Benson North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Benson, North Carolina.
1. Broadslab Distillery
FARM TO BOTTLE SPIRITS
Broadslab Distillery is North Carolina's first farm distillery since prohibition, taking great pride in their grassroots approach to creating spirits. Visitors can experience the complete farm-to-bottle process and learn about traditional distilling methods. The distillery offers tours and tastings of their handcrafted products made using family recipes passed down through generations.
2. Galot Motorsports Park
HIGH-OCTANE RACING EXCITEMENT
Galot Motorsports Park offers exhilarating auto racing experiences for both participants and spectators. The track hosts various racing events throughout the year, from drag racing to specialty motorsports competitions. Visitors praise the facility for providing exciting entertainment that offers something different from typical tourist attractions.
3. Tucker Lake
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Tucker Lake provides a refreshing water recreation area perfect for families with children of all ages. The lake features swimming areas, water activities, and spaces to relax along the shore. Visitors often highlight it as an ideal destination for summer outings with multiple generations of family members.
4. Fainting Goat Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Fainting Goat Brewing Company offers locally crafted beers in a friendly atmosphere in downtown Benson. The brewery serves as a stop on the region's Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail, making it a popular destination for craft beverage enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of house-made brews while experiencing Benson's charming small-town atmosphere.
5. Benson Museum of Local History
HERITAGE AND CULTURE SHOWCASE
The Benson Museum of Local History showcases the rich heritage of the Benson community through carefully curated exhibits. The free museum features themed displays on subjects including farming, home life, local artists, military history, and signature events like Benson Mule Days. Visitors can explore artifacts that tell the story of how Benson developed into the charming community it is today.
6. Black Creek Hill Farms
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES FOR ALL
Black Creek Hill Farms offers horseback riding lessons and experiences suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels. The farm specializes in providing beginner-friendly instruction, making it particularly popular for children experiencing horseback riding for the first time. Their patient instructors guide new riders through the basics of horsemanship in a supportive environment.
7. Hexagon Wake Park
THRILLING WATER SPORTS COMPLEX
Hexagon Wake Park is a specialized sports complex offering wakeboarding and other water-based activities. The facility provides a unique outdoor recreation experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and beginners wanting to try water sports. Visitors appreciate that the park is rarely overcrowded, allowing for a more enjoyable experience with good visibility of all areas.
8. Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee
LOCAL EATS AND TREATS
Cornerstone Cafe & Coffee is a locally owned eatery located on Main Street in Benson serving fresh, gourmet food options. The cafe is known for its Belgian waffles available all day, along with specialty coffee drinks like the Moon Pie Latte. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in this charming Main Street establishment that offers customizable menu options.
9. Benson National Historic District
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE
The Benson National Historic District encompasses 54 acres and includes over 100 historic properties that showcase the town's rich heritage. Notable buildings within the district include the Benson Town Hall, Macon Hotel, Mary Duncan Public Library, and Preston Woodall House. Visitors can take self-guided tours using maps available from the town to explore this well-preserved slice of North Carolina history.
10. Benson Mule Days
SIGNATURE AGRICULTURAL FESTIVAL
Benson Mule Days is the largest festival held in Johnston County, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage each September. The event features mule judging competitions, races, live music, vendors, food, carnival rides, and rodeos. This signature celebration draws visitors from across the region who come to experience this unique tribute to rural traditions.
11. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
FASCINATING NATURAL HISTORY
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offers an educational journey through the natural world just a short drive from Benson. This popular museum features extensive exhibits on regional ecology, dinosaurs, and interactive science displays. Visitors rate this as one of the top attractions in the broader region surrounding Benson.
12. North Carolina Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The North Carolina Museum of Art houses impressive collections spanning thousands of years of artistic history within driving distance of Benson. The museum combines indoor galleries with beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens and walking trails. Visitors from Benson often make the trip to experience both the art collections and the museum's 164-acre park featuring environmental works and recreational spaces.
13. Gregory Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Gregory Vineyards offers a vineyard experience near Benson as part of the region's Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail. The winery produces a variety of wines in a picturesque rural setting that showcases the agricultural diversity of Johnston County. Visitors can enjoy tastings while taking in the pastoral landscape that characterizes this part of North Carolina.
14. Benson Dog Park
CANINE-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPACE
Benson Dog Park provides a dedicated space for four-legged visitors to run and play off-leash in a safe environment. The park is conveniently located near pet-friendly accommodations like the Hampton Inn, making it ideal for travelers with dogs. This amenity reflects Benson's commitment to being a welcoming destination for visitors traveling with pets.
15. Preston Woodall House
HISTORIC BED AND BREAKFAST
The Preston Woodall House is a historic property located within Benson's National Historic District that now serves as a bed and breakfast. This beautifully preserved building represents the architectural heritage that earned Benson its historic designation. Visitors can experience a stay in this landmark structure or simply appreciate it during a walking tour of the historic district.