Henderson North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Henderson, North Carolina.
1. Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre
CLASSIC DRIVE-IN MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre offers visitors a nostalgic drive-in movie experience with affordable pricing for double features. The theatre includes a park for children to play and serves quality food options at reasonable prices. Visitors appreciate the value of seeing two movies for only $8, making it a popular entertainment venue in Henderson.
2. Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR PARADISE
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area features beautiful bodies of water perfect for recreation throughout the year. The area offers well-maintained campsites that are family-oriented and provide a peaceful escape. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities in this natural setting any time of year.
3. McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
PREMIER THEATER VENUE
McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center is a beautiful theater venue with perfect acoustics and excellent sightlines. The center is designed so that there is no 'bad' seat in the house, ensuring all attendees have a quality experience. This performing arts venue hosts various theatrical performances and events for the community.
4. Bee's Knees Country Store
CHARMING LOCAL SHOP
Bee's Knees Country Store is a cute specialty shop housed in an old country store building. The store is run by a local beekeeper, Mr. Craig, and his wife who offer unique gifts and products. In addition to their retail space, the owners also operate a gorgeous B&B in the area.
5. Henderson County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Henderson County Heritage Museum offers public display galleries featuring artifacts and collections related to the history and culture of Henderson County. The museum is housed in six rooms of the renovated Historic Henderson County Courthouse and is open year-round Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can explore exhibitions, archives, libraries, demonstrations, and performances that showcase the rich heritage of the area.
6. Hendersonville City Hall
HISTORIC GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING
Hendersonville City Hall is a beautiful historic building constructed in 1928 that houses local governmental offices. The building contains many artifacts and historic items, including large statues of three Presidents from North Carolina: Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk, and Andrew Johnson. This architectural gem was designed by well-known North Carolina architect Erle G. Stilwell.
7. Historic Downtown Hendersonville
VIBRANT SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Hendersonville, entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, features a serpentine street with planter boxes filled with seasonal flowers, benches, and trees. The downtown area boasts a wide array of shopping, specialty stores, galleries, museums, an aquarium, and various restaurants. Throughout the year, downtown hosts many activities including the NC Apple Festival during Labor Day weekend, art shows, an antique show, car shows, and the annual Bearfootin' Public Art walk featuring decorated fiberglass bears.
8. Jump Off Rock
SCENIC MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK
Jump Off Rock is a scenic overlook located just 4.8 miles and 15 minutes driving time from Hendersonville. The site offers many hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Visitors are rewarded with beautiful mountain views that showcase the natural splendor of the region.
9. Historic Johnson Farm
LIVING HISTORY SITE
Historic Johnson Farm features a farmhouse built around the 1880s with bricks fired on site from French Broad River mud. The farm encompasses a barnloft museum, 10 historic buildings, animals, nature trails, and 15 acres of fields, forest, and streams. The interior of the house contains furnishings from the early 1900s, offering visitors a glimpse into rural life from that era.
10. The Samuel J. Childs House
ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Samuel J. Childs House was officially designated as a Henderson County Local Historic Landmark on September 5th, 2023. The house showcases excellent architectural design and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time for over 100 years. This historic residence represents an important piece of Hendersonville's architectural heritage.
11. Mineral & Lapidary Museum
GEOLOGICAL WONDER COLLECTION
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County was established in 1997 to showcase geological treasures from the region and beyond. The museum houses exhibits featuring minerals from North Carolina, Indian artifacts, and even a dinosaur egg nest. Visitors can explore the fascinating world of geology and paleontology through the museum's diverse collections.
12. Blue Ridge Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers one of the most scenic drives around Henderson with its twists and turns through the mountains. The parkway showcases breathtaking vistas that highlight the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains along this famous scenic byway.
13. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a premier educational institution located about 40 miles from Henderson. The museum features extensive natural history exhibits that showcase the biodiversity and geological wonders of North Carolina and beyond. Visitors can explore interactive displays, live animal exhibits, and educational programs that make science accessible to all ages.
14. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is a stunning 55-acre public garden on the campus of Duke University near the Henderson area. The gardens feature a diverse collection of plants arranged in distinct landscaped areas, including the Historic Gardens, the H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, the W.L. Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and the Doris Duke Center Gardens. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, water features, and seasonal blooms that transform the gardens throughout the year.
15. Kerr Lake Country Club
LAKESIDE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Kerr Lake Country Club offers a scenic golfing experience in Henderson with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The course provides recreational opportunities for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels in a serene setting. Members and visitors can enjoy the well-maintained facilities and the natural beauty of the lakeside location.