North Carolina is a southeastern state offering extraordinary geographic diversity — from the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains in the west, to the rolling Piedmont Plateau in the center, to the iconic Outer Banks barrier islands and warm Atlantic beaches in the east. Home to nearly 11 million residents, the state blends Southern hospitality, world-class barbecue, vibrant college-town culture, outdoor adventure, and a deep historical heritage stretching from the Wright Brothers' first flight to Civil War battlefields.
Historical sites
Places where North Carolina's past comes alive.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Where: Kill Devil Hills, Dare County
Admission: $10/adult; children 14 and under free; America the Beautiful Pass accepted
Tryon Palace
Where: New Bern
Admission: $20/adult, $8/child (7-12); gardens-only $10/adult
Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Where: Winston-Salem
Admission: $23/adult, $11/child (6-16); under 6 free
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site
Where: Four Oaks, Johnston County
Admission: Free
Fort Macon State Park
Where: Atlantic Beach / Beaufort, Carteret County
Admission: Fort: $3/adult (13+); park access free
Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Where: Midland, Cabarrus County
Admission: Free (guided tours $4/adult, $3/child)
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Where: Kure Beach, New Hanover County
Admission: Free
Historic Halifax State Historic Site
Where: Halifax, Halifax County
Admission: Free
North Carolina Museum of History
Where: Raleigh
Admission: Free
Museum of the Cherokee People
Where: Cherokee, Swain County
Admission: $15/adult, $8/child (6-12); under 6 free
USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
Where: Wilmington
Admission: $14/adult, $6/child (6-11); under 6 free
Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
Where: Burlington, Alamance County
Admission: Free