Gatesville North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gatesville, North Carolina.
1. Merchants Millpond State Park
ENCHANTED FOREST EXPERIENCE
Merchants Millpond State Park is a pristine natural area featuring old-growth cypress trees draped in moss that create an enchanted forest atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy paddling through the millpond, hiking trails, and observing diverse wildlife including the northernmost habitat for American alligators. The park showcases Mother Nature at her best with beautiful yellow lily pad flowers blooming throughout the warmer months.
2. The Hotel
ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION
The Hotel serves as a popular game and entertainment center in Gatesville with a perfect 5-star rating from visitors. This venue offers locals and tourists alike a place to gather, socialize, and enjoy various forms of entertainment. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone exploring the Gatesville area.
3. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
HISTORIC WILDERNESS SANCTUARY
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a vast protected wetland ecosystem spanning over 112,000 acres near Gatesville. This biodiverse sanctuary features unique habitats, abundant wildlife, and miles of hiking trails through forested wetlands. The refuge has significant historical importance as it once served as a hiding place for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad.
4. Somerset Place State Historic Site
PLANTATION LIFE MUSEUM
Somerset Place State Historic Site offers visitors a comprehensive and realistic view of 19th-century life on a large North Carolina plantation. The preserved estate includes original and reconstructed buildings that tell the stories of both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Guided tours provide insight into the complex social hierarchy and daily experiences at this significant historical site.
5. Pettigrew State Park
LAKE AND HISTORY
Pettigrew State Park surrounds Lake Phelps, North Carolina's second-largest natural lake, and features impressive displays of centuries-old dugout canoes dredged up from its waters. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance, offering visitors fishing, boating, hiking, and camping opportunities. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems while history buffs appreciate the archaeological artifacts and historic structures within the park boundaries.
6. Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana
ECLECTIC HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana houses a mind-blowing collection of historical artifacts ranging from an RCA Dog and a sofa from "Gone with the Wind" to butter churns and a dog-powered washing machine. This eclectic museum presents a fascinating glimpse into America's past through thousands of everyday items and rare treasures collected over decades. Native American artifacts are also prominently displayed, adding cultural depth to this unique regional attraction.
7. NC Black Bear Discovery Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The NC Black Bear Discovery Center educates visitors about the region's black bear population, which is recognized as the densest in the world. Interactive exhibits explain bear behavior, habitat requirements, and conservation efforts in eastern North Carolina. Visitors gain valuable knowledge about safely coexisting with these magnificent creatures while appreciating their importance to the local ecosystem.
8. Port O'Plymouth Museum
CIVIL WAR NAVAL HISTORY
The Port O'Plymouth Museum tells the fascinating story of the CSS Albemarle, the Confederacy's most effective ironclad ram, and its dramatic sinking during a daring nighttime raid. Located just a five-minute walk from the Black Bear Discovery Center, this museum preserves Plymouth's significant Civil War naval history. Exhibits feature artifacts, models, and detailed accounts of the battles that took place in the waters around Plymouth during the conflict.
9. Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft
CREATIVE RIVERSIDE WORKSHOPS
Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft serves as a maker's mecca offering classes, events, and a fine craft gallery situated on the scenic Scuppernong River. Artists and crafters can participate in workshops covering various mediums including pottery, metalwork, and fiber arts. The school contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of the region while providing beautiful handcrafted items for purchase in their gallery.
10. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
WATERWAY VISITOR INFORMATION
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center provides visitors with information about the historic 22-mile long hand-dug canal that connects the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia with the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. The center features exhibits on the canal's construction, the surrounding swamp ecosystem, and the area's role in American history including the Underground Railroad. Travelers can enjoy the scenic waterway views, picnic facilities, and helpful resources for exploring the entire Inner Banks region.
11. Newbold-White House
COLONIAL QUAKER HERITAGE
The Newbold-White House is the oldest brick house in North Carolina, dating back to 1730 and offering a glimpse into early colonial life in the region. This carefully restored Quaker homestead features period furnishings, demonstrations of colonial crafts, and beautiful riverside grounds along the Perquimans River. Guided tours take visitors through the historic house while explaining the significant role Quakers played in the development of northeastern North Carolina.
12. The Ferebee Family Restaurant
LOCAL SOUTHERN CUISINE
The Ferebee Family Restaurant serves authentic Southern comfort food in a welcoming, homestyle atmosphere in the heart of Gatesville. Their menu features regional specialties including freshly caught seafood from nearby waters, homemade desserts, and traditional dishes that have been perfected over generations. This family-owned establishment has become a gathering place for locals and a must-visit dining destination for travelers exploring Gates County.
13. Gates County Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Gates County Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans offering fresh seasonal produce, handcrafted goods, and homemade foods to the Gatesville community. Shoppers can find everything from just-picked vegetables and fruits to locally produced honey, preserves, and baked goods throughout the growing season. The market creates a vibrant community gathering space while supporting the agricultural heritage of the Inner Banks region.
14. Merchants Millpond Outfitters
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT
Merchants Millpond Outfitters provides equipment rentals and supplies for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of Merchants Millpond State Park. Their inventory includes canoes, kayaks, fishing gear, and camping essentials for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. Knowledgeable staff offer valuable advice on paddling routes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and seasonal highlights to enhance the visitor experience at this enchanting natural area.
15. Historic Gatesville Courthouse
COUNTY HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Historic Gatesville Courthouse stands as a centerpiece of the town and represents Gates County's governmental heritage dating back to the county's formation. This architectural landmark features classic design elements and houses exhibits on local history, governmental development, and notable community figures. Visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and the continued role this structure plays in preserving the cultural identity of Gatesville.