9 Best Things To Do In Graham, North Carolina

things to do in graham north carolina
Samantha
Samantha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Graham, North Carolina didn’t become a city officially until 1961. It gets its name from William Alexander Graham, a U.S. Senator from North Carolina who became governor of the state in 1845. The Haw River runs along Graham, making it a great place for outdoor adventurers and explorers. This little city has a lot of unique nature parks and things to do!

1. Get inspired at the Alamance Arts Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Alamance Arts Center is Graham’s cultural center! The art center is committed to shaping the cultural identity of the Alamance County by making art accessible to all citizens, no matter their background. The Alamance Arts Center hosts community events and art shows, as well as classes, open weekly to the public on a variety of topics. There are a number of arts groups open to the public at this arts center, including children’s theater, photography club, artisans guild, jazz band, and even a writers club. There is something for everyone at this cultural arts center!

Alamance Arts Center

Address: 213 South Main Street, 27253 Graham, NC

Website: Alamance Arts Center

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2. Explore haunts at the Historic Linwood Cemetery

GilesMebaneTombstone
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlamanceWM used under CC BY-SA 3.0

While most travelers don’t make cemeteries a priority, the Historic Linwood Cemetary has a lot of history to offer visitors. This old cemetery is well-kept and incredibly peaceful. You can spend hours searching the old gravestones and reading the interesting messages of those they commemorate. There are grave markers from the early 1800s, and there are even governors buried on these grounds. Keep an eye out for passing ghosts, as the Linwood Cemetary is said by locals to be haunted.

Historic Linwood Cemetary

Address: Between E. Pine St, E. Elm St and S. Melville St, 27253 Graham, NC

Website: Linwood Cemetary

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3. Learn more at the Children's Museum of Alamance County

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Children’s Museum of Alamance County believes that children learn as they play! Though geared towards children, the exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Alamance County are fun for guests of all ages. Exhibits are constantly updating and changing to feature new explorations. Current exhibits include the building zone, health center, science adventure, and an artists workshop. Admission is only 5 USD per guest over 5 years old, and this is sure to be an unforgettable, family-friendly experience.

Children's Museum of Alamance County

Address: 217 South Main Street, 27253 Graham, NC

Website: Children’s Museum of Alamance County

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4. See a film at the Graham Cinema

Graham Cinema, Graham, NC (48950872142)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Warren LeMay used under CC0

This old-style movie theater is a far cry from corporate movie theaters popular today. The Graham Cinema focuses on low-cost entertainment for the whole family, with affordable ticket prices and food. Admission to this theater is a surprisingly low 4 USD and they only show a select number of feature films daily. The Graham Cinema even hosts local events that support charities and foundations nearby! This is the perfect place to catch the latest big-screen hits without breaking the bank.

Graham Cinema

Address: 119 N Main St, 27253 Graham, NC

Website: Graham Cinema

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5. Enjoy the outdoors at Graham Regional Park

Guajome Regional Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user K. Graham used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Opened in April 2017, this 7-hectare (18-acre) park has a youth challenge course, zip lines, trails, swings, climbing boulders, workout equipment, and open spaces for recreational activities. This park is perfect for visitors of all ages looking to explore the great outdoors, burn off energy, or get in shape. The workout equipment is perfect for outdoor training, while the recreational areas are great for kids who like to climb, explore, and play. Though only opened for a short while now, the Graham Regional Park is already a popular place for locals to enjoy a day in the sun!

Graham Regional Park

Address: 1575 N. Jim Minor Road, Graham, 27258 North Carolina

Website: Graham Regional Park

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6. Explore Cedarock Park

2008-08-22 Paved path at Cedarock Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Specious used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located just outside of Graham, North Carolina, is Cedarock Park. This large park is home to a wide range of outdoor activities as well as local events throughout the year. Cedarock Park is over 200 hectares (500 acres) large and receives over 150,000 visitors annually. The park was established in 1975 on a historic farm, and it continues to be a great place for the surrounding community. There are 10 kilometers (six miles) of hiking trails, 10 kilometers (six miles) of equestrian trails, disc golf courses, and a historical farm restored to resemble the 1800s! This is the perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet afternoon stroll!

Cedarock Park

Address: 4242 R Dean Coleman Rd, Burlington, North Carolina

Website: Cedarock Park

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7. Visit the Graham Historical Museum

Aircraft Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site (39555390130)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michel Rathwell used under CC BY 2.0

This local museum is in an old 1914 fire house! The building was once used as a city hall and even as a courtroom, but today it features this quaint museum. The Graham Historical Museum has exhibits on local history with artifacts and finds. Currently, it boasts an exhibit on Graham native Jeanne Swanner Robertson, former Miss North Carolina and Miss Congeniality for the 1963 Miss America pageant! Don’t miss out on this quirky, one-of-a-kind North Carolina museum!

Graham Historical Museum

Address: 135 W. Elm Street, 27253 Graham NC

Website: Graham Historical Museum

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8. Smokehouse at Steve's

barbeque food
Source: Pixabay

If you find yourself in downtown Graham, be sure to stop by Smokehouse at Steve’s for a delicious meal. This BBQ spot has been hailed as one of the best in the area, with countless customers loving dishes like their brisket and ribs. There’s a reason why this new establishment is always busy.

Smokehouse at Steve's

Address: 331 W Harden St, Graham, NC 27253

Website: Smokehouse at Steve’s

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9. Fitzgerald & Faulkner

Cocktails
Source: Pixabay

After a meal at the Smokehouse, why not end the evening with a cocktail? Just a 10-minute walk from Smokehouse, Fitzgerald & Faulkner is a southern speakeasy where guests can enjoy unique cocktails in an intimate setting.

Fitzgerald & Faulkner

Address: 133 ½ N Main St, 27253 Graham, North Carolina

Website: Fitzgerald & Faulkner

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Visit Graham, North Carolina!

Alamance County Courthouse, Graham, NC
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Warren LeMay used under CC BY-SA 4.0

See the best of North Carolina by visiting Graham! This town might be small, but there sure is a lot to see! With cultural programs, yearly events, and a one-of-a-kind downtown main street, there is something for everyone in Graham!

Graham, North Carolina is perfect for families and couples looking for a unique, pleasant getaway in this quiet area of the state! Home to an award-winning children’s museum and one of the last remaining small-town cinemas, Graham has its fair share of charm to offer guests and locals alike. Get active along the Haw River in one of Graham’s stellar parks or enjoy local art at the Alamance Arts Center. Graham is easy to overlook when it comes to cities in the Carolina region, but it is well worth the visit!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sam is a writer and blogger who loves to travel! She's been to over 27 countries across five continents and loves to push herself outside of her comfort zone. When not writing, she loves to re-read...Read more

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