Nestled in south-central North Carolina, Laurinburg is a small town rich in history and rural Carolina culture. The original industry in the area was agriculture and even today, the town stays true to its roots as a small southern town between the mountains and the ocean.
Because of all this, you should definitely consider stopping by Laurinburg if you ever find yourself in North Carolina. There’s just so much to discover and learn about the people here and the town’s history. To help you convince of the hidden brilliance of this small town, here is a list of all the best things to do in Laurinburg, North Carolina.
1. Visit the John Blue House and Heritage Center
The John Blue House and Heritage Center is the go-to destination for learning more about rural North Carolina’s rich history. Tucked away in a grove of pecan trees, the house is over a century old and is a perfect example of the Steamboat Gothic architecture that dominated the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
While at the house, you can marvel at the intricacy of the house’s design and furnishings, which have all been immaculately well-kept over the years. The Heritage Center is a collection of three homesteads, a restored pre-Civil War cotton gin, country store, tobacco barn, and an operational miniature steam locomotive. Together, these structures give us a sneak peak into Scotland County’s past that you won’t want to miss.
John Blue House and Heritage Center
Website: John Blue House and Heritage Center
2. Enjoy local wine at Cypress Bend Vineyards
Cypress Bend Vineyards is Scotland County’s local winery. The Vineyard serves up Muscadine wine using five grape cultivars that thrive in North Carolina’s unique climate. A trip to Cypress Bend Vineyards will give you the opportunity to sample some of of the area’s finest wines in a beautiful, open environment. The vineyard’s tasting room and retail boutique is open every day, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a glass of wine alongside a plate of fine cheeses before heading off on your next adventure in Laurinburg.
Cypress Bend Vineyards
Address: 21904 Riverton Rd, Wagram, NC 28396
Website: Cypress Bend Vineyards
3. Paddle and explore the Lumber River
The Lumber River is one of the United States’ Wild and Scenic Rivers and any trip out onto the river is one you’re sure to remember for years to come. You can access the river from the Princess Ann and Chalk Banks access points on either end of the riverside park and head out on an adventure for a few hours or the whole day. The Lumber River State Park offers an assortment of events and programs for people of all ages and abilities, which allow the public to better understand and appreciate the beauty of this river.
In addition to paddling and fishing excursions, the park host the Lumber River Day Festival every summer. At the festival, there are exhibits and activities for the whole family. Whether you choose to head out on your own or with a guide, a trip down the Lumber River is a great outdoor activity for everyone.
Lumber River State Park
Address: 2819 Princess Ann Rd, Orrum, NC 28369
Website: Lumber River State Park
4. Hit the links at a Scotland County golf club
The rolling foothills surrounding Scotland County are a fantastic location for a game of golf. Hit the links while in Laurinburg and enjoy a round or two of golf at a local club during your next trip to Scotland County. The Deercroft Golf Club is a great spot for golfers of all ability levels and those looking to brush up on their skills can take a lesson with a local pro. The Deercroft Golf Club’s course is one of Scotland County’s best kept secrets, so don’t miss your chance to relax and enjoy a round of golf during your visit to Laurinburg.
Deer Croft Golf Club
Address: 30000 Deercroft Dr, Wagram, NC 28396
Website: Deercroft Golf Club
5. Ride the dirt bike trails at the Outback Motorsports Complex
The Outback Motorsports Complex is a family-oriented property dedicated to providing families and the local community with a fun, exciting location where everyone can enjoy the thrill of motorsports. The complex’s over 600 acres (242.8 hectares) of land is home to multiple tracks perfect for motocross bikes, ATVs, and four-wheelers, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The complex also offers a relaxed campground for people to enjoy some outdoor fun after their day of riding. If you’re a motorsports enthusiast and you’re wondering what to do in Laurinburg, North Carolina, you should check out the Outback Motorsports Complex. You definitely don’t want to miss the motorsports activities here.
Outback Motorsports Complex
Address: 18576 McGirts Bridge Rd, Laurinburg, NC 28352
Website: Outback Motorsports Complex
6. Meet your need for speed at the Rockingham Dragway
The Rockingham Dragway is Scotland County’s local dragstrip and the place to go if you’re looking for an exhilarating afternoon of car racing. The dragway is open to racers in all types of vehicles, from street-legal cars and motorcycles to dragsters, and to spectators looking to experience a piece of the action. The Rockingham Dragway hosts an assortment of events including relaxed-atmosphere fun drives, races, and concerts. Whether you’re looking to drive or watch, there’s fun waiting at the Rockingham Dragway for you during your next trip to Laurinburg.
Rockingham Dragway
Address: 2153 N US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379
Website: Rockingham Dragway
7. Experience the Indian Museum of the Carolinas at the North Carolina Rural Heritage Center
Located near the John Blue House, the Indian Museum of the Carolinas is dedicated to educating the public about the history, cultures, and importance of the Native American groups that currently and previously inhabited the Carolinas. The museum includes exhibits on various native groups, including the Cherokee, Coharie, Tuscarora, Waccamaw-Siouan, Catawba, and Lumbee, and features a number of artifacts, pottery, tools, weapons, art, and jewelry, some of which are more than 10,000 years old. A trip to North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a chance to learn about the area’s first people, so don’t miss the Indian Museum of the Carolinas during your stay in Laurinburg.
Indian Museum of the Carolinas
Address: 13043 X-Way Road Laurinburg, NC 28352
Website: Indian Museum of the Carolinas
8. Journey back in time by rail at the National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame
The National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame is located in the small town of Hamlet, just a short drive from Laurinburg. Situated in the old Seaboard Air Line (SAL) Railway’s depot, the museum itself is a great example of the Victorian architecture that dominated the late 19th century and early 20th centuries.
The railway depot is one of the most photographed stations in the eastern United States and the museum is full of fascinating information about the evolution of the country’s railroads over the last two centuries. The museum is open by appointment only, but the experience is surely worth the time and the effort to make a reservation.
National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame
Address: 120 Spring Street in Hamlet, North Carolina
9. Hike and camp in the Uwharrie National Forest
The Uwharrie National Forest sits atop the ancient Uwharrie Mountains, the topographical feature from which the park derives its name. The Uwharrie National Forest is one of the training locations for Special Forces students in the US Army Special Warfare School and its rivers have been the site of numerous gold discoveries since the late 1700s. The forest is comprised mainly of pine and oak and is a great place for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and paddling.
A great hike for those looking for a long day trip or a nice overnight backpacking trip is the 20 mile (32 km) Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, which bisects the forest. Adventure opportunities are plentiful in this National Forest for the intrepid outdoors person and the casual vacationer alike.
Uwharrie National Forest
Address: 114 Rocky Creek Dr, Troy, NC 27371
Website: Uwharrie National Forest
Experience rural North Carolina
Laurinburg is the heart and soul of rural North Carolina. The rolling hills and stately oak forests of Laurinburg and the surrounding area make it a great location for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of big cities. While in Laurinburg, don’t miss your chance to experience everything it has to offer, from museums and heritage centers to outdoor parks and forests. Choosing from this list of great activities is sure to make your vacation memorable.