Red Springs North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Red Springs, North Carolina.
1. Red Springs Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Red Springs Historical Museum showcases the rich history of this small North Carolina town with various displays highlighting local accomplishments. A notable exhibition features Retired NASA Astronaut Lt. Col. William McArthur, a Robeson County native who served on four ISS Shuttle Missions. Additional displays include artifacts and information about the area's early family life, education, military history, farming practices, baseball heritage, and medical/dental businesses.
2. Flora MacDonald Highland Games
SCOTTISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION
The annual Flora MacDonald Highland Games and Gathering of Clans is held in October, celebrating the area's strong Scottish heritage. Visitors can enjoy traditional dancing, pipe band competitions, and various Highland games during this two-day event. The festival honors Flora MacDonald, the Scottish heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape during the Stuart uprising in Scotland.
3. Flora MacDonald Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Flora MacDonald Academy occupies a historic building that once housed the Red Springs Seminary, which opened in 1896 as a female seminary and was renamed Flora MacDonald College in 1914. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and now serves as a K-12 college preparatory private school. The institution represents an important part of Red Springs' educational heritage that dates back to the 19th century.
4. Red Springs Mineral Springs Park
HISTORIC HEALING WATERS
Red Springs Mineral Springs Park is centered around the natural springs that gave the town its name, known for their distinctive red pigment. These springs were historically valued for their purported medicinal properties, making the area a health resort in the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore the park and learn about the springs' significance to the town's development.
5. Lumber River State Park
NATURAL WATER RECREATION
Lumber River State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore a beautiful blackwater river designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the river's forested shores. The park preserves unique wetland ecosystems and provides important wildlife habitat in the region near Red Springs.
6. Chalk Banks Access Area
RIVERSIDE RECREATION SPOT
Chalk Banks Access Area provides a scenic entry point to the Lumber River with facilities for picnicking, camping, and river access. The area features hiking trails that wind through beautiful bottomland forest and along sandy riverbanks. Visitors can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and peaceful nature walks in this tranquil setting not far from Red Springs.
7. Native American Resource Center
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Native American Resource Center at UNC Pembroke showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Lumbee Tribe and other Native American communities in the region. The museum houses a significant collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical documents relating to indigenous peoples of southeastern North Carolina. Visitors can learn about Native American history, traditions, and contemporary issues through engaging exhibits and educational programs.
8. Givens Performing Arts Center
REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Givens Performing Arts Center at UNC Pembroke hosts a diverse range of theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year. The 1,600-seat auditorium attracts both local and national performing artists to this region of North Carolina. The center serves as an important cultural hub for communities surrounding Red Springs, offering quality entertainment and artistic experiences.
9. Robeson County History Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Robeson County History Museum preserves and showcases the diverse cultural heritage of this unique North Carolina county. Housed in a historic building, the museum features exhibits on Native American history, European settlement, agricultural development, and local industries. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Robeson County's past and its various communities, including Red Springs.
10. Luther Britt Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Luther Britt Park offers extensive recreational facilities including fishing ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails. The park encompasses over 100 acres of natural beauty with woodlands, wetlands, and open spaces for outdoor activities. Families from Red Springs and surrounding communities frequently visit to enjoy the park's amenities and peaceful setting.
11. Exploration Station
CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Exploration Station is a hands-on children's museum that encourages learning through interactive exhibits and creative play. The facility features educational displays covering science, technology, arts, and culture designed specifically for young minds. Children from Red Springs and nearby towns can participate in regular workshops, demonstrations, and special events that make learning fun and engaging.
12. Fuller's Old Fashion BBQ
AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN CUISINE
Fuller's Old Fashion BBQ serves traditional North Carolina barbecue prepared using time-honored smoking and cooking methods. The restaurant is known for its slow-cooked pork, homemade sides, and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Locals from Red Springs often make the short drive to enjoy this authentic taste of Southern culinary heritage.
13. Lumberton Downtown Historic District
PRESERVED COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
Lumberton's Downtown Historic District features well-preserved commercial buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with historic storefronts now housing boutique shops, local restaurants, and art galleries. The district offers a glimpse into the region's past while supporting local businesses that serve residents from surrounding communities like Red Springs.
14. Carolina Civic Center
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Carolina Civic Center is a beautifully restored 1928 theater that now serves as a performing arts venue for the region including Red Springs. The historic theater hosts concerts, plays, films, and community events throughout the year in its ornate auditorium. The building represents an important piece of architectural and cultural heritage for Robeson County and surrounding areas.
15. Southeastern Agricultural Center
REGIONAL EVENT COMPLEX
The Southeastern Agricultural Center and Farmers Market hosts agricultural shows, livestock exhibitions, rodeos, and community events throughout the year. The facility includes a covered arena, exhibition spaces, and a seasonal farmers market featuring local produce. Residents from Red Springs and other nearby communities gather here to celebrate the region's agricultural heritage and enjoy various entertainment options.