Discover Rowan: Railroad History, Nature and Culture

Rowan offers a wide range of things to explore: rail and aviation, historic buildings, art and trails in nature. You can tailor your stay to the interests that appeal to you most—from the history of technology and wildlife and nature activities to walks and exhibitions.

Railroad History and Historic Sites

The N.C. Transportation Museum in Rowan County explores the history of rail travel, automobiles and aviation. Seasonal train rides complement a museum visit. The grounds include the Bob Julian Roundhouse, the largest surviving roundhouse in North America. The combination of transportation history and train rides gives your visit a clear focus while still leaving room to explore the museum’s other themes.

The Rowan Museum also brings together buildings and regional history: it includes four historic properties, among them the 1857 Old Courthouse, and features interactive exhibits about the history of Rowan County. Setzer School offers a glimpse into the history of public education in North Carolina. The Old Stone House is the oldest surviving structure in Rowan County. The season matters when planning your visit: it is open from April through November on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.; visits can also be arranged by calling 704-633-5946. Confirm opening hours before you arrive.

In Gold Hill, Gold Hill Mines Historic Park combines nature trails with mining history. The 70-acre park offers several miles of trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The Gold Hill Rail Trail runs from the historic town of Gold Hill, a restored mining town, to the original narrow-gauge railroad branch line dating from the 1880s. This gives you the opportunity to explore different aspects of local railroad and mining history.

Nature, Wildlife and Outdoor Trails

Dan Nicholas Park features a lake, campground, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium, nature center and animal enclosures. Lake Murtis is a 10-acre lake within the park. Rowan Wild cares for live native North Carolina animals there and offers educational programs for visitors to Dan Nicholas Park. This makes the park a versatile stop if you’d like to combine scenery and wildlife with other activities.

Tiger World is a nonprofit animal conservation and education center. It is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and preservation of exotic animals, and offers educational tours led by a guide who personally takes visitors through the preserve. In the walk-through, interactive Parakeet Jungle habitat, visitors can feed and interact with Australian parakeets. As this activity’s daily availability may vary, check before your visit.

At Eagle Point Nature Preserve, trails, water access and wildlife viewing are the main attractions. The preserve has just over three miles of trails and offers canoe access to High Rock Lake, depending on water levels. Bald eagles use the preserve’s waters, particularly Goldeneye Cove, as fishing grounds. The opportunities available there therefore vary with water levels: the trails and use of the waterways are two distinct aspects of the landscape.

Art and Getting Around Salisbury

The History and Art Trail groups its markers into five major historical eras. You can start at any point and don’t have to follow a set order. The F&M Bank Trolley offers narrated tours around downtown Salisbury; if you’re planning a private tour, confirm availability in advance.

Waterworks Visual Arts Center features a sculpture courtyard and presents three changing exhibitions each year. Since exhibitions and visitor offerings may change, check the latest information before your visit. In October, OctoberTour opens the doors to ten private homes and two notable landmarks. It is one of the oldest annual historic home tours in the southern United States. The event takes place annually; confirm dates and participating properties before your trip.

Getting Here and Local Insights

Salisbury is served by Amtrak daily, with boarding and disembarking at Salisbury Station. Check schedules before your trip. Rowan County lies along Interstate 85 and is accessible via Interstates 40 and 77. These rail and road connections offer different ways to plan your journey.

Another glimpse of everyday life in the region comes from the market at Patterson Farm: it gives local farmers and small businesses the opportunity to sell their products to families, neighbors and visitors to Rowan County. A visit to the market thus complements Rowan’s historic, cultural and scenic attractions with a look at local produce.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Salisbury, Rockwell, Davie County, Guilford, Granville County, Wake, Chatham County, Lincoln County.

Return to the main travel guide: North Carolina.