With museums, historic sites, wildlife adventures and waterways to explore, Rockingham has no shortage of indoor and outdoor attractions. The city was founded in 1784 and was named after a British aristocrat, the Marquis of Rockingham. It is located in North Carolina near the Pee Dee River.
Rent a kayak or canoe for a journey down the Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail. The 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) trip starts in Rockingham and passes through a white cedar forest on its way to the Pee Dee River. Along the water, look for wildlife on the shore, such as wild turkeys, raccoons, snakes and red foxes.
For more wildlife experiences, explore the diverse habitats of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Head to the Uwharrie National Forest for hiking and mountain biking and fish for bream, catfish and crappie on Blewett Falls Lake.
Take a break from your outdoor activities to learn about local and national history. At the National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame, chart the evolution of the country’s railroad. The museum is housed in a former railroad depot that dates back to 1900. Tour the House of the Horseshoe, a historic home built in 1772. The building was the location of a skirmish during the American Revolutionary War.
Uncover more history at the Town Creek Indian Mound, a Native American archeological site, and at the Rankin Museum of American Heritage.
Save time for the area’s other museums, including the Taxidermy Hall of Fame for its stuffed animals. Take your children to Discovery Place KIDS.
Don’t leave Rockingham without visiting one of its most popular attractions, the Rockingham Dragway. High-speed races and other events are held nearly every weekend along its drag-racing strips.
Rockingham is 61 miles (98 kilometers) west of Fayetteville and 70 miles (113 kilometers) east of Charlotte. The nearest major airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Enjoy fun-filled days of nature, history and culture in Rockingham.
