Roanoke Rapids is a charming city located in North Carolina’s northern Halifax County, of which the historic town of Halifax is the county seat. Roanoke Rapids is a place that boasts many spots for outdoor activities, including excellent hiking through Canal Trail or fishing in the Roanoke River. If you want to explore other attractions in the vicinity, check out Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, or Medoc Mountain State Park in Hollister. Book a vacation rental or a pet-friendly hotel in Roanoke Rapids so that both you and your furry companion can be comfortable. Continue reading to learn more about the best things to do in and around Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
1. Catch a performance at Weldon Mills Theatre
Weldon Mills Theatre, formerly known as Roanoke Rapids Theatre, boasts a captivating history that underscores its significance as a regional cultural treasure. Originally inaugurated in 2005 with aspirations of becoming a premier entertainment venue, it faced financial challenges and temporarily closed its doors in 2016. However, the theater’s fortunes took a remarkable turn when it was acquired by the town of Weldon and rebranded as Weldon Mills Theatre in 2017. Under this new identity, the theater underwent extensive renovations and transformed into a thriving cultural hub.
Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, showcasing a diverse range of performances, from live music concerts to theatrical productions and community events. The theater’s inviting ambiance, top-notch productions, and commitment to nurturing local talent make it a fantastic destination for both residents and visitors.
Weldon Mills Theatre
Address: 500 Carolina Crossroads Pkwy, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, United States
Website: Weldon Mills Theatre
2. Have a blast at Fairwood Lanes
Fairwood Lanes is an outstanding destination that promises a wealth of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. This bowling center offers a thrilling and family-friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy classic bowling games on the well-maintained lanes or engage in exciting cosmic bowling, a captivating experience under blacklights and neon hues. For those looking to elevate their gaming skills, they also offer leagues and tournaments.
Beyond bowling, Fairwood Lanes has a vibrant arcade with an array of games that will delight kids and adults alike. With a friendly and welcoming staff, delicious snacks, and a lively ambiance, Fairwood Lanes is a hub of fun, laughter, and memorable moments.
Fairwood Lanes
Address: 201 Old Farm Rd S, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, United States
Website: Fairwood Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 6pm - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 1pm - 10pm
3. Check out the exhibits at Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail
At Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, guests can learn about the 200-year-old Roanoke Canal and browse through permanent exhibits detailing its construction. There’s also a picnic area that’s open to the public, but if you’d prefer a different activity in Roanoke Rapids, hike through the Canal Trail and enjoy camera-worthy views. Despite being only minutes from downtown, you might encounter a deer or fox along the trail since the area is populated by local wildlife.
Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail
Address: 15 Jackson St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, United States
Website: Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat)
4. Dine at Haggerty's Steakhouse
One of the best places to eat in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Haggerty’s Steakhouse is definitely the perfect spot to dine if you’re looking for delicious ribeye steaks. With an inviting ambiance, you will surely have an amazing time. Check out the salad bar and fill your plate with only the good stuff. Enjoy the service of their accommodating staff and allow them to make your dining experience more pleasurable. This eatery is close to the center of downtown, so you can explore the area after your meal.
Haggerty's Steakhouse
Address: 414 Becker Dr, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, United States
Website: Haggerty’s Steakhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 4:30pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)
5. Go kayaking on Roanoke River
If you enjoy watersports, be sure to add kayaking to your list of things to do while in Roanoke Rapids. Roanoke River stretches across southern Virginia all the way to North Carolina. However, there’s a 9.6-kilometer (6-mile) stretch of river between Roanoke Rapids to Weldon, which is great for canoe trips or kayaking sessions. Besides beautiful views, you might also see some catfish in the water or spot a bald eagle flying overhead.
6. Visit Halifax County Arts Council Gallery
Water sports and outdoor adventures aren’t the only things to do in Roanoke Rapids. If you’re a fan of arts & culture, check out Halifax County Arts Council Gallery to see an awesome collection of paintings and prints. Besides the collection on display, this art gallery also hosts a monthly event called “Sip and See” where they feature a new artist or a group of artists and showcase their work to the public. Food and drink are also available at this event, so if you happen to be in Roanoke Rapids on the fourth Monday of the month, stop by in the evening and join in!
Halifax County Arts Council Gallery
Address: 1027 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Website: Halifax County Arts Council Gallery
Nearby options
7. Enjoy outdoor activities at Medoc Mountain State Park
Located in Hollister, Medoc Mountain State Park near Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, is a 30-minute drive from the city. This state park is a favorite among nature lovers for its excellent hiking trails, biking trails, fishing creek, and picnic spots. If you’re looking for a campground for a night or two, this is the place to be. There are 34 campsites available, and the park is also RV-friendly.
Medoc Mountain State Park
Address: 1541 Medoc State Park Rd, Hollister, NC 27844, United States
Website: Medoc Mountain State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
8. Go fishing with Southern Sun Guides
With a small stretch of Roanoke River on one side and Roanoke Rapids Lake on the other, fishing is abundant in this part of North Carolina. If you’re eager to cast your line, head to Weldon, which is about 10 minutes away from Roanoke Rapids by car. You might get lucky and catch a variety of fish, including rockfish, American shad, and catfish. Check out Southern Sun Guides if you need a fishing charter for your trip.
Southern Sun Guides
Address: 186 Pearson Hill Road, Weldon, NC 27870, United States
Website: Southern Sun Guides
9. Visit the aviaries at Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Fond of bird watching? Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck is home to over 2,000 species of birds. This 7-hectare (18-acre) park has aviaries for exotic birds, African finches, owls, swans, pheasants, and more. There’s also an on-site picnic area, a visitor’s center, a treehouse, and gardens. Guided tours are available by appointment, and you can conveniently request a tour on their website. Just be sure to book two weeks in advance. If you’re an avid bird watcher, this is sure to become one of your favorite spots in North Carolina.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Address: 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC 27874, United States
Website: Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
10. Spend an afternoon golfing at Valley Pine Country Club
If golf is something you look forward to whenever you go on vacation, be sure to visit Valley Pine Country Club. This semi-private golf club is located in Lasker, which is a little over 30 minutes away from Roanoke Rapids. The 18-hole, par-72 course is open to guests, and you’re free to book a tee time on their website for convenience. Other amenities on-site include practice facilities and a fully stocked bar.
Valley Pine Country Club
Address: 901 Lasker Golf Course Rd, Lasker, NC 27845, United States
Website: Valley Pine Country Club
11. Rent a wakeboard or join a training session at Adam Fields Wakeboard School
Besides its proximity to Roanoke River and Roanoke Rapids Lake, Roanoke Rapids is also some 30 minutes away from Lake Gaston. If you’re interested in wakeboarding during your vacation, head to the town of Littleton, where Adam Fields Wakeboard School is situated. Wakeboard and wakesurf lessons are available, and if you don’t need a lesson just rent a board from them and head out to the lake. They also have kayak, tube, and paddleboard rentals. You can even sign up for wakeboard lessons from World Wakeboard Champion Adam Fields himself!
Adam Fields Wakeboard School
Address: 1881 Eaton Ferry Rd Littleton, NC 27850
Website: Adam Fields Wakeboard School
12. Go wine tasting at Rosemont Vineyards and Winery
Experience an authentic winery tour in LaCrosse, which is about 50 minutes away from Roanoke Rapids. Here, you’ll get the chance to see firsthand the intricate process of how Virginia wine is made. Book a tour at Rosemont Vineyards and Winery and sit in an intimate wine tasting room where you’ll learn how the wine is grown, produced, and bottled. Visitors will also get to tour the barrel room depending on the reservation made. Group tastings and tours, as well as private tastings of all current wines, are available for booking. Elevate ladies’ night and head out for a drink or two at this excellent winery.
Rosemont Vineyards and Winery
Address: 1050 Blackridge Road LaCrosse, Virginia 23950
Website: Rosemont Vineyards and Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Enjoy outdoor adventures in and near Roanoke Rapids
Roanoke Rapids is a wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors, particularly if you want to go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or exploring miles of greenway. It’s also located close to other towns like Weldon, Hollister, and Scotland Neck, where you can enjoy more activities in nature, including exploring the network of trails at Medoc Mountain State Park. Book an affordable rental and make plans to explore all the great attractions in and around Roanoke Rapids. Be sure to add some of these things to do in your itinerary!
Should you also decide to venture out further into the neighboring areas, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Henderson that will make your holiday all the more memorable.