12 Best Things To Do In And Near Lenoir, NC

Michelle
Posted Sep 01, 2021
| 4 min read

Lenoir, North Carolina is a former furniture-making capital; its fine Southern style of furniture graces homes in almost 30 countries and brings huge business for Lenoir. It also has many museums and parks that are popular among tourists. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in and near Lenoir, NC.

1. Have a cycling adventure at Zack's Fork Mountain Bike Trail


If you love outdoor activities, specifically cycling, Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail is just the place for you in Lenoir. This cycling park around Lenoir Greenway is easily accessible from downtown is a great daytime adventure. The trails are beginner-friendly and may be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, so there should be no worries about going on an adventure here with the entire family. Building the trail is a community effort, and locals continue to improve this city attraction for the enjoyment of residents and tourists alike.

Zack's Fork Mountain Bike Trail

Address: Lenoir Greenway, Lenoir, NC 28645, United States

Website: Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail

2. Get your adrenaline pumping at Xscape Escape Room


If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure than outdoor activities, why not challenge yourself and your crew to an escape mission? Just 10 minutes away from Lenoir is Hudson, where you’ll find the blood-pumping Xscape Escape Room. This fun attraction is the perfect way to spice up your trip, being that Lenoir is filled with nature-related points of interest. Some of the best escape rooms here are Twister and Bombsquad. Get ready to hang on for dear life and make the greatest escape!

Xscape Escape Room

Address: 3318 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638, United States

Website: Xscape Escape Room

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

3. Discover nature at Lenoir Greenway


Lenoir Greenway is the ultimate spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a gigantic network of trails for hiking, running, and biking that connects to different areas of the city. Consisting the entirety of this attraction are T.H. Broyhill Walking Park, the Morganton Boulevard greenway, and the main greenway. This place is also where Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail is located. At the greenway, there are numerous amenities like parking, restrooms, shelter rentals, and water stations which are all ADA accessible.

Lenoir Greenway

Address: 710 Powell Rd NE, Lenoir, NC 28645, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 10:30pm (daily)

4. Visit the historic Fort Defiance in Lenoir

Don’t know what to do in Lenoir, NC? How about a visit here? Fort Defiance is an 18th century home built by the Revolutionary War general William Lenoir for his family and has the same name as a frontier fort nearby. It was completed in 1792. It still stands in a historic plantation house near Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina. The property was later transferred to Caldwell County Historical Society in 1965 and operates as a historical house museum.

Fort Defiance

Address: 1792 Fort Defiance Drive, Lenoir, NC 28645

Website: Fort Defiance

5. See the treasures of the Caldwell Heritage Museum


You can explore the chronological history of Caldwell County from its Pre-Colonial days till the present day through its many exhibits. There are historic treasures like Native American spears and arrowheads, early maps, grants, and deeds. Information and pictures are also in the displays, and illustrate the history behind the founding of Caldwell County and the establishment of Lenoir as the county seat. Its development into a railroad terminus, and its furniture manufacturing center are interesting pieces of history covered in this museum. This place to go in Lenoir, NC, has many special interest collections like the medical, music, military, and photography collections.

Caldwell Heritage Museum

Address: 112 Vaiden Street, Lenoir NC 28645

Website: Caldwell Heritage Museum

6. Catch a movie at Marquee Cinemas


Marquee Cinemas opened in 1979 when Curtis McCall, the president of the company, opened it in his hometown. It opened to consistent “sold-out” shows, and offered guests yummy concessions and great customer service. This huge success saw McCall open numerous other cinemas across the US. Currently, it has over 550 team members who are dedicated to delivering exceptional and hometown-friendly service.

Marquee Cinemas

Address: 101 S Green St, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

Website: Marquee Cinemas

7. Unwind and relax at the Fonta Flora Brewery


The Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton is striving to create a unique North Carolina and Appalachian style of beer. To create this beer, the brewery sources grains locally from the Riverbend Malt House and also forages to find wild flora that will add unique flavors into their brews.

Fonta Flora Brewery

Address: 317 N Green St, Morganton, NC, 28655

Website: Fonta Flora Brewery

8. Marvel at the artwork at Hamilton Williams Gallery


Hamilton Williams Gallery is an art studio and gallery that is recommended for visitors seeking a unique cultural experience and a gift to bring home. The gallery often features jewelry exhibitions and artwork from numerous local makers.

Hamilton Williams Gallery

Address: 403 East Union Street, Morganton, North Carolina 28655

Website: Hamilton Williams Gallery

9. Take a walk at the picturesque T.H. Broyhill Walking Park


This spectacular park in Lenoir, North Carolina is spread across 20 acres (8 hectares). It has a paved loop winding around a lovely lake which is surrounded with beautiful blooming flowers and trees. It is a perfect setting for individual recreation and families. It can also be booked to host parties and weddings.

T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

Address: 945 Lakewood Street SW (off Norwood Street), 28645 Lenoir, North Carolina

Website: T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

10. Interesting wines at the Twisted Vine Winery


Twisted Vine Winery initially began in the owners’ home and eventually expanded to a large vineyard and new tasting barn. Within the tasting barn, guests can try the delicious wines produced by Twisted Vine Winery and the space can also be rented for events. When the weather is nice, guests can take advantage of the outdoor seating area which includes a porch and patio.

Twisted Vine Winery

Address: 487 Legion Road, Lenoir, NC 28645

Website: Twisted Vine Winery

11. Catawba Meadows Park


Catawba Meadows Parks in Morganton covers 230 acres (93 hectares) in Morganton, NC, and has many interesting activities. There is a premier softball and baseball facility, and 2.5 miles (4 km) of green-way where local residents and visitors can take an enjoyable walk along the Catawba River. It also has an 18-hole disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and more.

Catawba Meadows Park

Address: 701 Sanford Dr, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

Website: Catawba Meadows Park

12. Go camping with friends and family at Steele Creek Park & Campground


Groups who travel together, whether it’s a big family culdesac or a small friend group from college, camping is always a good idea when out together. When in Morganton, North Carolina, make your way up to Steele Creek Park & Campground. This nature park is best for family vacations and outdoor-packed itineraries. Steele Creek Park & Campground has been around since 1959 and has operated with utmost safety, along with enjoyable camp activities and leisure tasks in hand, this campground is a frequented by locals and tourists alike. Some of the activities include water sliding, fishing, hiking, swimming, miniature golf, visiting the nearby beach and having picnics. This beloved nature park is a must for those who love to be one with nature and present with his or her travel companions away from the city bustle.

Camping at Steele Creek Park & Campground

Address: 7081 NC Highway 181 Morganton, NC 28655

Website: Creek Park & Campground

Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sundays to Mondays

Price: 7 USD

Experience the rich culture and heritage of Lenoir

Visiting Lenoir will teach you a lot about the rich culture and heritage of North Carolina. This town offers museums, parks, and art galleries that will teach you much about the region. So, pack your bags and head to Lenoir and you and you family will not only have a good vacation but you will experience the rich culture of Lenoir.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in and near Lenoir, NC


  • What are the top attractions to visit in Lenoir?

    Fort Defiance, T.H. Broyhill Walking Park, Twisted Vine Winery, and Caldwell Heritage Museum are some of the top attractions in Lenoir that you must experience. Your trip is about to be ultra-fun with these places in your itinerary!

  • What are the best outdoor activities in and near Lenoir?

    Having a cycling adventure at Zack’s Fork Mountain Bike Trail and strolling along T.H. Broyhill Walking Park are two of the top outdoor activities in Lenoir. For other outdoor escapades nearby, explore Catawba Meadows Park or camp at Steele Creek Park in Morganton.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

LET'S CONNECT