Rockingham North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockingham, North Carolina.
1. Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR CHILDREN
Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham is a children's museum in downtown Rockingham that was renovated in 2024. The museum offers interactive fun-filled experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through various educational exhibits. Visitors can explore, play, and learn in this family-friendly attraction that serves as one of only three Discovery Place Kids locations in North Carolina.
2. Rockingham Dragway
PREMIER RACING DESTINATION
Rockingham Dragway is a popular auto racing venue that hosts a variety of motorsport events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy exciting drag racing competitions, including special events like all-MOPAR gatherings that offer discounted entry fees and free parking. The dragway has established itself as a significant attraction for motorsport enthusiasts in the region.
3. Rockingham Speedway
HISTORIC RACING CIRCUIT
Rockingham Speedway is a historic racing circuit with a rich tradition in American motorsports. The speedway has hosted numerous high-profile racing events over the years, drawing racing fans from across the country. While its schedule has evolved over time, the venue remains an important landmark in Rockingham's cultural identity.
4. Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail
SCENIC PADDLING ADVENTURE
Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail offers paddlers a 14-mile waterway to explore diverse floodplain forests, historic mill remnants, and observe rare plants and animals. Following the removal of the Steeles Mill dam in 2009, the trail was created as part of a conservation effort that included protecting 100 acres of bottomland forest and establishing river access areas. The City of Rockingham recognizes this natural attraction as an economic driver for the region, emphasizing the vital importance of maintaining a healthy Hitchcock Creek for long-term success.
5. Castlewood Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE
Castlewood Park is a popular recreational area in Rockingham offering various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park provides green spaces, playground equipment, and facilities for community gatherings and family outings. As one of Rockingham's top-rated attractions, Castlewood Park serves as an important community hub for outdoor enjoyment.
6. Browder Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY PARK
Browder Park offers Rockingham residents and visitors alike a well-maintained recreational space for outdoor activities. The park features various amenities designed to accommodate families and individuals seeking to enjoy nature and outdoor exercise. As one of the city's beloved green spaces, Browder Park contributes significantly to the quality of life in Rockingham.
7. La Cabana Mexican
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
La Cabana Mexican is a popular dining establishment in Rockingham offering authentic Mexican cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant caters to various dietary preferences with vegetarian-friendly and vegan options available on their menu. Priced in the moderate range, La Cabana Mexican has earned positive reviews from diners, making it one of the top-rated eateries in the Rockingham area.
8. The Taco Factory
CASUAL MEXICAN EATERY
The Taco Factory is an affordable Mexican restaurant in Rockingham known for its casual dining experience. The establishment offers vegetarian-friendly options alongside its traditional Mexican fare, making it accessible to diners with various dietary preferences. Popular among locals and visitors alike, The Taco Factory has established itself as a go-to spot for those seeking quality Mexican food at reasonable prices.
9. Bella Italy
ITALIAN DINING EXPERIENCE
Bella Italy is a mid-range Italian restaurant in Rockingham specializing in authentic Italian cuisine and pizza. The restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly options, making it accessible to diners with various dietary preferences. Known for its quality food and inviting atmosphere, Bella Italy has become a favored dining destination for those seeking Italian flavors in Rockingham.
10. Pee Dee River National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Pee Dee River National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region with its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The refuge provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other outdoor recreational activities. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the bountiful supply of deer, dove, turkey, and other small game and fish that inhabit this protected natural area.
11. Lincoln Memorial Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Lincoln Memorial Park serves as an important recreational area and green space within the Rockingham community. The park offers various amenities for outdoor activities and relaxation, providing residents and visitors with a peaceful retreat. As one of Rockingham's notable parks, it contributes to the city's quality of life and outdoor recreational offerings.
12. Henry's Uptown Cafe
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Henry's Uptown Cafe is an affordable dining establishment in Rockingham specializing in classic American cafe and diner fare. The restaurant offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy traditional breakfast and lunch options. As a local favorite, Henry's Uptown Cafe provides visitors with an authentic taste of small-town dining in North Carolina.
13. Blewett Falls Lake
SCENIC FISHING DESTINATION
Blewett Falls Lake is a picturesque body of water near Rockingham that attracts fishing enthusiasts throughout the year. The lake is known for its variety of fish species and provides ample opportunities for boating and other water-based recreational activities. As part of the region's natural attractions, Blewett Falls Lake contributes to Rockingham's appeal as a destination for outdoor adventures.
14. Sandhills Game Management Area
HUNTER'S PARADISE
Sandhills Game Management Area is a designated hunting region near Rockingham that attracts sportsmen from across the state. The area is managed to maintain healthy populations of deer, dove, turkey, and other small game for sustainable hunting activities. With its diverse terrain and abundance of wildlife, the Sandhills Game Management Area represents an important outdoor recreational resource for the region.
15. Rockingham Downtown Historic District
CHARMING MAIN STREET EXPERIENCE
Rockingham Downtown Historic District showcases the city's rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1774, when it was named after former Prime Minister Charles Watson Wentonworth. The historic area features well-preserved architecture, local businesses, and community gathering spaces that reflect the city's nearly two-and-a-half centuries of history. Visitors can explore unique shops, dining establishments, and cultural landmarks while experiencing the small-town charm that defines Rockingham's character.