Williamston may not be the most popular town in all of North Carolina, nor is it one of the biggest, but it is still a town that’s worth visiting. After all, Williamston possesses a great deal of southern charm, and the local residents here will undoubtedly welcome you with friendly smiles. It also helps that this town is full of so many natural attractions that will take your breath away.
So, if you ever find yourself in North Carolina, you might want to check out Williamston. From enjoying a Wild West theme park, to catching a horse show, to experiencing Williamston’s beautiful scenery, here’s a list of the best things to do in Williamston, North Carolina.
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1. Relive the Wild West at the Deadwood Theme Park
Visiting the Deadwood Theme Park should be one of the first things you include in your “what to do in Williamston, North Carolina” list.
Deadwood is a western-themed amusement park, full of exciting experiences for adults and kids alike - so bring the whole family. You’ll be able to ride the roller coaster or carousel, try your hand at mini-golf, and explore the arcade and ice cream parlor, housed in vintage-style Western buildings.
After exploring to your heart’s content, settle down to watch a show that will transport you to the Wild West, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. During the holidays, the theme park transforms, becoming a haunted ghost house during October and a beautiful show of lights in December.
You’ll also have the option to camp at the Farm Country campground across the street, a beautiful facility with a lake, perfect for paddle boating.
The park is located right in Williamston and is open year-round: Thursday 5 - 9 pm, Friday 5 - 10 pm, Saturday 12 noon - 11 pm, and Sunday 12 noon - 9 pm.
Deadwood Amusement Park
Address: 2302 Ed’s Grocery Road, Williamston NC 27892
Website: Deadwood Amusement Park
2. Catch a horse show at the Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Horse shows are some of the most exciting Williamston, North Carolina, events. These horse shows are hosted by the Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center, a beautiful indoor riding facility, throughout the year, and they are always open to the public. Stopping by for a show is the perfect way to get into the southern spirit of Williamston.
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of events, including hunter events, miniature horse shows, dressage events, a mounted shooter event, a truck pull, and an annual horse derby. Visitors praise the center’s ample parking and clean facilities, which make it easy to enjoy the show.
Admission varies, but you can usually enjoy a show for under 15 USD, per person.
Senator Bob Martin Agricultural Center
Address: 2900 NC Hwy 125 South - Williamston, NC 27892
3. Watch a show by the Martin Community Players
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re a fan of the dramatic, be sure to catch a play by the Martin Community Players while you’re in Williamston! The Martin Community Players is a community theater group that puts on three high-quality productions per year: a musical in March, a children’s production in September, and either a comedy, drama or suspense play in November.
Kids love the children’s productions, which feature Disney stories or other kid-friendly material and interact with the audience. Other plays might include classics such as Into the Woods, Miracle on 34th Street and Shakespeare adaptations, or new favorites. Tickets are 10 USD for adults and 8 USD for students and seniors.
Martin Community Players
Address: Martin County Auditorium, Riverside High School, Williamston, NC 27892
Website: Martin Community Players
4. Go birding in the Roanoke River Wildlife Refuge
The Charles Kuralt Trail, in the Roanoke River Wildlife Refuge, is a popular destination for birders and you’ll see a variety of birds flitting through the trees as you walk down the trail. It’s just a short 1-mile (1.6 kilometer) loop, but it’s a beautiful walk. As the same suggests, you’ll see a variety of wildlife, not just birds, including otter and deer.
From mid-April through May, the birding is at its best, though you’ll be able to see a variety of species throughout the year. Birders have identified 191 species of birds near the trail!
The Wildlife Refuge is open from 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, and the trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Roanoke River Wildlife Refuge
Address: Two miles north of Williamston, NC off Hwy 17/13
Website: Roanoke River Wildlife Refuge
5. Take a walking or driving tour of historic places in Williamston
The Martin County Travel & Tourism Office offers the opportunity to take a guided walking or driving tour of the two National Register of Historic Districts that are located in Williamston. If you’d rather take the tour at your own leisure — and if the usually clear Williamston weather permits — you can pick up a copy of the guide “Walking Williamston” at the office and set your own pace.
You’ll be able to view a variety of different architectural styles in the historic districts and learn about the history of Williamston. Among many notable structures, you’ll be able to view the Asa Biggs House, the former home of US Senator Asa Biggs, and the Old Martin County Courthouse.
The Martin County Travel & Tourism Office
Address: 100 E. Church St., Williamston
6. Go geocaching on the Martin County Geocaching Trail
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that combines hiking with a “treasure hunt.” Using GPS, you’ll search for a specific location where a small container is hidden and disguised. In Martin County, geocaching enthusiasts have set up a geocaching trail with ten different coordinates.
Don’t be fooled, though - even though you’re using GPS to find the location, geocaches are often very difficult to find! Once you’ve discovered the geocache, take a token and add your name to the log (usually just a piece of paper inside the geocache.)
When you’ve collected all ten tokens from the geocache trail, you can trade them in at the Martin County Tourism Development Authority for a prize pack that includes souvenirs and goodies.The geocache locations are changed every six months, so check with the Martin County Tourism Development Authority to be sure that you have the current guide.
Geocaching is free and fun for the whole family, so don’t miss this opportunity while you’re in Williamston.
Martin County Geocaching Trail
Address: Martin County
Website: Martin County Geocaching Trail
Williamston offers Southern charm and hospitality
A small, close-knit community, nestled in rural North Carolina, you’ll notice the friendly, Southern hospitality right away, in Williamston. Since the town is right on the Roanoke River, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. If you’re more of a cultural enthusiast, try an architectural tour, catch a play, or even try a rodeo or horse show.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Williamston, North Carolina
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