Discover Duplin County: History, Museums, and Nature

Liberty Hall was restored, furnished, and opened as a museum in 1968. The estate includes twelve outbuildings, most of whose restoration and furnishing was funded by the Kenan family. Tours cover the 19th-century house, the grounds, and the restored outbuildings. The history of Liberty Hall also includes the marriage of Mary Lily Kenan and Henry Flagler on August 24, 1901.

Historic Homes and Museums

The Cowan Museum of History and Science collects, preserves, and interprets objects relating to regional history, the people of the region, and the natural sciences. It is housed in the Kelly-Farrior House, dating to around 1848. Adjacent to it is a historic park with six buildings, including a log cabin, a general store, and a tobacco barn. The museum’s exhibitions, programs, tours, and events are free to the public.

The historic Faison Depot Train Station houses the Faison Museum and the Faison Library. A guide to the Faison Historic District is available for a driving or walking tour of its historic homes. The historic districts of Wallace, Warsaw, Kenansville, and Faison are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The restored 1894 Queen Anne-style house, the L.P. Best House and Duplin County Veterans Museum, displays military exhibits and memorabilia honoring service members from Duplin County. Check current opening hours before visiting. The Wallace Depot houses a model railroad that visitors can view. A rare 1926 Dodge/Graham Brothers fire engine is a standout exhibit at the Thomas C. Townsend Firemen’s Museum.

Beyond these individual homes, Duplin County’s cultural heritage, as well as its Civil War heritage, can be experienced firsthand at several museums. A Plantation Homes Tour is also offered in the county.

Botanical Garden and Outdoor Activities

The Joann Cowan Brown Botanical Garden features nearly 90 plant species native to North Carolina. It also showcases native species adapted to the soils, climate, and topography of the Coastal Plain. The garden thus brings together plant diversity and the conditions of this landscape.

Visitors can canoe or kayak on the creeks of Duplin County and hike a nature trail. The coast can also be a consideration when planning a trip: one of North Carolina’s Atlantic beaches is about an hour’s drive from Duplin County. Actual driving time depends on the beach you choose and road conditions.

Festival and Wine Offerings

The Carolina Strawberry Festival takes place each year in Wallace and offers a wide selection of music and events. It returned to Wallace in 2011 after an absence of 50 years. Since specific festival dates can vary, check the event dates if you’d like to plan your trip around them.

Duplin Winery offers a 30-minute tour about the history of native American grapes and how its wines are made. Check current operating details before traveling. The Deluxe Wine Tasting includes ten white, red, and rosé wines, along with cheese dip and homemade crackers. The selection may change; check current details before visiting.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Rose Hill, Wallace, Orange, Catawba, Graham County, Northampton County, Edgecombe County, Scotland County.

For the main travel overview: North Carolina.