park Authority
Virginia State Park Service and Park Locations
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/state_park.shtml
Virginia National Parks, Services & Locations
https://www.nps.gov/state/va/index.htm
Virginia Tourism, State Parks
https://www.virginia.org/StateParks/
Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority
Northern Virginia Regional Park Locations
https://www.nvrpa.org/park/main_site/content/geographical_search
Virginia Bike Trails
https://www.vabike.org/category/virginia-bike-trails/
Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51612
Manassas National Battlefield Park
https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51611
Prince William Forest Park
https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area
https://www.nps.gov/prwi/historyculture/rda.htm
Leesylvania State Park
https://dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lee.shtml
Capital Bikeshare
https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/
Great Falls Park
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
Wolf Trap Farm Park
https://www.nps.gov/wotr/index.htm
Sports and Activities
Virginia Outdoors
https://www.virginia.org/Outdoors/
Prince William County/Manassas Outdoor Sports and Recreation
https://www.visitpwc.com/sports.html
Capital Bikeshare
https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/
Virginia Golfing
https://www.virginia.org/golf/
Prince William County Park Authority Golf Links
https://www.pwcparks.org/RecreationGolf/tabid/56/Default.aspx
Old Dominion Speedway
https://www.olddominionspeedway.com/
Potomac Nationals Baseball
https://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t436
Virginia Destroyers Football
https://www.ufl-football.com/virginia-destroyers
Northern Virginia Majestics Soccer
Northern Virginia Royals Soccer
Virginia Legacy Soccer
https://www.valegacysoccer.com/
DC Rollergirls
Washington Wizards Basketball
https://www.nba.com/wizards/index_main.html
Washington Mystics Basketball
https://www.wnba.com/mystics/index_main.html
Washington Redskins Football
Washington Capitals Hockey
DC United Soccer
Attractions and Activities
Though Manassas is best known for its historic attractions and proximity to the D.C. metro area, the region is culturally diverse and cosmopolitan, offering residents and visitors some of the finest offerings in its museums, cultural attractions, arts exhibitions and theatrical performances. With a historically breathtaking setting, the arts scene of Manassas is vibrant and thrives with the constant flow of visitors to the city. Our residents enjoy easy access to waterfront activities, theme parks, national museums, upscale shopping and dining destinations, and a diverse choice of entertainment opportunities. With everything from nightclubs and spas to world-class art galleries available, our residents have a busy calendar to choose from. Musical performances, theater events, dance recitals, art exhibits, festivals, and crafts shows are available daily. Wineries, breweries and an exciting array of tours—from historic to natural to ghost-hunting—are all available to experience year round, with special seasonal events scheduled to highlight the civic and natural spirit of the area. To learn more about the cultural, artistic and high-energy attractions of the Manassas, please visit:
Northern Virginia Attractions
https://www.fxva.com/seedoplan/fairfax-virginia-tourist-attractions/
Splash Down Water Park
https://www.splashdownwaterpark.com/
Six Flags America
https://www.sixflags.com/america/index.aspx
Paramount’s King’s Dominion
https://www.kingsdominion.com/
Adventure Park USA
https://www.adventureparkusa.com/
Dinosaur Land
Theatre, Culture and The Arts
Manassas Art Guild
Manassas Ballet Theatre
Center for the Arts in Old Town Manassas
https://www.center-for-the-arts.org/
Manassas Symphony Orchestra
https://www.manassassymphony.org/
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre
https://www.rosslynva.org/play/artisphere-cultural-center/rosslyn-spectrum-Theatre
National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles
https://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
https://www.kennedy-center.org/
Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions
Prince William/Manassas Shopping Guide
https://www.visitpwc.com/shopping.html
Historic Manassas Shopping Guide
https://www.visitmanassas.org/shops/
Manassas Mall
https://www.manassasmall.com/index.aspx
Potomac Mills Mall
https://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=1260
Echoes Museum Store
https://www.manassascity.org/index.aspx?NID=215
Prince William County/Manassas Antique Trail Shopping Guide
https://www.visitpwc.com/fv/antiquetrail.html
Dining in Manassas/ Prince William County
https://www.visitpwc.com/dining.html
Historic Manassas Diner’s Guide
https://www.visitmanassas.org/dining/
Events
Geologically, culturally, civically and historically rich, Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County are progressive communities that honor history and tradition while embracing modernization and technological advancement. Regional community calendars are full of festivals and events, changing constantly with seasonal scheduling. Our location makes the metro area events calendars easy accessible to our residents, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment in Manassas! Annual events span a diverse range and ensure that there’s an event scheduled to meet anyone’s taste. Civil War re-enactments, the Manassas Gallery Walk, 1 st Sunday ballroom dances, Friday night American Legion dinners, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival, Mid-Atlantic Shamrock Fest, the Gaithersburg Book Festival and the Alexandria Film Festival are area favorites that are not to be missed. To find out what sporting, historic, cultural or ecological events are happening during your time in Prince William County, please visit:
Historic Manassas Events Calendar
https://historicmanassas.mymediaroom.com/wire/events/
Manassas Gallery Walk
https://www.manassasgallerywalk.com/
Prince William County/Manassas Events Calendar
https://www.visitpwc.com/calendar/events/
Virginia Exhibits and Events Search Guide
https://www.virginia.org/directory/exhibits/
Virginia Festivals Search Guide
https://www.virginia.org/directory/events/festivals/
1st Sunday Ballroom Dances at the Center for the Arts in Old Town Manassas
https://www.center-for-the-arts.org/dances/
Friday Post Dinners at American Legion Post 364
https://theheinleingroup.com/AmericanLegionPost364/
National Cherry Blossom Festival
https://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
Alexandria Film Festival
Gaithersburg Book Festival
https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/
Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival
Mid-Atlantic Shamrock Fest
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