Things to do in Banner Elk

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Banner Elk

Types of activities

Where to stay

Banner Elk Travel Guide

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Banner Elk

Discover the most popular places to visit in Banner Elk

Beech Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes in Banner Elk with a visit to Beech Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

This is the headstone of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This elk has been in the town forever, but this past year the elk has been refurbished and installed as the centerpiece of the town. This elk frames Appalachia in the sense of this small town pride in the mountains. In the background you can see the historic elementary school and rolling mountains and once again the North Carolina pride of the state flag surrounding this elk even though about 100ft to the right there is another flagpole with the same flags raised high and proud. This is where every child in this town went to school in this picturesque location but as time rolls on is Appalachia move on too? #appalachianechoes

The Greene

The Greene is just one of the places to see in Banner Elk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Throughout my childhood I spent so much time at this park. I always remember of thinking of it as the park in the middle of the mountains. What I never noticed as a child was how every single aspect of this park was planned out and put there for a reason. Likewise before studying the photographic image I had never thought about how we construct a image and its affordances and constraints. One thing I really want to point out in this image is that while we have this beautiful park there is a huge ugly pipe in the middle of the photograph. It is part of the necessity of the planning of the park, just like the frame is a necessity of an image. We sometimes want to forget it is there but it is a necessary part of an image and still has meaning. #appalachianechoes

Tate-Evans Park

You can learn about the history of Banner Elk when you stop by Tate-Evans Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Sugar Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes at Sugar Mountain Resort, a top ski area in Sugar Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Hit the slopes in Seven Devils with a visit to Hawksnest Tubing Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Land of Oz

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Land of Oz during your visit to Beech Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Banner Elk Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Banner Elk Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its ski slopes.

Lees-McRae College

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Lees-McRae College, during your travels in Banner Elk. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Banner Elk

This was taken at a shopping center in Banner Elk. The entire center is designed to have this “old timey” feel. The shops have been upkept with this sort of historic architecture. There is this idea that Appalachia is somewhat detached from modernity, and commercial architects like to play into this. The same effect is seen in other parts of Appalachia and just on the east coast in general, for example Williamsburg, VA. The reality is that this “quaint” little town is just the same as any other place in the United States. We’re looking at BB&T, a commercial bank that is far from particular to place. The region of Appalachia can sometimes be less distinct than we like to think, and I feel this image captures this sort of denial of singularity. #appalachianechoes

Tynecastle

If you're spending some time in Tynecastle, Grandfather Mountain State Park and Watauga River are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Elk Statue and Tate-Evans Park.

Mill Ridge

While Mill Ridge might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Julian Price Park.

Popular day trips from Banner Elk

Grandfather Mountain showing mountains and forests

Blowing Rock

Grandfather Mountain showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway as well as an individual male

Linville

Beech Mountain

Boone

Frequently asked questions

Is Banner Elk worth visiting?

Known for its hiking and skiing, discovering fun things to do in Banner Elk is a cinch. Be sure to add Grandfather Mountain to your itinerary when here.

How do I spend a day in Banner Elk?

Once you've visited major attractions like Land of Oz and Apple Hill Farm, spend some time exploring Banner Elk's retail and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Banner Elk?

Grandfather Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in Banner Elk and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Banner Elk?

Three days in Banner Elk is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Grandfather Mountain, Land of Oz and Hawksnest Tubing Park are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Boone.

Is Banner Elk a walkable city?

It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Banner Elk. Several key attractions, like Land of Oz, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around one of Banner Elk's vibrant neighborhoods, Charter Hills is 5 kilometers away from downtown.

What are some activities to do in Banner Elk with kids?

If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Banner Elk with kids.

What to do in Banner Elk for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Banner Elk for adults including Banner Elk Winery and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.

Are there free things to do in Banner Elk?

One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Banner Elk is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Grandfather Trout Farm is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Car rental Valley