Western Heartland Region Attractions

Murray's Mill Historic Complex, located near Catawba, is a great spot to visit. Here visitors will find four restored buildings, Murray's mill, Murray and Minges General Store, Wheathouse Exhibit Gallery, and the John Murray house. The complex has expansive grounds and they are a great place to go for a stroll or have a pleasant picnic by the pond behind the dam. Murray's Mill Historic Complex is a 10-minute drive from Interstate 40.

The grave of Peter Ney is located in Cleveland and surrounded by mystery. This man was for a period of time, a teacher in the Carolinas. However, many believed that he was actually Michel Ney, Duke of Elchingen, Prince of Moskova, and a military commander under Napoleon. Rumor had it that he had escaped to the United States and lived under the assumed name of Peter Stuart Ney. There is a reference to this on Ney's grave headstone in Cleveland.

The Gaston County Museum of Art and History has a diverse collection of items from the surrounding area in its permanent collection. The museum also hosts frequent national and international traveling exhibits so be sure to check in and see what's on when you are in town. A great gift shop has a wide variety of items for sale for those wishing to take home a keepsake.

Hanging Rock State Park is the perfect escape from urban life to nature. Located near Danbury, the park features a whole slew of outdoor pursuits ranging from hiking to biking to swimming and fishing. Camping and cabins are available for those wishing to stay overnight and the nearby town of Danbury can provide any additional supplies you may have forgotten. Hanging Rock State Park makes for a great day trip from Charlotte, Richmond, or Raleigh.

A visit to Ellerbe would not be complete without a visit to the Rankin Museum. Here visitors will find a multitude of displays related to four major areas; Natural History, Early America, archeology, and paleontology. The Rankin Museum is renown for its diverse and unique collections. A visit to the museum can be combined with an afternoon at the North Carolina Speedway, which is located nearby.

The pleasant city of Hickory was incorporated in 1870 and has grown over the years to now be home to over 320,000 people. Hickory, like High Point, produces much of the furniture in the United States. Hickory is also noted as a center for the production of fiber optic cable, producing approximately 40 percent of the world's supply.

The Richard Petty Museum is a tribute to this race car driver who is from Level Cross. On displays visitors will find some of Petty's race cars, awards, along with racing photos and other memorabilia. Richard Petty is a 7-time Winston-Cup Series champion and the pride of Level Cross.

Visitors to Lexington interested in learning more about the local region should be sure to visit the Davidson County Historical Museum. The museum is housed in the Davidson County Courthouse, a wonderful old antebellum courthouse built in the mid 19th Century. The museum features a variety of exhibits and the perfectly preserved courtroom on the 2nd floor is of particular note.

Want to experience the thrills of Africa but don't have the resources to get there? Well the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville is just the answer. Here visitors can drive their vehicle through large expanses of natural area complete with exotic animals. Some of the animals you will drive past are giraffes, buffalos, and zebras along with 747 others. Also on the premises are a petting zoo, gift shop, and a horse barn.

The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, located in the town of the same name is a treasure trove of interesting history related to the surrounding areas. Letters, diaries, displays and books help tell the story of the development of this scenic area nested at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The collection of these items at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History spans over 150 years.

For those interested in pre-Columbian life in Peidmont North Carolina, a visit to the Town Creek Indian Mound State Historical Site near Mount Gilead is in order. This well laid out historical site tells the story of the Pee Dee Indians. Visitors can see the reconstructed ceremonial center including the mound complete with temple, the minor house, and mortuary. Also on site is a visitor's center providing additional insight and informative displays on the area.

A visit to the Catawba County Museum of History in Newton is worth a visit just to see the building that it is housed in. The 1924 Courthouse has been restored to its former glory and features interesting sculptures and curving stairways. The museum features the life and times of the Scotch-Irish, German, English, and African people that settled here in the 19th Century. The Catawba County Museum of History also has an extensive collection of archives of interest to persons wanting to do in depth research.

If you are passing through Pinnacle and would like to find out more about the old days of farming be sure to stop in at the Horne Creek Living Historical Farm. The farm is more than just a preserved set of buildings; it also contains rare breeds of animals and plants that would have been in existence when the first pioneers arrived. Visitors are welcome to participate in the daily activities that can range from cutting the lawn to shucking a corncob.

If you are into handicrafts, and pottery in general, a visit to the North Carolina Pottery Center, located in Seagrove should be on your itinerary. In this light and airy building, visitor will find all manner of pottery and in the permanent collection, a history of pottery's evolution from prehistoric Native American work through until today. The North Carolina Pottery Center also hosts traveling pottery exhibits from around the world, check to see what's in town when you are planning to be there.

Shelby is located in southwestern North Carolina. Each year the town hosts a large county fair, attracting visitors from all over the state.

The Central Shelby Historic District is a good place to begin a tour of the community. Some of the local attractions include the Arts Center, Historical Museum, and the Farmer's Market.

Shelby is also a good base from which to explore the rest of Cleveland County.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer is located in the old Southern Railway Company's locomotive repair center. On site visitors will find a train depot, a 37-bay Roundhouse with locomotives and rail cars, as well as antique automobiles.

The North Carolina Transportation Museum also caters to children and offers a "Junior Engineer" program targeted at children ages 12 and under. A visit to the facility is a fun outing for both young and old.

The Richard Childress Racing Museum in Welcome is a tribute to NASCAR drivers and the sport itself. Visitors will find numerous race cars on display, including cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Richard Childress, and other famous racers.

The Richard Childress Racing Museum is a must see for any NASCAR fan passing through Welcome.