13 Best Things To Do In Statesville, NC
Nestled in the scenic hills of North Carolina's Piedmont region, Statesville offers visitors a welcoming atmosphere and a rich blend of history and culture. Often overshadowed by its bustling neighbor Charlotte, just an hour south, this charming town holds its own as a must-visit destination.
Statesville's story stretches back to its early days as a trading post along the Great Wagon Road, later transforming into a key railroad hub. Today, its vibrant downtown, captivating museums, and lively festivals showcase this proud heritage. From celebrating agricultural traditions to honoring local music, the town brims with unique character.
Beyond the city limits, rural Iredell County beckons with pristine natural landscapes perfect for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities. Within Statesville itself, visitors will find an array of attractions waiting to be discovered by the curious traveler.
This guide highlights the top experiences and adventures Statesville has to offer.
Downtown Statesville
Downtown Statesville features a charming Main Street area with many businesses in preserved historic buildings. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to see key landmarks from the city's past. Museums and cultural attractions are clustered within a few blocks.
1. Walking Tours
For an introduction to local history, join a walking tour with the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC). Tours conducted on Saturdays at 10 am from April to October highlight over 20 historic landmarks. Stops include the 1839 Mitchell College building, the 1901 Southern Railway Passenger Depot, and other sites. Guides share fun facts and little-known stories from Statesville's past.
Self-guided tour brochures covering 30 historic buildings are also available through the DSDC website and their downtown offices. Notable buildings include the Iredell County Courthouse, the Confederate Monument on the courthouse grounds, City Hall, the Nixon Livery Stable, and several historic banks and businesses. Interpretive signs provide details on architecture and former uses.
2. All American Trailways Museum
Housed in Statesville's original 1908 passenger train depot, this small but engaging transportation museum displays an array of vintage vehicles. The collection includes a 1918 Baldwin steam locomotive, a 1953 GM city bus, a 1927 Republic highway patrol motorcycle, and more.
Kids can climb aboard the bright yellow 1959 school bus while adults admire the shiny red 1970 Trans Am Firebird. Exhibits profile local transportation history, like the arrival of railroads and highways. Don't miss the gift shop's nostalgic toys and North Carolina souvenirs.
3. Fort Dobbs Historic Site
Step back in time at Fort Dobbs Historic Site, an 18th-century frontier fort in Statesville, NC. This historic site lets you experience life on the wild frontier in the 1750s when the fort protected early settlers from Native American raids. Walking tours showcase the carefully reconstructed fort with barracks, officer quarters, palisades, and period cannons. Costumed guides provide fascinating details about fort life and regional history. Explore the commanding officer's house furnished with artifacts like medical tools, camp equipment, and period weaponry that provide insights into frontier military life. Don't miss the visitor center exhibits with artifacts excavated onsite, including pottery, buttons, and colonial relics. On select days, attend special events like reenactments, demonstrations of campfire cooking, or military drills. Take a self-guided tour along the nature trail around the fort to see native plants and trees, and really immerse yourself in the landscape. With its meticulous reconstructions and engaging programs, the Fort Dobbs Historic Site provides an educational and entertaining experience discovering Statesville's early frontier history.
4. Historic Sharpe House
Step into Statesville’s past with a tour of the Historic Sharpe House. This impressive Greek Revival-style home was built in 1859 for a prominent businessman and banker Samuel Sharpe. Guided tours showcase the majestic two-story columns, original heart pine floors, elaborate ceiling medallions, ornate plasterwork, and period antiques filling the 14 rooms. Stroll through the elegant parlors, dining room, bedrooms, and nursery decorated as they would have appeared when the Sharpe family lived here before the Civil War. Outdoors, explore the original smokehouse, slave quarters, garden, and carriage barn containing Sharpe’s preserved leather pony cart. Temporary exhibits in the Visitor Center provide additional insights into 19th-century life and local history. Special events like afternoon teas in the parlors or Civil War living history programs provide interactive ways to experience the Sharpe family's daily life further. With its beautifully preserved architecture and rich history, the Sharpe House provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in Statesville’s 19th-century heritage.
5. Lake Norman State Park
Escape to the tranquil shores of Lake Norman at Lake Norman State Park near Statesville, NC. This idyllic recreation area borders the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, offering abundant opportunities for water fun and relaxation. Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie from the fishing pier or rocky shoreline. Rent a boat or bring your own to enjoy freshwater fishing on the lake. Paddle a kayak or canoe along miles of scenic shoreline for an intimate experience taking in the natural scenery and wildlife. Stop at one of the secluded coves perfect for swimming, wading, and picnicking. The swim beach features a bathhouse with showers and concessions. Hikers will love the park’s five miles of woodland trails winding past hardwood forests, rolling meadows, and lake views. Sign up for interpretive programs like night hikes or kayak tours to enrich your visit. Campers will find tent and RV sites with electrical hookups nestled in the woods. With its stunning lake setting and wealth of recreational opportunities, Lake Norman State Park is a prime destination for outdoor fun near Statesville.
6. Iredell County Quilt Trail
Admire colorful works of art and celebrate local history and culture along the Iredell County Quilt Trail near Statesville, NC. This unique driving trail features over 200 painted wooden quilt blocks mounted on barns, businesses, homes, and other structures across Iredell County. Each 8-foot square block replicates the patterns and designs of traditional antique quilts made throughout the region. Follow the free trail maps to discover the location of blocks in communities like Harmony, Union Grove, Olin, and more. As you drive from site to site, appreciate the artistic craftsmanship and regional heritage behind each quilt square. Stop at select locations like the Quilt Lizzy Museum in Statesville to see replica antique quilts on display. Download the app to view photos, map locations, and learn about each quilt’s history and meaning. The Iredell County Quilt Trail combines public art, rural scenery, and regional traditions in a memorable way to experience the local flavor around Statesville.
7. Balloon Ride with Big oh! Balloons
Savor spectacular aerial views from a hot air balloon ride with Big oh! Balloons over Statesville, North Carolina. Float peacefully over the Iredell County landscape as an experienced pilot points out landmarks and provides fascinating commentary. Watch the sunrise over gently rolling farms, pastures and woodlands. Look for grazing livestock and wildlife like deer and hawks. Glide over lakes and ponds reflecting the early morning light. Soar over 1,000 feet for panoramic views of outer Statesville and its surroundings, an unforgettable perspective you can only get from a hot air balloon. Flights last around an hour and culminate with a champagne toast after a smooth landing. The ideal wind conditions in Statesville provide a top ballooning location. Don't miss this opportunity for a magical, memory-making vertical adventure high above Statesville's scenic countryside. With Big oh! Balloons, you'll gain stunning new vistas and a lasting appreciation for the area's natural beauty.
8. Rescue Ranch
Have memorable encounters with fascinating rescue animals at Rescue Ranch in Statesville, North Carolina. This nonprofit ranch and education center provides a permanent home to abused or neglected farm animals and exotic species. Interactive guided walking tours let you observe and engage with the animals in their natural habitats. See graceful horses grazing in the pasture. Watch curious alpacas and silly goats playing and socializing. Meet affectionate cows up close in the barn. Feed carrots and leafy greens to pigs, rabbits and donkeys in their enclosures. Unique species like emus, llamas, wallabies, and even an anteater inhabit other areas.
Knowledgable guides share each animal's backstory and care regimen while answering your questions. Special events like summer camps let kids assist with feeding, grooming, and training. With its family-friendly, hands-on animal encounters, Rescue Ranch connects you to nature while promoting compassion. Leave knowing your visit helped provide a beloved home for abandoned animals.
Annual Events & Festivals
Beyond its year-round attractions, Statesville comes alive with community festivals throughout the season. Mark the calendar to visit during one of these beloved annual events.
9. NC Gourd Festival
Each April, the North Carolina Gourd Festival shines a light on an under-appreciated agricultural crop: gourds. Bringing artists together with growers, this nationally acclaimed festival spans a weekend at the Rotary Club Agriculture Center.
Marvel at over 100 exhibit booths showcasing every possible use for gourds. See gigantic pumpkins, intricate carvings, gourd art, dried arrangements, functional bowls, birdhouses, drums, and more. Demos, music, food, vendors, and family activities celebrate the diverse gourd. Don't miss the 11-foot-tall pumpkin pyramid!
10. Lazy 5 Ranch Corn Maze
Every autumn, Lazy 5 Ranch transforms its 10+ acre cornfield into an elaborate corn maze design. Past years brought mazes themed around NC State mascots, the solar system, pirates, vintage trucks, and more. The maze takes around 45 minutes to traverse without getting lost!
Before and after, families can visit the exotic animals, petting zoo, train, and playground at this unique local ranch. Fall weekends feature horse rides, pumpkin patches, and corn cannons too. Hungry? Grab barbecue, kettle corn, and other seasonal snacks on site. Pick your pumpkins for jack o'lanterns too. The giant corn maze makes for a full day of fall fun.
11. Uncle Dave Macon Days
Honoring Statesville native and early country music legend David Macon, Uncle Dave Macon Days brings Americana tunes plus old-time skills competitions downtown in July. Expect plenty of banjo melodies, buck dancing, clogging, blues, bluegrass, and more performed live across four stages.
By day, watch masters of old-time crafts like blacksmithing, woodworking, quilting, and soap making. Participate in workshops for traditional folk arts too. Celebrate Uncle Dave Macon's legacy with a fiddlers' convention, mule wagon rides, heritage food, and square dancing into the night. For four days, Uncle Dave Macon Days transport Statesville to its early 20th-century roots.
12. Carolina BalloonFest
Each October, the Carolina BalloonFest fills Statesville skies with a rainbow of hot air balloons. For three days, weather permitting, balloons launch at sunrise and sunset from the Statesville Regional Airport. Watch crews inflate the giant balloons on their field then float up into the horizon.
On the ground, live bands perform while kids enjoy rides, crafts, balloon demonstrations, food vendors, and more festival fun. When evenings cool, the balloons glow from their propane flames in a magical night show. Visitors can even purchase rides on tethered balloons for floating views of Statesville. Don't miss this uplifting spectacle bringing joy, crowds, and vibrant color to Statesville each fall.
13. Downtown Statesville Holiday Magic
Ring in the holiday season with Downtown Statesville Holiday Magic each December. On select evenings, holiday music fills the air as thousands descend downtown to enjoy special events and late shopping hours. Carriage rides, carolers, dance performances, and visits with Santa help create a nostalgic Victorian-era Christmas vibe.
Vehicles are banned so pedestrians can freely stroll while snacking on chestnuts from street vendors. Storefronts glitter with lights as shop windows display their most festive decor. From pictures with Santa at City Hall to free s'mores and hot chocolate, Holiday Magic brings merriment plus great photo ops for the whole family.
Conclusion
Statesville overflows with historical, cultural, and natural wonders—far more than can fit in any single guide. The attractions profiled here merely scratch the surface of what makes Statesville such an appealing destination. The best advice? Come discover your own Statesville.
Wander downtown's architectural gems. Traipse through Quiet Oaks lavender farm. Cheer at a Statesville Owls minor league baseball game. Tee off on one of fifty local golf courses. Hop in a kayak and paddle the South Yadkin. Explore antique shops along Highway 21.
However you choose to experience Statesville and its surroundings, that signature small-town warmth will make you feel right at home. With limitless possibilities, Statesville invites visitors to craft their own unforgettable North Carolina memories one visit at a time.
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FAQ
1. What are some hidden historical landmarks to explore in Statesville, NC?
Beyond the well-known sites, Statesville has lesser-known gems like the Fort Dobbs Historic Site and small, privately owned homes dating back to the 1800s. Discovering these spots often involves connecting with local tour guides or visiting during heritage events.
2. Are there any unique dining experiences in Statesville, NC?
Yes, Statesville boasts several quirky dining spots. For example, try out places like Twisted Oak American Bar & Grill for an elevated take on Southern cuisine or find local farm-to-table pop-ups during the city’s weekend markets.
3. Does Statesville have any annual events that are worth planning a trip around?
Absolutely! Statesville is home to the Carolina BalloonFest, one of the oldest hot air balloon festivals in the country, held every October. The Statesville Pumpkin Fest and the Art Crawl are also noteworthy, offering something special for every type of visitor.
4. What are the best outdoor activities near Statesville for adventure lovers?
Adventure seekers can head to Lake Norman State Park for kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking. Alternatively, explore the unique geology of Hiddenite Gems Mine, a short drive away, where you can dig for your treasures.
5. What’s a fun way to explore Statesville with kids?
Check out the Zootastic Park, just outside of Statesville, for an interactive wildlife experience, or visit the Statesville Children’s Museum for hands-on learning exhibits that will keep kids entertained for hours.