Graham, North Carolina is a town filled with exciting activities. It is a fun town that is warm to tourists or visitors. If you’ve ever wanted to know about some of the fun things to do in Graham, NC, this post is for you.
Graham, NC, is a city that is home to famous industries in fields such as plastics, metal works, and electronics. Exciting places in the city include the Children’s Museum of Alamance County, Challenge Golf Club, Quarry Hills Country Club, et cetera.
The article covers the most interesting tourist attractions in Graham, North Carolina, amongst other things. It will also delve into some of its exciting histories.
Where is Graham, North Carolina?
Graham is a city and county seat in North Carolina’s Alamance County. As of 2010, the population of the town was 14,153.
It is part of a region known as the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.
In 1849, Graham was established as the county seat of the newly created Alamance county.
It was incorporated as a town in 1851 and became a city in 1961. The name of the city was given to William Alexander Graham, a US senator from North Carolina.
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Fun Things to Do in Graham, NC
There are several things to do in Graham, North Carolina, and we’ll list some of them. Below are the most amazing things to do in Graham, North Carolina;
1. Lake Mackintosh Park & Marina
Marina Park is located in the center of the city of Burlington and is the city’s primary drinking water source.
It features a 150-acre shoreline and several attractions. Two creeks also surround it. These are the Greater and Little Alamance creeks.
Address: This attraction is located at 2704 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215, United States.
2. The BMX Track
One of the country’s most popular facilities for cyclists is the BMX track, which features a variety of single-lap racing courses.
This facility also hosts sprint bicycle tournaments and winter season events. The American Bicycle Association supports this sport.
Address: The BMX Track is located at 1450 Graham St, Burlington, NC 27217, United States.
3. The Company Shops Depot
The Company Depot was established in the 1800s as a departure and arrival station for rail travelers in the city’s central business district.
It was relocated in 1978. Since its relocation, this facility has been used for various community meetings and events. Initially, it was located near the railroad tracks.
Its activity room features a display that showcases various photos of notable individuals in the city during 1893. Rodney Moser, a renowned artist, created it.
Address: This facility is located at 131 W Elm St, Graham, NC 27253, United States.
4. Great Bend Park
The Great Bend Park is a recreation area located in the heart of the Carolina Mountains.
It features 30 acres of land that the Haw River borders. It’s also home to various trails.
One of the park’s most popular activities is the Haw River Trail, a multi-use trail that goes through the mountains of North Carolina.
While exploring the park, you can also visit the nearby village of Glencoe Mill Village.
Address: The Great Bend Park is located at 350 Greenwood Drive, Burlington, North Carolina, 27217.
5. Michelle’s Kitchen and Table
In 2007, Michelle Morton opened her restaurant, Michelle’s Kitchen and Table, near the park.
Her take on traditional take-out desserts and elegant cuisine has been very popular with the local community.
Due to the success of her food, she relocated her establishment to a more prominent location.
Address: Michelle’s Kitchen and Table is located at 2461 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
6. Hursey’s Pig Pickin’ Bar-B-Q
The establishment was first established in 1945 and was initially owned by Sylvester and Daisy Hursey.
They were known for their famous secret sauce-based pork chop sandwiches. Their catering menu also includes a variety of food options.
In addition, the Pig Pickin’ Bowl-B-Q offers fried seafood dishes and desserts.
Address: This establishment is located at 1834 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
7. Zack’s Hotdogs
When Zack Touloupas learned about a restaurant in the city for sale, he established his restaurant in 1928.
The restaurant’s original location, known as the Alamance Hot Wienie Lunch, featured eight stools and four desks.
In 1977, his son, John, started to build a new restaurant. One of the establishment’s walls features a large Dollar Bill rug made using handwoven materials from Greece.
The restaurant’s food selection includes various food options, including breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs.
For over 90 years, the Touloupas family has been serving its customers.
Address: This restaurant is located at 201 W Davis St., Burlington, NC 27215.
8. Grill 584
The restaurant’s name, derived from the number 584, is meant to honor the city’s history and rapid industrial development following the departure of the railroad company in 1886.
It also signifies the exceptional people of the area. Since the phrase “exceptional” refers to the city’s people, it’s only fitting that the restaurant is named after this institution.
The restaurant’s menu features a variety of salad bar options. It also offers a variety of other food items such as sandwiches and seafood dishes.
Address: This restaurant is located at 710 Huffman Mill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.
9. Alamance County Historical Museum
The historical museum is located in the county on a plantation that was established during the 19th century.
The museum’s home features a dining room, a parlor, and a music room. The museum also has various pieces from the 19th century.
The second floor of the museum features three bedrooms. It also has multiple areas designed to display various items, such as clothes and military memorabilia.
The museum’s grounds additionally have multiple attractions. These include a carriage house, a corn crib, and a family cemetery.
Address: The Alamance County Historical Museum is located at 4777 South, 9295, NC-62, Burlington, NC 27215.
10. Haw River Trail and Paddle Trail
The Haw River Trail in North Carolina is a 20-mile bike and hiking adventure that takes travelers through the beautiful countryside.
It features various areas filled with different plants and animals. Another great way to experience the river is by participating in the nearby Paddle Trail.
This is an opportunity for experienced sailors and canoeists.
Address: This attraction is located at 3916 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215.
11. Textile Heritage Museum
Since the 1800s, the textile industry has been a significant part of the state’s history.
In 2002, a group of individuals started the textile heritage museum to educate the public about the production of clothing used by the US military during the First World War.
The museum is part of the historic village known as the Glencoe Mill Village.
The public also offers free admission to visit this area and the museum.
During a guided tour, the visitors can explore the village and its surrounding areas. This tour usually lasts for around two and a half hours.
Address: This museum is located at 2406 Glencoe Street, Burlington, NC 27217.
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12. Burlington Athletic Stadium
The stadium of the minor league baseball team known as the Burlington Royal was initially built in Virginia.
After it was relocated to North Carolina, it was used by the Kansas City Royal. It was the site of the longest game in Major League Baseball history.
The stadium, referred to as the BURLINGTON Athletic Stadium, is a minor league baseball facility that can accommodate approximately 8,500 fans. It features multiple dugouts and clubhouses.
Address: The Burlington Athletic Stadium is located at 1450 Graham St, Burlington, NC 27217.
13. Glencoe Mill Village
The historical village of the same name is regarded as one of the best-preserved cotton factories in the country.
It has over 50 structures that were built during the 1880s. In addition, the village also has a variety of housing communities for its workers.
The 105-acre historical complex known as the Haw River Mills is located on the banks of the river.
It features various structures, such as a wheelhouse, a mill, and a dye house. A museum about the textile industry is also located in this area.
Address: Glencoe Mill Village is located at 2320 River Rd, Burlington, NC 27217, United States.
14. Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
A historical site located in the heart of the state’s history is called the Battleground State Historic Site.
It was established in 1773 to commemorate the Battle of the Battleground. It also features a museum with various artifacts related to the American Revolution.
A film about life in North Carolina during the settlers’ time is also shown at the visitor center.
Various Revolutionary War relics are also displayed at the site, and a cannon replica is also on display.
Another historical structure in this area is the Allen House, which was constructed in 1872.
This historical structure is dedicated to showcasing the early days of the state’s history.
Address: This Historic Site is located at 5803 NC-62, Burlington, NC 27215.
15. City Park
Family-friendly City Park is an amusement park that features various rides and attractions.
One of these is the train ride, and it’s currently undergoing a significant refurbishment.
Other attractions like the airplane ride are now closed for maintenance.
The park also features a large playground accommodating children of all ages. It also has multiple picnic facilities and a fountain.
Aside from this, the park also has a variety of trails that nature lovers can use.
Address: This park is located at 1388 Main Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
16. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
The Morehead Science and Planetarium in North Carolina was opened in 1949.
It has since become one of the most popular attractions in the state.
The facility, located on the University of North Carolina’s Chapel Hill, initially served as NASA’s astronaut training center. During this time, over 60 officers received training in astronomy.
Address: The Morehead Science and Planetarium is located at 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States.
17. The Biltmore Estate
One of the most popular attractions in North Carolina is the magnificent and historic Biltmore Estate.
This property, which spans 8,000 acres, is located in the city of Asheville. It’s also one of the state’s most beautiful areas.
The estate’s gardens are filled with various types of flora and grasses.
For example, the Rose Garden features over 250 varieties of roses, and the Italian Garden has multiple pools and sculptures that are all adorned with lavish designs.
Address: The Biltmore Estate is located at 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States.
18. Battleship North Carolina
The USS North Carolina also referred to as the USS North Carolina, is currently docked in Wilmington.
It was commissioned on April 9, 1941, and was the first of the US’ 10 World War II battleships.
Address: The Battleship North Carolina is located at 1 Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States.
19. Chimney Rock State Park
One of the most popular attractions in North Carolina is the Chimney Rock State Park, located in the state’s southeast region.
Its central feature is a massive spire that measures over 300 feet in height. This natural granite walkway provides a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
There are over 500 steps leading up to the top of the spire, and it’s also accessible via an elevator.
If you’re not in the mood for an excursion, the elevator will take you to the 26th floor.
Address: This attraction is located in Chimney Rock, NC 28720, United States.
20. Blue Ridge Parkway
Designed by Stanley Abbott, the spire was built to create a drive that was more about the destination than the destination.
It spans 469 miles from North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park. It’s one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
The road through North Carolina’s mountains will take you through some of the state’s best views.
The scenery along the way will provide you with endless opportunities to see what’s around you.
Address: The Blue Ridge Parkway mailing address is 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803.
21. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
One of the most prominent museums in North Carolina is the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
It features two buildings, the Nature Research Center and Nature Exploration Center.
It’s regarded as the Southeast’s biggest natural science museum. It also has other attractions, such as the Prairie Ridge Ecostation and the North Carolina Museum of Forestry.
The Nature Exploration Center is free to enter. It features a variety of interactive exhibits that will help you explore the state’s various natural attractions.
In addition to the natural science museum, this facility also features a gallery that showcases the gemstone history of North Carolina.
On the other hand, the Nature Research Center is a different type of museum. It’s dedicated to learning about scientists’ various techniques to explore the natural world.
Address: This attraction is located at 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States.
If you’re planning on making a trip to Graham, North Carolina, there are loads of fun, educational activities available.