Bear Grass North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bear Grass, North Carolina.
1. Deadwood Western Theme Park
FAMILY-FUN WESTERN ADVENTURE
Deadwood Western Theme Park is a family-run attraction located in the Bear Grass area of Martin County, offering visitors year-round entertainment with no admission fee. Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides, miniature golf, arcades, playgrounds, a roller coaster, and a carousel among other activities. The park also features special seasonal events including a haunted house during Halloween and the Polar Express train ride during Christmas.
2. Smokehouse Grill
PREMIER LOCAL STEAKHOUSE
The Smokehouse Grill is the area's premier steakhouse located within the Deadwood Western Theme Park in Bear Grass. The restaurant specializes in marinated ribeyes, burgers, baby back ribs, shrimp, and chicken dishes. It serves as a popular dining destination for both locals and tourists visiting the theme park.
3. Deadwood Miniature Golf
FAMILY PUTT-PUTT COURSE
Deadwood Miniature Golf is the original attraction that sparked the development of the entire Deadwood Western Theme Park in Bear Grass. Started as a small putt-putt course for the Price family, it was designed and built entirely by Ira Price and his son Derek. The course has maintained its charm while becoming part of the larger theme park experience that grew around it.
4. The Polar Express Train Ride
MAGICAL SEASONAL ATTRACTION
The Polar Express Train Ride at Deadwood Western Theme Park offers visitors a magical holiday experience during the Christmas season. Guests are invited to don hats and mittens while climbing aboard for an enchanting journey that's sure to set hearts aglow. This seasonal attraction has become a beloved tradition for families visiting Bear Grass during the winter holidays.
5. Deadwood Saloon & Dancehall
LIVE MUSIC WESTERN VENUE
Deadwood Saloon & Dancehall is an entertainment venue within the Deadwood Western Theme Park that hosts top local bands on weekends. The venue grew from humble beginnings to become an integral part of the Bear Grass entertainment scene. Its western-themed atmosphere provides a unique setting for music and dancing in Martin County.
6. Bear Grass Historical District
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN AMERICA
Bear Grass Historical District showcases the charm of this tight-knit community that boasts only one stoplight—a substantial landmark when giving directions. The town, once known as the 'Moonshine Capital of the World,' gained its fame during Prohibition when production of such alcoholic beverages was outlawed. Visitors can explore the area's rich heritage dating back to at least 1761 when the name Bear Grass, referring to a type of yucca prolific in the area, was first given to the region's major swamp in a land grant.
7. Bear Grass Kiddie Coaster
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THRILL RIDE
Bear Grass Kiddie Coaster is an exciting ride located within the Deadwood Western Theme Park that provides just the right level of thrills for younger visitors. The roller coaster is part of the park's diverse offerings designed to give families multiple choices for fun. It stands as one of the few amusement rides in this rural part of Martin County.
8. Deadwood Ice Cream & Coffee Shop
SWEET WESTERN TREATS
Deadwood Ice Cream & Coffee Shop offers refreshing treats and beverages to visitors of the Deadwood Western Theme Park. Visitors can wet their whistle with various ice cream flavors and coffee drinks while enjoying the western-themed atmosphere. The shop provides a perfect respite during a day of exploring the various attractions at Deadwood.
9. Deadwood Banquet Hall
WESTERN-THEMED EVENT VENUE
Deadwood Banquet Hall is a private event space located within the Deadwood Western Theme Park perfect for hosting special occasions and gatherings. The venue allows guests to rustle up a shindig for private parties with a unique western backdrop. Its location within the theme park offers a distinctive setting unavailable elsewhere in Martin County.
10. Williamston River Landing
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Williamston River Landing is a recreational area located near Bear Grass in the neighboring town of Williamston. The landing provides access to the Roanoke River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of eastern North Carolina. Visitors can experience the region's rich natural resources that once supported early settlers engaged in producing turpentine, tar, and shingles from the area's abundant forests.
11. Martin County Farmers Market
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
Martin County Farmers Market brings together local farmers and artisans from the Bear Grass area and surrounding communities to sell fresh produce and handmade goods. The market celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region, where farming has been a way of life since the earliest settlers. Visitors can purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products while connecting with the rural traditions of Martin County.
12. Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center
PREMIER EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center is a state-of-the-art equestrian and agricultural event facility located near Bear Grass in Williamston. The center hosts numerous horse shows, rodeos, livestock events, and agricultural exhibitions throughout the year. With its impressive facilities, the center draws visitors from across the eastern seaboard to Martin County.
13. Roanoke River Paddle Trail
SCENIC WATER ADVENTURE
The Roanoke River Paddle Trail offers kayakers and canoeists a chance to explore the pristine waterways near Bear Grass and throughout Martin County. Managed by Roanoke River Partners, the trail system includes camping platforms and access points for multi-day paddling adventures. Visitors can experience the natural beauty that has defined this region since long before European settlement.
14. Sunny Side Oyster Bar
HISTORIC SEAFOOD INSTITUTION
Sunny Side Oyster Bar is a legendary eatery near Bear Grass in Williamston that has been serving fresh seafood since 1935. The restaurant is famous for its traditional steam-bar setup where patrons sit around a central table and shuck their own oysters. This beloved institution attracts visitors from across the region seeking an authentic eastern North Carolina culinary experience.
15. Fort Branch Civil War Site
CONFEDERATE RIVER FORTIFICATION
Fort Branch Civil War Site is a preserved Confederate fortification located on the Roanoke River near Bear Grass in the town of Hamilton. The fort was constructed in 1862 to protect the Wilmington-Weldon railroad bridge from Union gunboats traveling up the Roanoke River. Today, visitors can explore the earthworks, cannon emplacements, and learn about the site's role in the Civil War through interpretive displays.