Red Cross North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Red Cross, North Carolina.
1. Biltmore Estate
HISTORIC GILDED AGE MANSION
Biltmore Estate is a historic property featuring a luxurious Gilded Age mansion with extensive tours showcasing opulent living quarters, including a bowling alley and pool. Visitors can enjoy lush gardens surrounding the estate that offer seasonal beauty throughout the year. The estate also offers wine tasting experiences and family-friendly activities for a complete day of exploration.
2. Billy Graham Library
PROMINENT EVANGELIST'S LEGACY
The Billy Graham Library honors the legacy of a prominent evangelist with multimedia displays and tranquil grounds featuring manicured gardens. Visitors can take a historical home tour and enjoy a carriage ride through the peaceful setting. The library offers a family-friendly environment focused on Graham's life and ministry.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road weaving through the natural landscapes of North Carolina's mountains, offering multiple overlooks with panoramic views. Travelers can access easy hiking trails along the route to experience wildlife and natural beauty up close. The parkway is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset drives, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts.
4. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features four floors of interactive exhibits and live animal displays that engage visitors of all ages. The museum includes a 3-D theater that enhances the educational experience with immersive presentations. Conservation and education are central themes throughout the facility, making it both entertaining and informative.
5. USS North Carolina Battleship
FLOATING NAVAL HISTORY
The USS North Carolina Battleship preserves an authentic piece of WWII naval history with original equipment and informative self-guided tours. Visitors can explore multiple decks to experience the daily life of sailors who served aboard this historic vessel. The battleship offers a unique opportunity to see below deck areas normally hidden from public view.
6. North Carolina Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDEN SANCTUARY
The North Carolina Arboretum features well-maintained trails through diverse landscapes with opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Special exhibits include a distinctive quilt garden and an impressive bonsai collection that showcase horticultural artistry. Seasonal light displays transform the arboretum during holidays, creating magical evening experiences.
7. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
FAMILY MINING ADVENTURE
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine offers a family-oriented gem mining adventure with both indoor and outdoor options for year-round enjoyment. The attraction includes a petting zoo and obstacle course to provide a full day of entertainment beyond the mining experience. Visitors have the opportunity to uncover various gemstones and fossils, making it both educational and exciting.
8. Dry Falls
WALK-BEHIND WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Dry Falls is a scenic waterfall with the unique feature of allowing visitors to safely walk behind its cascading waters. The easily accessible pathway provides close-up views of the powerful water flow within lush surroundings. Photo opportunities abound at this natural wonder, making it a popular spot for capturing memorable vacation moments.
9. NASCAR Hall of Fame
RACING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive museum celebrating racing culture with engaging exhibits suitable for visitors of all ages. Racing simulators provide hands-on experiences that let guests feel the thrill of speed in a controlled environment. The extensive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia offers insights into the evolution of American motorsports.
10. Wright Brothers National Memorial
FIRST FLIGHT HISTORIC SITE
The Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the birthplace of aviation with indoor exhibits featuring replicas of the Wright Flyer and the brothers' living quarters. The outdoor grounds include a memorial with panoramic views of the historic flight paths where mankind first achieved powered flight. Educational ranger talks enhance the visitor experience by providing context to this pivotal moment in transportation history.
11. Carowinds
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Carowinds is a vibrant theme park featuring a diverse array of roller coasters and family-friendly rides for visitors of all thrill preferences. The park's standout high-speed coasters provide adrenaline-pumping experiences for adventure seekers. An integrated water park section offers refreshing aquatic attractions during warmer months, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination.
12. Bee Log Resource Center
COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUB
The Bee Log Resource Center is a repurposed school building that serves as a vital community hub for distributing essential supplies in western North Carolina. Local residents coordinate efforts here to assemble food, clothes, tarps, diapers, and pet supplies for those in need. The Red Cross has partnered with this center to provide resources including an Automatic Electric Defibrillator to support emergency preparedness.
13. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
NATURAL MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers diverse ecosystems with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities across its vast protected wilderness. Hiking trails range from gentle paths to challenging mountain ascents, accommodating visitors of all ability levels. The park's famous misty mountain views earned it its name and provide spectacular photo opportunities throughout the seasons.
14. Grandfather Mountain
MILE-HIGH SWINGING BRIDGE
Grandfather Mountain features the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The nature preserve houses native wildlife exhibits including bears, eagles, and cougars in naturalistic habitats. Extensive hiking trails allow visitors to explore diverse ecosystems while experiencing significant elevation changes throughout the mountain.
15. Chimney Rock State Park
ICONIC ROCK FORMATION
Chimney Rock State Park is centered around its namesake 315-foot rock formation offering 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park features several hiking trails including the popular Hickory Nut Falls Trail leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in eastern America. Family-friendly amenities include a nature center, guided rock climbing experiences, and educational programs about local flora and fauna.