Once a hidden gem of sorts, it has progressively become more and more popular over the years and lost some of that silent charm. Thirty years after that compromise agreement was made, very little progress had been made on the road, and by that time most of the area was washed out. At Pine Knoll Shores, visitors learn about the state's varied marine life, while Fort Fisher introduces the freshwater streams, swamps, and open ocean of Cape Fear. Permanent exhibits in the science center explore the planetarium's proud history as a training center for astronauts-from 1959 through 1975, more than 60 astronauts learned about celestial navigation here, including the majority of those who walked on the moon. With 12 million annual visitors, it is the most visited national park in the United States. If youre looking for more unique and bizarre places to visit in North Carolina, look no further than the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum. Another location is Jennettes Pier of Nags Head, which isnt technically an actual aquarium but still provides you with lots of sights of humpback whales and other aquatic creatures in their natural environment. North Carolina Aquarium. Boredom is not an option here as you race down the tracks or spend the day finding your favorite games. The vessel is well armed: there are nine 16-inch, 45-caliber guns in three turrets, and 20 five-inch, 38-caliber guns in ten twin mounts. One museum is located in Hatteras and covers the history of the areas shipwrecks and finds. William B. Umstead State Park stretches across 5,579 acres of land right between multiple cities in North Carolina, namely Durham, Cary, and Raleigh. Address: 40 Patriots Hall Dr, Currie, NC 28435, United States. Sports-lovers can use the baseball fields or tennis courts, or they can simply swim in the water. Youll find out about deep space exploration, weather pattern science, the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, and DNA studies. Morehead presents a variety of planetarium shows covering fun and educational topics like black holes, the human brain, astronauts, and more. Basic Facts About North Carolina As of 2020, the population of North Carolina is 10.4 million. The #1 attraction in Montana is Glacier National Park, a place you should definitely go to appreciate true nature. The museum takes up 40,000 square feet of space and is home to what may be the greatest unique and rare vehicle collection on the planet. Address: 81 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States. Charleston's Historic District is the number 1 attraction in South Carolina. If you do plan the trip, heres what to do in Raleigh, NC, and some of the top things to do in Wilmington, NC! The JC Raulston Arboretum covers 10 acres of space and is home to a huge range of plants not limited to those local to North Carolina. These exhibits discuss many different topics, with highlights like Firsts in Flight, which pays homage to and discusses in detail the contributions of African Americans to space exploration and the development of aviation. Forty minutes from Asheville is Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. In the summer and autumn, Mabry Mill (Milepost 176) has demonstrations that include grinding corn in the original mill, cutting boards in the sawmill, and the art of blacksmithing. The North Carolina Museum of History is a fantastic option for what to see if youre looking to learn more about the state and its history in a fun and engaging way. If you do plan the trip, heres what to do in Fayetteville, NC, and some of the best things to do in Greensboro, NC! 4. Dupont State Forest is the most opportune place to spot blue ghost fireflies thanks to its pristine stretches of verdancy. Currently, the Carolinas Aviation Museum is under renovation, pending a grand re-opening in the year 2022 after 26 years of operation. Spanning 8,000 acres, the estate rests in Asheville and dates back to the 1890s. Among the activities to partake in at this fun spot are the ropes course, a carousel ride, a train, and even a viewing deck for giraffes that lets you see these majestic mammals eye-to-eye. The worst tourist trap in every state Sophie-Claire Hoeller Updated Disney's Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Shutterstock There's tons of sightseeing to do in the US but some spots have become tourist traps. Barcelo also gives ghost tours of the sleepy town of Littleton and shows guests how to use the museums special ghost-hunting equipment. Back then, the house had been owned by Confederate veterans and politicians before coming into Sandburgs possession. Long stretches of soft sand line the coast for miles, attracting large numbers of visitors in the summer months. Travelers Worldwide states that North Carolina's number one attraction is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The gardens of the Biltmore Estate stretch out expansively with lush greens and verdant flora of all kinds. Thousands of arrowheads make up a winding path through them, and its easily one of the most fun things to do in North Carolina to make your way through them as you peer at the tiny houses! But theres more to do at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine than just mine, believe it or not. Address: 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States. Listed below are 10 of the best places to visit in South Carolina. Its also where the Patriots won their first significant victory right here in North Carolina. Bird-watchers can get a peek at the threatened piping plovers that nest on the beach, as well as the American Oystercatcher, gull-billed tern, and black skimmer. Like the states aquarium, the North Carolina Maritime Museum has three separate locations in opportune vacation spots. The essential guide to visiting North Carolina - National Geographic Situated on Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina, the structures initial purpose was NASA astronaut training, providing celestial navigation lessons to over 60 of these officers between 1959 and 1975. 23 Top Things to Do in North Carolina - U.S. News Travel Finally, theres the Pine Knoll Shores branch, which is highly informational and has information about the states marine animals and their diversity. There is no entry fee, making this one of the most valuable free things to do in the state. It was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II and is, most fascinatingly, filled with secret rooms, hidden passages, and disguised doors. North Carolina is known as the Tar Heel State, though the origins of this nickname are blurry. There are also many museums, visitor centers, and more seen along the road, giving you lots of choices for mileposts to stop at and plenty of sightseeing to do. 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in North Carolina | PlanetWare 1.Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountains are a can't-miss destination in Western North Carolina. Address: 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, United States. With over 12 million visitors every year, it's the most visited national park in the US. The Roanoke Island location, situated close to Jennette's Pier, features the largest collection of sharks in the state. Written by Lana Law and Michael Law Updated May 11, 2023. The International Civil Rights Center and Museum is one of the top things to do in North Carolina. Will you be visiting Charlotte or Cherokee? Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina today, but it wasn't the first. Five years later, it has become the towns most loved attraction, causing even further development as the worlds interest in STEM fields grew following the Sputnik era of the Soviet Union. It is a non-profit organization that plays a crucial role in the regions Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. As a matter of fact, Whirligig Park is as silly as it sounds and as amazingly artistic as that, too. Come for a visit, live like a local, and let us help - enter to win a trip to one of 16 communities across the state. You'll want to check them all out. Each location is unique and, with no admission fee, are great options for free things to do. Advice Travel 27 Top Things to Do in Greensboro, North Carolina In the heart of North Carolina, Greensboro offers arts and humanities alongside centuries of history; meanwhile, the city's. In the winter, the mountains come alive with the hoots and hollers of downhill skiers and boarders having a good time at North Carolina's ski resorts. Pullen Park was North Carolinas first-ever public park, which makes it one of the best places of interest if you need a relaxing, laidback break this weekend but want to keep soaking in the states history. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the top attraction in North Carolina and a must-visit place during your trip. There is the Virtue Peace Pond, the Angle Amphitheater, the Woodland Garden, and the sustainable, organic Charlotte Brody Discovery garden. Though it gets crowded quickly, many find it worth the trip! Stretching 469 miles from North Carolinas Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Virginias Shenandoah National Park, its one of the most beautiful places in the country. Things to Do in North Carolina Popular things to do Ghost Tours Self-guided Tours Bodies of Water 4WD Tours Cultural Tours Nature & Wildlife Areas Historical Tours City Tours Mountains Half-day Tours Bus Tours State Parks Photography Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Beaches Hiking Tours Kayaking Tours Hiking Trails Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Its no surprise to any resident of North Carolina that spooky, paranormal sightings often happen in rural areas, making this museum in Littleton an obvious addition to the mystique surrounding Bigfoot and other cryptids of the woods. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the states oldest museum and is made up of two buildings, namely the Nature Research Center and the Nature Exploration Center. Huntington Beach State Park. Naturally, this is a mere myth, especially since they glow blue, not red! Whether you desire low-intensity, easy trails, stunning views, or hard-hitting difficult treks, there will be something for you as you explore Grandfather Mountain. You can find the population of all cities, towns and townships within the Niagara Region by looking at this resource HERE. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Most interestingly, since it was founded in the year 2015, more sightings have been reported. The melancholy road that doesnt lead anywhere is a strange entry among things to see in North Carolina, but one cant deny its intrigue as a hidden gem of the states tourist attractions. South Carolina boasts many types of destinations for all ages and each one is worth visiting. It is built on Big Kill Devil Hill, a 90-foot dune. Activities, events, and workshops are held daily, such as storytimes and games, and holiday celebrations also occur seasonally. Address: 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, North Carolina.