Explore Robeson County

Robeson County combines natural attractions with historic sites and a diverse cultural program. In Lumberton, you’ll find several of the parks and historic sites described here; in Pembroke, a museum and the Givens Performing Arts Center take center stage.

Nature and Activities

Lumber River State Park is located in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland, and Hoke counties. At the Princess Ann access, the park offers a 2-mile hike. The access point provides a specific starting place for the hike, while the park itself extends beyond Robeson County.

Lumberton’s Luther Britt Park also brings together different interests: Its two lakes cover a combined 35 acres of water, and fishing is available. When planning your trip, you can weigh whether a hike in the state park or time by the water with the opportunity to fish better suits your plans.

History and Culture

The Museum of the Southeast American Indian is located in historic Old Main, at the center of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke campus. It presents authentic artifacts, fine art, and changing exhibits about the Indigenous peoples of the Southeast. The combination of art and exhibits gives a visit to the museum a cultural and historical focus.

In Lumberton, the Proctor Law Office is the oldest surviving building. Built around 1840, the structure is one story, consists of a single room, and is made of brick. Its rectangular footprint and gabled roof complete the straightforward description of this historic building.

Lumberton’s Carolina Theatre dates to 1928 and reopened as a performing arts center in 1985 after restoration. It is distinct from the restored Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater, which screens films and hosts live theater, concerts, and choral performances. Check the Civic Center’s calendar before your trip if you want to plan around a specific date.

In Pembroke, the Givens Performing Arts Center presents Broadway musicals and a variety of cultural events. Its program also includes live music concerts featuring country, rock, and other genres. These performances and concerts add another cultural dimension to the region’s museums and theater offerings.

Events and Trip Planning

Lumbee Homecoming officially began in 1968. The weeklong event includes a parade, an outdoor gospel concert, food and arts-and-crafts vendors, sporting events, and a car show. Individual program items may vary, so check the specific event dates before your trip.

Rumba on the Lumber is one of Lumberton’s annual events. The 2026 edition combined several running events with a chili cook-off festival in historic downtown Lumberton. Here, too, checking the dates and program for the relevant edition can help you plan your stay around the event.

The Southeastern NC Agricultural Events Center in Lumberton is a multipurpose venue on a site of more than 84 acres. Its 55,000-square-foot pavilion is used for horse and dog shows. Since the event schedule varies, it’s a good idea to check the center’s dates before your trip.

Interstate 95 is also useful for getting your bearings in the region: it runs directly through Robeson County. As a general guide, the beaches are about 1.5 hours away and the mountains about 3 hours away; actual travel time depends on your destination and traffic.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pembroke, Rowland, Lumberton, St Pauls, Nash, Wilson County, Hyde, Franklin County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.