20 Fun things to do in Burlington, North Carolina

Are you in search of the best and most fun things to do on your visit to Burlington, North Carolina? Then you are on the right page.

Burlington, a city in Carolina, was founded in 1857 but had had that name in the 1850s. This city was intended to promote offices and retail space for the North Carolina Railroad Company, which ended up being a major tourist attraction in the state of North Carolina.

Visitors can experience a wealth of history, a commitment to protecting the environment, shopping, and wonderful dining options in Burlington. There are actually so many things to do in Burlington that you might wish to extend your trip by one or two days!

Choosing which sights to visit or attractions to visit in Burlington might be difficult. Well, we’ve compiled a list of the best and most fun things to do in Burlington to help you plan your next trip. In this article, we have listed 20 things to do in Burlington.

Here are the top things to do in Burlington:

1. Alamance Battleground State Historic Site

The Alamance Battleground State Historic Site is one wonderful attraction you should check out when you’re in Burlington City. This place is dedicated to the Battle between certain residents and the British Imperial Army that took place in Alamance.

Many historians believe that the American Revolution was sparked by the Battle of Alamance. So, for those who enjoy learning about the past, this is a wise first step in studying this website that pays tribute to the pivotal conflict that helped shape American history.

The Allen House is one of the focal points of the attraction. The log cabin located here has been meticulously preserved to demonstrate how many backwoods farmers in North Carolina conducted their business in the past.

One of the best things to do in Burlington, North Carolina, for history lovers is to visit this location, which is open for visits every day from the morning until the afternoon.

Address: 5803 NC-62, Burlington.

2. Mackintosh Park & Marina

Mackintosh Park & Marina is the main source of water for Burlington City, which was established in 1993. There are many wonderful attractions in the park that you shouldn’t miss out on.

The 150-acre Marina Park is situated on a 661-mile stretch of coastline. The Greater Alamance streams and the Little Alamance, which are the main sources of stock fishing in the lake, are two of its tributaries that provide water to the lake.

The lake is positioned along Huffman Mill Road, on the outskirts of the city. This park offers tourists a variety of recreational options in addition to kayaking and fishing. However, because this location is the only source of water in the community,  forbids boating or swimming there.

When you go, the main sights to see are a large playground, fishing on the banks and piers, boat ramps, renting kayaks and rowboats, outdoor shelters, and others.

Address: 2704 Huffman Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215, United States

3. Granddaddy’s Antique Mall

Granddaddy’s Antique Mall should be on the top of your list of things to do in Burlington, North Carolina if you enjoy antiques. The two-acre Antique Mall includes 230 booths of antiques and collectibles in addition to treasure-hunting activities.

The mall also boasts a large collection of antique objects, which includes a wide variety of retail trinkets, distinctive advertising signs, apparel and toys, vintage items, as well as a slew of antique artwork and memorabilia.

The Granddaddy’s Antique Mall, one of the biggest malls in this region of the country for unusual home decor and vintage goods, opened its doors in 1997.

Address: 2316 Maple Ave., Burlington, NC 27215

4. Cedarock Park

Cedarock Park was established by Alamance County established in 1975. The nature park was founded by Poly and John Garett and is located on 500 acres of land.

This location is a well-known spot in Burlington for recreational activities like horseback riding, sports, and hiking. A footgolf course and other disc golf courses are also located in the park.

In addition to outdoor activities and sports, it makes for a perfect location for taking beautiful pictures. The park features camping areas, canoe rentals, picnic tables, and waterfalls and ponds where you may capture beautiful pictures. Every day from early morning until late afternoon, the Park is open.

Address: 4242 R Dean Coleman Rd, Burlington, NC 27215, United States

5. Alamance County Historical Museum

The Alamance County Historical Museum is a well-known landmark in Burlington City where tourists may learn about the unique and rich history of the area.

The Burlington Museum is not the typical museum that you would locate in a structure. Instead, the museum is located on a 1700-acre grain plantation from the 19th century.

However, a large portion of the artifacts and exhibits on display here are housed in a 1790 two-story plantation residence. Aside from the usual exhibits, the museum boasts a parlor with meticulously maintained bedrooms that dates back to the early 1900s.

You can also take a tour of the old grain plantation, which includes a corn crib, a granary, a daily cemetery, and a carriage house.

Address: 4777 South, NC-62, Burlington, NC

6. BMX Track

A trip to the BMX Track is one of the fun things to do in Burlington, North Carolina. If you are a rider, you undoubtedly want to witness and take in the huge enthusiasm at the destination.

Riders of all skill levels can ride on one of the most recognizable tracks in the nation at the BMX Track, which is open to all riders. Single-lap racetracks and off-road sprint bicycle competitions are among the cycling events held here.

If the weather is good, cycling competitions take place from February through early December. The American Bicycle Association (ABA) supports this sport, and it offers top-notch thrills and good times.


You don’t need to get worried about your level of racing expertise, whether it be beginner, intermediate, or professional, as BMX racing has everything set up to fit your ability.

Address: 1450 Graham St, Burlington, NC 27217, United States

7. Great Bend Park

Great Bend Park, which is positioned next to the Haw River, is another famous location worth seeing. Locals congregate there in a 30-acre woodland area close to Glencoe Dam.

Visitors can find great walking paths nearby, and the mile-long Highland Trail, which leads to a beautiful forested region and the riverbank, can be used as part of an amazing hike.

As you continue walking, the path will lead you to the Haw riverfront, a distinctive location for fishing. Finally, if you’re still in shape for a longer trip, this 80-mile trail that follows the Haw River takes hikers to Rockingham-Guilford County.

Address: 350 Greenwood Dr, Burlington, NC

8. Zack’s Hotdogs

If you enjoy good food, dining at Zack’s Hotdogs should be one of your top priorities while visiting Burlington, North Carolina.

Zack Touloupas the founder is a Greek immigrant who owns and runs this restaurant and has been delivering delicious hotdogs to both residents and tourists since 1928. When it first began operations, the restaurant only had eight barstools and four desks, but over time it developed into one of the city’s premier destinations.

The restaurant is well-known for its hotdogs, and it also serves savory and sweet breakfast options like hamburgers and sandwiches.

Address: 201 W Davis St, Burlington, NC

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9. City Park

Your trip to Burlington won’t be complete Without going to the City Park. This fantastic family entertainment complex includes an amusement park, a rail car ride, a miniature train, and options for a tractor, fire engine, boat ride, police car, and Jeep.

Visitors to the park are welcome to have a pleasant picnic or rent a pavilion for special occasions. If you enjoy being outdoors, you can take a relaxing stroll across the garden’s trails and the bridges that span the tiny Almanac Creek.

City Park is one of the top things to do in Burlington, North Carolina.

10. Haw River Trail

The Haw River Trail is just another fascinating attraction on our list of things to do in Burlington, North Carolina. Nearby the beautiful Haw River are more than 20 km of hiking trails. Visitors get the opportunity to view the stunning plant ecology and woodland animals.

Apart from the crystal-clear lakes, tourists can also picnic or go fishing. Going kayaking or canoeing is another option for visitors to have fun, and the location is open to everyone, regardless of experience or ability level.

The paddle trail and the Haw River are essential components of the community’s goal to promote the preservation of the different historical natural resources. The outcomes of this excellent endeavor have been fantastic, and the ecology for both water and other habitats is excellent.

Address: 3916 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215

11. Ace Speedway

Checking out the Ace Speedway, which is located in Elon, NC, 10 miles north of Burlington, is one of the many entertaining things to do there if you enjoy racing.

This location hosts a weekly competition for short-course racing with well-known and regional racers in North Carolina. The quarter-mile paved oval racetrack at Ace Speedway is used to hold the majority of championship races, including those for stock, modified, UCAR division, late models, limited late models, and small stocks.

You will undoubtedly like the enthusiastic experience this site offers, as the ground can accommodate over a thousand people. Other side attractions including auto exhibitions, tractor pulls, and go-karts are available in addition to the usual race events. Several well-known NASCAR drivers also reside in this area.

Address: 3401 Altamahaw Racetrack Rd, Elon, NC.

12. Glencoe Mill Village

The Glencoe Mill Village is the place to learn about the rich history of this city, which is one of the best things to do when your visit this city. It is a cluster of cotton mills in the US. The estate includes cotton mills and a textile complex, and the attraction features approximately 50 buildings and structures built around 1880.

There is a residential section of the Glencoe Mill Village where staff and workers dwell. The entire property is located alongside the Haw River on 105 acres of land. To have a better look at the historic structures and buildings, you may either stroll through the entire estate or, even better, drive about and explore the region.

Visit the Textile Heritage Museum to observe the displays that highlight the traces of this place’s past as a way to cap up your visit.

Address: 2320 River Rd, Burlington, NC.

13. Children’s Museum of Alamance

Children’s Museum of Alamance is a wonderful place to take the kids so they may have fun and learn a lot.

You should bring the kids along if they want to, as this is a great area for them to be creative, develop their interest for learning new things, and be inventive.

The museum offers a traditional setting for families to enjoy and have fun while exploring the numerous themed activities and exhibits. Children can engage in a variety of activities, including science, reading, history, and science.

Address: 217 S Main St, Graham, NC.

14. Paramount Theater

Visits to the Paramount Theater are among the top things to do in Burlington, North Carolina if you enjoy watching plays. The Grand Theater was its former name. It underwent extensive renovations that were started by the Burlington City Government, and it was eventually given the new name, Paramount Theater. The theater was recognized in 2021 as a historical entertainment destination and a local landmark in Alamance County.

Movies, stage plays, musicals, concerts, and community activities have all been organized by the theater. The venue offers a great atmosphere with over 400 seats that are strategically situated near the stage, making it the perfect setting for musicians to perform.

Address: 128 E Front St, Burlington, NC,

15. Hawkins Brown Museum

You should visit the Charlotte Hawkins Brown museum If you love history and want to learn about the life of a famous Black woman who spent her entire life working to improve the lives of countless African American boys.

Hawkins Brown founded this place in 1902, and it is located inside Palmer Memorial Institute. This location’s surroundings are special for you to learn about its legacy, history, and charitable endeavors.

It houses a large collection of historical artifacts, mementos, images, and papers on African Americans. The collection found here includes a sizeable portion that provides in-depth information on women’s history, social history, the numerous achievements and initiatives of African Americans in this area, and education.

The museum is only a 10-minute drive from West Burlington City and is open for tourists from Tuesday through Saturday, from morning till afternoon.

Address: 6136 Burlington Rd, Gibsonville, NC 27249, United States

16. Grill 584

Grill 584 serves tasty fare to guests including tacos, sushi, and steaks, as well as a salad bar, which was done to honor the city’s history. The restaurant was given the number 584 because it was formed from the word “great,” which was frequently used when Burlington’s train operated.

The restaurant was also constructed to honor the city’s citizens who lived there despite the difficulties they had after the railroad business ceased operating in 1886. The restaurant is well-known as a place where people congregate to eat delicious meals and enjoy mingling in this lovely city.

17. Burlington Stadium

Burlington Stadium was constructed to demonstrate the city’s appreciation of sports. This interesting landmark should be on your list of things to do.

The 3500-seat Athletic stadium was initially built in Danville, Virginia, and was later relocated to Burlington. The Burlington Royals play in the Minor League and the Kansas City Royals compete in Major League Baseball at this location.

Anyone planning a vacation in the city should make sure to visit this location because of the amazing experience you may have there. Additionally, you can follow various teams’ league games. So be sure to go if you enjoy this sport.

Address: 1450 Graham St, Burlington, NC

18. Textile Heritage Museum

Textile Heritage Museum was created to save and preserve the history of the textile industry. The Museum was established to instruct visitors on the methods used in fabric production, particularly for the US Military during World War 1. When you go, you may see a textile machine, historically accurate apparel, and a variety of materials created at the mill.

Visitors can explore the museum and its surroundings at their leisure or choose to join a guided tour. Admission to the museum is free. To tour the entire estate will take you one or two hours.

Address: 2406 Glencoe Street, Burlington, NC 27217

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19. Shallow Ford Natural Area

For those who enjoy camping in the great outdoors, the Shallow Ford Natural Area is a well-known location that is interesting and deserving of inclusion on your list of enjoyable things to do in Burlington, North Carolina.

There is a lot of wildlife and vegetation on the 200-acre site. Hiking is the main activity you can partake in at this location. You can, however, also check out additional sights like the Mountains to Sea Trail, the Haw River, and the Wildflower Meadow.

The Shallow Ford Natural Area is a famous river crossing in North Carolina, and it is close to the Shallow Road. The crossroads played a crucial role in the Northern Alamance County Access route from the 1800s through the 1900s.

Address: 1955 Gerringer Mill Rd, Burlington, NC

20. Conservators Center

Visiting the Conservators Center, located in the city’s lush woodland and home to around 70 different types of animals, including lions and tigers, is one of the best things to do in Burlington, North Carolina.

These large cats are housed outside in separate enclosures with plenty of space for movement. Additionally, the Conservators Center, which serves as a home for abused and abandoned domesticated animals, was founded in 2007 and is open to the public.

There are many different species of big cats to see, including tigers, mountain lions, cougars, lions, and lynxes. This is the place to bring the kids so they can see this wild animal for themselves.

Their on-site staff members are skilled in providing you with a wonderful experience while showing you around the entire facility. On weekends, the facility is open for tours from 9 am to 5 pm.

Address: 676 E. Hughes Mill Rd, Burlington, NC

Final Thought

Every traveler can find an exciting and engaging activity in the city of Burlington, North Carolina.

You will have a fascinating and enjoyable vacation here because of the city’s abundance of beautiful places, attractions, and recreational Parks.

Start arranging travel arrangements for this great city, and save this page as a reference when creating your list of enjoyable activities in Burlington, North Carolina.