Catawba: Water, Nature and History

Catawba brings together water, nature, and scientific, historical, and artisanal themes. The Catawba River is the source of the three lakes in Catawba County. This gives you a range of interests to consider when planning: active time outdoors, exhibitions and historic buildings, as well as local food and pottery.

Water, Parks and Trails

The Catawba County park system offers more than 1,500 acres of natural habitat for hiking, cycling, paddling, and activities with dogs. These amenities are available seven days a week. Mountain Creek Park has a launch site for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, with access to Mountain Creek and Lake Norman.

With the Carolina Thread Trail, it is worth distinguishing between planned and completed routes: 126.6 miles are planned in Catawba County, of which 28.6 miles have been completed. The two figures represent different stages of development and help ensure that the planned length is not confused with the route already completed.

Museums and Historic Buildings

The Catawba Science Center is a 35,000-square-foot science and technology museum. Its offerings include interactive exhibits, animal habitats, saltwater and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a planetarium. Its themes range from science and technology to animals and aquatic worlds.

The History Museum of Catawba County displays agricultural tools, handcrafted furnishings, and military uniforms. Special exhibits and displays also include an original Piedmont Wagon, a recreated law office, and a walk-through replica of a jail cell. A Queen Anne-style residence operates as the Hickory History Center and tells the city’s earliest stories.

The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is one of only two historic covered bridges preserved in North Carolina. It has been a National Civil Engineering Landmark since 2001. The bridge is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Riverwalk in Hickory also features a distinctive bridge structure: it includes North America’s longest inverted Fink truss bridge and opened to the public in 2024. Seasonal hours apply to the bridge and Riverwalk trails: from March through October, they are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; from November through February, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Crafts, Food and Cultural Insights

Catawba Valley pottery is a living craft tradition that continues to be made and collected. Alongside the historical collections, it represents a tradition that is not described solely as part of the past. Catawba County also has farmers markets at several locations, offering local produce.

Farm Feast brings together local farmers and chefs to showcase regional food and culinary skill. The festival has been celebrated since 2015. For travelers interested in where food comes from and regional cuisine, it complements the farmers markets with a unique perspective on the people and expertise behind the produce.

The nonprofit cultural organization Hmong Southeast Puavpheej is dedicated to preserving Hmong heritage and cultures. In the western part of Catawba County, it has a cultural park where several events take place. Event dates may vary.

Use the themes you want to experience in Catawba to guide your choice of where to stay.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Conover, Hickory, Guilford, Surry County, Wayne, Alleghany County, Jackson, Martin.

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