A panaoramic view of the growing cityscape and buildings of Charlotte NC. Stock photo by Christopher Boswell.
Charlotte, North Carolina is known today as a commercial hub with a thriving financial district. It is the largest city in North Carolina by population, and though other metropolitan areas such as Raleigh and Durham have grown significantly in recent years, Charlotte is still the closest thing to a traditional “big city” in the Tar Heel State.
Many who have moved to Charlotte in recent decades have done so in service of jobs in banking and financial services. Similarly, the energy and automotive industries in town tend to attract top talent. Those who visit Charlotte, however, enjoy appeal that extends far beyond the area’s business activity. In fact, many find the Charlotte region to be surprisingly packed with attractions, from museum exhibits and historical sites to parks and outdoor recreation areas.
In this guide, you’ll get a sense of the culture, history, and general appeal you can expect to enjoy when visiting North Carolina’s “Queen City.”
Downtown Charlotte, NC from overhead. Stock photo by Clay Banks via Unsplash.
One of Charlotte’s historical claims to fame is that James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, was born in the suburb of Pineville. The James K. Polk Memorial and Museum (also referred to as the James K. Polk Historic Site) serves as both a monument to the Polk family and an education on a presidency that was problematic, but consequential.
The site is built on land that was owned by Polk’s own parents and consists now of a variety of reconstructed buildings representing the early 1800s. These include a traditional log house, a replica barn, and more. In addition to getting a general sense of what a homestead might have looked like in the early- to mid-19th century, visitors get the opportunity to learn about significant events of the Polk administration. These events effectively amount to the Mexican-American War and the annexation of vast swaths of territory in present-day Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, and California.
Charlotte’s Mint Museum is somewhat confusingly named. For starters, it is not a museum of coins or currency (as one might assume given the term “mint”), nor does it have anything to do with the substance of mint. Additionally, it is actually comprised of two separate venues: Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum of Craft & Design. Together though, what these dual attractions comprise is effectively the Charlotte area’s top art museum.
Mint Museum Randolph is located in what was once the Charlotte Mint –– hence the name of the institution today. It functions as a multi-faceted fine art museum, with a particular focus on American and European works, as well as some historical artifacts from North Carolina. Mint Museum Randolph was also the first art museum to open in North Carolina, back in 1936.
By contrast, Mint Museum of Craft & Design is far newer, having opened in 1999. This branch of the museum is dedicated wholly to art in the form of physical craft. The collection includes jewelry, sculptures, woodworks, and a range of other abstract creations both historical and contemporary.
The Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Stock photo by Emmanuel Appiah via Unsplash.
Charlotte is dedicated to the preservation of its history, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Levine Museum of the New South. Far from being just an exhibit of local history however, this museum distinguishes itself through diverse representation and a willingness to confront difficult aspects of the past in North Carolina’s Piedmont region.
What this means specifically is that the Levine Museum’s exhibits don’t shy away from the fact that North Carolina was a slave state, nor do they avoid the fact that related industries laid the groundwork for what Charlotte has become. This has been made apparent through exhibits such as “Cottonfields to Skyscrapers” and, in 2019 an educational confrontation of the area’s “Legacy of Lynching.”
As the “About” page at the Levine Museum of the New South’s official website states, the venue seeks to exhibits and programs “with, for and about the diverse community” it serves. As such, it provides perhaps the most comprehensive snapshot of Charlotte’s history and heritage.
Technically located in the town of Spencer just north of Charlotte, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is a must for anyone with an interest in trains, automobiles, or even airplanes. For that matter, it’s also a fascinating stop for anyone who simply likes to learn about a destination’s history.
Housed at what was once a repair site for the Southern Railway, the museum is first and foremost a time capsule of early railroad cars and equipment. Visitors will enjoy close-up glimpses of railway vehicles ranging from old steam locomotives to functioning diesel and electric vessels. There are also exhibits that dive into various aspects of life on an early railroad.
In addition to its focus on trains and rail systems, the NC Transportation Museum houses antique airplanes and automobiles. The venue’s event schedule includes occasional “firetruck festivals” and auto shows.
The view of NASCAR Productions and NASCAR Hall of Fame in the downtown Charlotte skyline. Photo by Peter Stringer for Amazing America.
While not necessarily a traditional museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame also functions as an important cultural and historical exhibition for Charlotte and the surrounding area. Despite NASCAR not having originated in this area, North Carolina is known for having contributed heavily to the early days of American auto racing. It also happens to be the home of some of NASCAR’s great drivers, including Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
It’s for these reasons that Charlotte was chosen as the site for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The venue opened in 2010, complete with an in-house museum. In its totality, it represents a comprehensive experience for fans. There are exhibits celebrating past drivers and events; educational tours through NASCAR history; and dozens of interactive experiences, including game-like simulators that let you feel the rush of racing.
It is easy enough to take a glance at Charlotte and see only concrete and skyscrapers. The city is best known for its place in the banking and finance industries, and it tends to look the part. Tucked between and around the skyscrapers, however, are numerous charming neighborhoods that give the city a distinct personality.
Historic Fourth Ward is perhaps the most noteworthy of these neighborhoods, as well as an historical site. Essentially, this is an uptown district comprised of well-preserved homes, small parks and green areas, and these days, lots of places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. Many will visit to get a look at the beautiful old homes that define the Ward, but the truth of the matter is this is also just a wonderful place to explore and hang out in.
Sometimes referred to as the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, the 1774 Alexander Rock House is the oldest house standing in Mecklenburg County. It was built in 1774 by one Hezekiah Alexander and his family, and served as both a home and a small plantation.
Alexander himself is a significant figure in North Carolina’s history. A migrant from Maryland by way of Pennsylvania, he ultimately became a key figure in the American Revolution in the region. He also contributed to the establishment of North Carolina’s first constitution and the accompanying bill of rights.
Rather than purely celebrating Hezekiah Alexander however, the house today is maintained as a more complete snapshot of history. Exhibits and explanations do not gloss over the fact that slaves helped to build and maintain the plantation. They also acknowledge that there is archaeological evidence of indigenous peoples using the Alexander Rock House grounds for centuries before Europeans settled.
The Reed Gold Mine is an attraction located some 25 miles east of Charlotte. For visitors who don’t mind a 45-minute drive however, it’s still quite accessible.
According to a chronicle of historical sites at the North Carolina government website, the Reed Gold Mine is the site of the “first documented gold find” to occur anywhere in the United States. That find came in the form of a nugget that weighed 17 pounds, and which was dug up by one Conrad Reed in 1799. While it’s no surprise that Reed’s discovery kicked off a gold rush in the region, many will be shocked to learn that North Carolina was actually the United States’ preeminent gold production state for nearly 50 years to follow.
Today, visitors can enjoy paid tours through the mines. There are also opportunities to pan for gold, which is a particularly fun option if there are kids in the picture!
The Rosedale Plantation is a beautiful property that has been preserved (and partially restored) to represent an original, early-19th-century dwelling. It is also another effort by the city of Charlotte to offer accurate representation of the area’s history.
On an average visit, you can expect to enjoy a tour of the house and its grounds and gardens, as well as a reconstructed blacksmith shop. In the process, you’ll learn not just about the Frew family that originally occupied the house, but also the slaves (and later freed men) who maintained the property.
Rosedale Plantation also serves as a venue that can be rented for weddings and similar occasions.
Carolina History & Haunts is not a single site. It’s a company, and in fact it’s not even unique to Charlotte; the group also operates in the smaller North Carolina cities of Greensboro and Winston Salem. Despite all this however, the tours this company operates serve as fun ways to dive into the spookier side of history.
In Charlotte, that means a lantern-lit walking tour through uptown neighborhoods. These neighborhoods (such as the Fourth Ward) showcase an older side of the city, and as you’ll learn through Carolina History & Haunts there is accompanying ghost lore. Even if you’re not one for ghost stories, it’s an interesting way to learn about the city and some of the tales that have endured there over time.
Charlotte is home to more green spaces than many might expect to find, and Freedom Park is among the biggest and most impressive of them. Spanning nearly 100 acres and located just far enough from the downtown area to feel almost serene, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy some North Carolina weather.
This park has a little bit of everything. It’s where kids feed ducks in a seven-acre lake; where people use winding walking trails to stay fit; and where families sprawl on picnic blankets on nice days. It’s also home to several facilities where you can enjoy a specific sport, if you so choose. There are baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
You may also catch a festival or live performance in Freedom Park from time to time. Mostly though, this is just a place to hang out or enjoy a bit of physical activity.
A couple celebrates in Independence Park in Charlotte, NC. Stock photo by Carissa Rogers via Unsplash.
Independence Park is only about a quarter the size of Freedom Park. Nevertheless, it serves some of the same purposes. It’s a sprawling green space that gives people in the city a chance to relax outside, enjoy some natural beauty, and engage in a little exercise. There is not as much designated space for specific sports as you’ll find in Freedom Park, but Independence Park still features trails for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
Notably, Independence Park has recently been undergoing a $6 million renovation. It has accordingly been kept closed to the public, but is expected to reopen in 2023. Improvements will include permanent public restrooms and improved walking trails and playgrounds.
Independence Park was the first public park in Charlotte when it first opened back in 1906.
Romare Bearden Park is located in what is in some respects the heart of Charlotte. It is directly across the street from Truist Field, where the Minor League baseball team the Charlotte Knights play; it is also about two blocks away from Bank of America Stadium, which is the home of the Carolina Panthers.
As befits its location, Romare Bearden Park is more of a contemporary urban park than any kind of expansive or secluded green space. Nevertheless, there is enough room here for people to throw frisbees, walk their dogs, and even jog around (albeit on a short loop). Additionally, the park occasionally hosts local culture and arts events.
Romare Bearden Park was designed with its namesake in mind. Bearden was an African-American artist who was born in Charlotte in 1911. His work primarily involved painting, but it’s a tribute to his talents that the park houses a variety of art installations.
Charlotte itself is not home to state or national parks –– or any such places larger than Freedom Park, in fact. Those who are visiting and want to experience some of the region’s natural beauty and appeal however do have options. The most convenient of these is the McDowell Nature Center and Preserve, located just 18 miles southwest of Charlotte along Interstate-77.
Situated next to Lake Wylie and just north of the South Carolina border, this preserve is a place to enjoy undisturbed nature. There are trails for hiking and cycling, campsites that can be reserved, and playgrounds and educational programs for kids. For those who want to enjoy some time out on the water, there are also boat launches. Visitors are free to rent and make use of kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes.
A woman enjoys the sunshine at Crowders Mountain State Park in North Carolina. Stock photo by Clay Banks via Unsplash.
A little more than 30 miles due west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park offers another wonderful escape into nature. The park consists of more than 5,000 acres of protected space surrounding Crowders Mountain. It is also close to Kings Mountain, which is a popular hiking destination.
Crowders Mountain State Park is, unsurprisingly, a hiking and camping destination first and foremost. That said, there are plenty of other outdoor activities visitors to the park commonly enjoy. Fishing and birdwatching are both welcome, for instance. It is also permitted to go boating on the park’s man-made lake (though it’s important to remember that boats can’t be rented on the premises). Finally, there are also areas where visitors can go rock climbing and bouldering.
Lake Norman State Park is slightly farther from Charlotte proper than the other two natural preserves referenced above. Nevertheless, a 40-mile drive north on I-77 will get you there, and many will find it to be worth the trip.
The state park is another well-liked destination for hiking, biking, and camping. What sets it apart, however, is the lake. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, and the third-largest lake of any kind. Accordingly, it functions as an attraction unto itself. Visitors can enjoy small beaches, go swimming, and try their hand at fishing. There are also small companies and peer-to-peer networks that facilitate boat rentals. You’ll be able to get out on the water in anything from a small pontoon or fishing boat to a house boat or miniature yacht.
As these sites and attractions convey, the Charlotte area serves as a rich destination. At a glance, it is the quintessential modern city, growing and evolving into a larger metropolis with each passing year. When examined more closely however, it reveals itself as fascinating and multi-faceted place. With neighborhoods, venues, and other attractions celebrating history, art, nature, and more, the Queen City has something for everyone.
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