North Carolina is known for its beautiful coastline, sandy beaches and picturesque mountains. What many who visit the state of Tar Heel don’t realize is that they don’t have to venture to the popular tourist destinations to enjoy themselves.
NC visitors can enjoy their vacation or weekend trips visiting some of the lesser known attractions. Check out these nine hidden gems visitors should consider adding to their North Carolina itineraries.
Yates Water Mill in Raleigh
Discover the historic Yates Watermill in Raleigh, a charming glimpse into the past. Surrounded by nature, this picturesque mill tells the story of days gone by when milling was a vital community activity. Discover rustic beauty surrounded by tranquil waters and lush surroundings. Reminiscent of simpler times, the Yates Water Mill offers visitors the chance to connect with history and appreciate the timeless rhythm of country life.
Roanoke Island Festival Park
On holiday with the little ones? The Roanoke Island Festival Park offers the perfect outing for families. Filled with interactive exhibits, this museum offers both fun and education.
See an Indian town. Dress up in 16th century attire. Watch a historic blacksmith demonstrate his craft. Don’t forget to climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a 16th-century replica ship.
Abandoned Henry River Mill Village
Located in western North Carolina is a great little ghost town called Henry River Mill Village.
Take a step back in history and experience for yourself what a typical textile factory village looked like in the early 1920se century. Fans of The Hunger Games may recognize this quaint community from its rendition of District 12. Follow in the footsteps of favorite scenes from the movies.
Henry River Mill Village began its decline in 1973 when the only thriving mill closed its doors. Today it is a tourist destination where visitors can also choose to spend a night in a renovated 1905 cabin.
Cloud room for the trees and sky, Raleigh
Housed in the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is an outdoor exhibit by British artist Chris Drury. Often compared to a ‘hobbit house’ The Cloud Room for the Trees and the Sky was built in 2003 from wood, stone and grass.
Visitors enter through a wooden door with one entrance. When closed, the only light is a small hole in the roof. This hole serves as a ‘camera obscura’, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of walking among virtual treetops, blue sky and clouds.
Land of Oz theme park, Beech Mountain
The Land of Oz Theme Park, named after the original book by L. Frank Baum, opened in 1970, but today the park is mostly abandoned. During its heyday, visitors could see actors in costumes portraying beautiful characters from the book, walk the Yellow Brick Road, and experience the tornado that brought Dorothy to Oz.
The park closed for good in 1980, but opens once a year for an Autumn of Oz event. During the rest of the year, visitors who have permission from the owners can explore this once-popular destination in its quiet eerieness.
Castle Mont Rouge
Tucked away in Rougemont NC, about 40 minutes south of the Virginia border, is Castle Mont Rouge. Originally built by local artist Robert Mihaly as a part-time studio and residence, today the castle is largely in ruins.
Built of marble and cinder blocks, this architectural marvel is abandoned but privately owned. It’s every photographer’s, history buff’s or explorer’s dream.
Linville Gorge
Often overshadowed by more popular destinations, Linville Gorge is every nature lover’s dream. The great thing about this beautiful area of North Carolina is that it typically falls under the average visitor’s radar.
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, visitors can get a taste of the “Grand Canyon of the Eastern USA” and enjoy the scenic overlooks or take adventurous hikes or rock climbing excursions.
Vollis Simpson Carousel Park
Visitors wanting a truly unique North Carolina experience should add Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park to their itinerary. Built by a farm equipment repairman about to retire, Vollis Simpson used his skills to build this fun ride.
Powered by wind, these massive kinetic sculptures opened to the public in 2017. Come see and experience what a “whirligig” is in Wilson, NC.
Gemstone mining in Little Switzerland
This underrated North Carolina destination is a European-inspired city once known for its booming gemstone mining industry.
Visitors can see real mines. After learning about the town’s history, they can test their mining skills at the Emerald Village and North Carolina Mining Museum. If you’re lucky, you might even go home with a few gems!
Metal morphosis
An artistic marvel created by Czech sculptor David Černý, Metalmorphosis stands as a mesmerizing mirrored water fountain that graces the landscape of Whitehall Technology Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. This remarkable sculpture is not just a static piece, but an interactive work of art that captivates the viewer with its fluid movements and intriguing design.
BONUS: Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden
At the Stanley Rehder Plant Garden in Wilmington, visitors can see what a real carnivorous plant looks like. Rehder spent his life raising carnivorous plants.
After his death, a three-hectare plot was marked out in his memory and his collection was preserved. See the only carnivorous botanical garden in the world. Experience what a Venus Fly Trap, pitcher plant or sundew looks like up close.
North Carolina is a great state. Visit the most popular locations, but make sure to take in some of The Tarheel State’s hidden gems too!
