When the weather doesn't cooperate with your outdoor plans, there's no excuse not to get to know the valley better at one of its many museums.
Clarke County

• The Burwell-Morgan Mill is off U.S. 50 in Millwood, on Va. 255. The 18th-century mill was established in 1782 and is the oldest operable merchant mill in the Shenandoah Valley. 837-1799 or 955-2600 www.clarkehistory.org


• The Josephine School Community Museum and African-American Cultural Center is housed in a restored black public school built circa 1882. 955-5512 www.jschoolmuseum.org


• Long Branch Historic House and Farm is on Va. routes 624 and 626 in Millwood. Since the early 18th century, the rolling hills of the estate have been owned by a series of famous men -- Lord Culpeper, Lord Fairfax and Robert "King" Carter. A young George Washington helped to survey the property. 877-868-1811 www.historiclongbranch.com

Frederick County/Winchester

• The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, which opened in 1996, features interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs that focus on the sciences, mathematics, humanities and the arts. Weekend programs and summer camps are available. 722-2020 www.discoverymuseum.net


• George Washington's Office Museum served as Washington's military office from September 1755 until December 1756, when he served as a commissioned officer in the Virginia militia. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m., April 1-Oct. 31. 662-4412 www.winchesterhistory.org


• The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and the Glen Burnie Historic House and Gardens offer an impressive collection of fine art and antiques in four permanent galleries and one rotating gallery. The 1794 house and the gardens are open March-November. The museum is open year-round except on major holidays. 888-556-5799, ext. 235 www.shenandoahmuseum.org


• The Old Court House Civil War Museum, in Winchester, occupies the former Frederick County Courthouse on the Loudoun Street Mall. 542-1145 www.civilwarmuseum.org


• The Newtown History Center, on Main Street in Stephens City, is operated by the Stone House Foundation and offers exhibits and tours of the town's rich history. 869-1700 www.newtownhistorycenter.org


• Abram's Delight, built in 1754, is the oldest house in Winchester. 662-6519 winchesterhistory.org


• Belle Grove Plantation is an 18th-century grain and livestock farm offering events throughout the season including a Living History Camp for Kids. Daily tours are available April-October. 869-2028 www.bellegrove.org

Shenandoah County

• The Strasburg Museum is a former steam pottery plant built in 1891, that later became a train station, and in 1970 became a museum featuring exhibits on Strasburg history, including pottery, Native American artifacts and displays from the railroad era and the Civil War. The museum is open daily May-October. 465-3175 www.csonner.net/museum.htm


• The hands-on Stonewall Jackson Museum includes exhibits on nine battles from the 1862 and 1864 Valley Campaigns of the Civil War. The museum is open seasonally or by appointment. 465-5884 www.stonewalljacksonmuseum.org


• The Fort Valley Museum is at Dry Run Road and Fort Valley Road in Fort Valley. Upcoming events are the grand opening on Memorial Day, an ice cream social on Aug. 26 from 2-5 p.m. and Christmas in October, Oct. 24-25. Museum is open May 23-Oct 25. 933-6036 www.fortvalleymuseum.org


• The Woodstock Museum, also known as the Marshall House, is one of the oldest homes in Woodstock, reportedly built before 1772. The museum is open May-October. 459-5518


• The Wickham House, a large frame residence north of the Walton building, is typical of early log homes in 18th-century Woodstock. The house is at the end of the historic Lawyers Row. Admission is free through the Woodstock Museum, which has owned the Wickham House since 1989.

Warren County/Front Royal

• The Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, in Front Royal, is owned and operated by the Warren Rifles Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and houses a collection of memorabilia from the Civil War. The museum is open Apr. 15-Oct. 31. 636-6982 or 660-0941


• Ivy Lodge houses a museum of local history, a gift shop and the Warren Heritage Society office. 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org


• The Balthis House, constructed in the 1780s, is the oldest house on the oldest street in Front Royal 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org


• Belle Boyd Cottage was the Civil War home of Confederate spy Belle Boyd and is operated as a period museum. 636-1446 www.warrenheritagesociety.org


• Stonewall Jackson Headquarters, was used by Jackson after he took command of the Valley Army during the winter of 1861-1862. 667-3242 www.winchesterhistory.org