Rowland North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rowland, North Carolina.
1. Rowland Main Street Historic District
HISTORIC SMALL TOWN CHARM
The Rowland Main Street Historic District encompasses 35 contributing buildings and 1 contributing structure in the central business district of Rowland. It includes buildings built between about 1891 to 1954 in a variety of popular architectural styles including Bungalow and American Craftsman. Notable buildings include the S.L. Adams Grocery and General Store, Hedgepath and Chitty Clothing and Shoe Store, and the Rowland Drug Company.
2. S.L. Adams Grocery and General Store
HISTORIC RETAIL LANDMARK
S.L. Adams Grocery and General Store is a historic building in Rowland dating back to 1891. The store is part of the Rowland Main Street Historic District and represents the town's commercial heritage. It stands as one of the oldest commercial buildings in the area, offering visitors a glimpse into Rowland's past.
3. Merchants and Farmers Bank
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Merchants and Farmers Bank building from 1911 is a notable historic structure in downtown Rowland. The building exemplifies early 20th century banking architecture and is included in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Rowland Main Street Historic District. Its preservation helps maintain the historic character of Rowland's central business district.
4. I-95 South NC Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO NORTH CAROLINA
The I-95 South NC Welcome Center serves as an informational hub for travelers entering North Carolina. Visitors can find brochures, maps, and guidance about thousands of tourism-related businesses including attractions, accommodations, and events. The center hosts special events such as Tourism Day to showcase what North Carolina has to offer.
5. South Carolina Welcome Center
SOUTHERN STATE GATEWAY
The South Carolina Welcome Center is located near Rowland at the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. This facility provides travelers with information about South Carolina's attractions, accommodations, and events. The center offers restrooms, travel literature, and knowledgeable staff to help visitors plan their South Carolina experience.
6. Givens Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Givens Performing Arts Center is a premier cultural venue located near Rowland on the campus of UNC Pembroke. The center hosts a variety of performances including Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and community events throughout the year. With professional facilities and excellent acoustics, it serves as the cultural heart of Robeson County.
7. Little Pee Dee State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Little Pee Dee State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat in the natural beauty of the Pee Dee region near the North Carolina border. The park features a 54-acre lake perfect for fishing and boating, plus hiking trails winding through a forest of pine and hardwood trees. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife make this a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Lumber River State Park
SCENIC BLACKWATER RIVER
Lumber River State Park preserves and protects the natural beauty of the Lumber River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. The blackwater river offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation along its winding 115-mile course. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and hiking while experiencing one of North Carolina's most pristine natural environments.
9. Robeson County History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Robeson County History Museum preserves and displays the rich tobacco and cotton history of Robeson County. Located in Lumberton near Rowland, the museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the region's development. Visitors can explore the diverse cultural heritage of one of North Carolina's most historically significant counties.
10. Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater
RESTORED ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater is a beautifully restored 1928 vaudeville and silent film house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the theater hosts films, live performances, concerts, and community events in its historic setting. Its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and vintage atmosphere provide a unique cultural experience in downtown Lumberton.
11. African American Cultural Center
HERITAGE AND HISTORY
The African American Cultural Center in Lumberton showcases the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in Robeson County. The center features exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs that highlight African American history, art, and culture. Visitors can gain insights into the struggles, achievements, and cultural traditions that have shaped the African American experience in southeastern North Carolina.
12. Museum of the Southeast American Indian
NATIVE CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian celebrates the culture and history of the Lumbee Tribe and other Native American communities in the region. Located at UNC Pembroke near Rowland, the museum houses artifacts, art, and exhibits that tell the story of indigenous peoples in southeastern North Carolina. The facility serves as both a cultural center and educational resource for visitors interested in Native American heritage.
13. Luther Britt Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Luther Britt Park offers recreational opportunities for families with features including swimming facilities, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park hosts the innovative StoryWalk Robeson trail, which displays pages of books along the path for an interactive reading experience. Spanning across beautiful natural surroundings, this park provides a perfect setting for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
14. Exploration Station
INTERACTIVE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Exploration Station is an interactive museum where children can engage in imaginative play and hands-on learning experiences. The facility offers dress-up opportunities, educational exhibits, and creative activities designed to stimulate young minds. This family-friendly attraction provides entertainment value while promoting cognitive development and social skills in a fun environment.
15. Stephens Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Stephens Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a charming rural setting near Rowland. The vineyard grows several varieties of grapes suited to the southeastern North Carolina climate and produces distinctive regional wines. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and special events while experiencing the growing wine culture of Robeson County.