Civil War historical sites as well as cultural and recreational opportunities abound for residents of Rockingham County which is located approximately 100 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 100 miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Rockingham County surrounds the city of Harrisonburg and is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest are located on the eastern and western sides of the county. James Madison University, Bridgewater College and Eastern Mennonite University are all located within the metropolitan area.