Massanutten, Virginia facts for kids
Massanutten is a special community in Rockingham County, Virginia, United States. It's called a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a community that the government counts for population, but it's not officially a city or town. Massanutten is well-known for its fun ski resort.
In 2010, about 2,291 people lived in Massanutten. It's also part of the larger Harrisonburg area.
Quick facts for kids
Massanutten, Virginia
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Location of the Massanutten CDP within the Rockingham County
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 Massanutten, Virginia
Location in Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Rockingham |
| Area | |
| • Total | 14.3 sq mi (37.1 km2) |
| • Land | 14.3 sq mi (37.1 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,699 ft (518 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,291 |
| • Density | 160.2/sq mi (61.75/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
22840
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| Area code(s) | 540 |
| FIPS code | 51-50030 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1867594 |
Contents
Where is Massanutten Located?
Massanutten is found at 38°24′16″N 78°44′24″W / 38.40444°N 78.74000°W. It sits in a valley at the southern end of Massanutten Mountain.
The community covers about 14.3 square miles (37.1 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the CDP.
Massanutten's Population History
The first European-American to settle here permanently was Adam Miller. He came from Germany in 1726. Miller built his home near what is now Elkton.
The population of Massanutten has changed over the years:
- In 2000, there were 1,945 people.
- In 2010, the population grew to 2,291 people.
- In 2020, the population was 2,164 people.
The History of Massanutten
Massanutten's story began with a health resort. In 1875, a farmer named Gerald T. Hopkins created a spa. He used the natural springs in the area. A large three-story hotel was built near his family's hunting cabin. This cabin, called Hunters Cabin, is still there today.
The Rockingham Springs Hotel was very popular for a while. People visited to enjoy the natural springs. However, health resorts became less popular over time. The hotel eventually closed in 1915.
A famous poet named Sidney Lanier visited Rockingham Springs. He later taught literature at Johns Hopkins University. A road in Massanutten, Lanier Lane, is named after him. It follows the old path to the springs.
Years later, in the late 1960s, John L. Hopkins had a new idea. He was the great-grandson of Gerald T. Hopkins. John envisioned building a ski resort at Massanutten.
How Massanutten Grew
In 1973, the Massanutten Development Corporation was started. John L. Hopkins III was the president. They bought over 5,300 acres of land. The goal was to build the new resort.
An economic downturn in 1974 caused some changes. Later, in 1977, Dale Stancil bought the resort. He renamed it Massanutten Village, Inc. The resort changed hands a few more times. In 1984, Great Eastern Resorts became the owners. They still own it today.
Fun Things to Do in Massanutten
Massanutten is a great place for outdoor activities. It offers many ways to have fun, especially at its resort.
Snowsports: Skiing and Snowboarding
The ski lodge was built in 1972. The ski slopes opened in 1973. Massanutten is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
In 2014, a bigger Snow Sports Learning Center was finished. Here, instructors help people learn to ski and snowboard. They are part of national organizations. The Massanutten ski team also competes in races. The Massanutten Ski Patrol helps keep everyone safe on the slopes.
Golfing at Massanutten
Massanutten has two golf courses. The first one, Mountain Greens Golf Course, opened in 1980. It has 18 holes.
The second course, Woodstone Meadows Golf Course, opened in 1998. It also has 18 holes. Both courses offer beautiful views while you play.
Cycling and Mountain Biking Adventures
Massanutten is a fantastic place for biking. In 1992, a big bike race called the Tour DuPont came through Massanutten. Famous cyclists like Lance Armstrong raced here.
The Massanutten Bike Park has trails for all skill levels. You can take a chairlift up the mountain. Then, you can ride down trails marked for beginners to experts.
There are also over 15 miles of trails on the Western Slope. These trails are for biking, hiking, and walking. They are maintained by a local bike group.
Massanutten hosts exciting mountain bike races every year. The Massanutten HOO-HA! race happens in June. The Massanutten YEE-HA! Downhill Mountain Bike Race is held in April.
Images for kids
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The Massanutten Resort.
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Map showing Massanutten's location.
See also
In Spanish: Massanutten (Virginia) para niños
