Wilmington, NC Attractions

The Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington is a large facility that deals with the history, science, and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear. The eight permanent exhibits are very diverse ranging from exhibits on Michael Jordan to another on a giant ground sloth. The museum also hosts national and international traveling exhibits, so be sure to check in to see what's in town when you are planning to be there.

The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts in Wilmington is a spectacular sight. It is considered by many to be the preeminent displays of antebellum architecture. Fronted by Corinthian columns on all sides and surrounded by wonderfully landscaped gardens, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts is a must-see when visiting town. The collection inside is also interesting, primarily focused on the history of design arts.

Brunswick Town State Historic Site is a fine place to explore the colonial history of North Carolina. It was here in this once busy shipping port that the political and economic pulse beat in the former colony of England. The town thrived for many years starting in 1726, but with the winds of change blowing, the town slowly died away and in 1842 the land and ruins became part of the Orton Plantation.

The Burchetta Glassblowing Studio and Gallery features the Art Glass Gallery, tours of the Glass Blowing facilities, or Glass Blowing lessons. There are authentic Art Glass design with a myriad of functional creations.

The Burgwin-Wright House is built on a solid foundation - the old town jail. Once considered one of the finest homes in town, the Burgwin-Wright House still looks great almost 250 years later. The home is the oldest museum house in southeastern North Carolina. The National Society of Colonial Dames of America, who has owned the property since 1937, manages the home. The home is not the only attraction, the wonderful gardens are also worth a visit and included in the admission price.

Cape Fear Serpentarium in Wilmington is an indoor reptile park that houses reptiles in their natural habitats. Rare and dangerous snakes, crocodiles, lizards and komodo dragons are featured.

A new wing of the Serpentarium is home to African tribal artifacts such as voodoo doctor's ceremonial costume, swords and spears, and ritual objects.

When visiting Wilmington, be sure to stop in and see one of the city's top attractions, Greenfield Park and Garden. This park was built in the 1930's around Greenfield Lake, and features an amazing display of azaleas. Visitors will find lots of picnic sites, an 8 km / 5 mi running/walking trail, a Fragrance Garden, amphitheater, skate park, and tennis courts. Boats can be rented at the nearby concession stand.

If you are in Wilmington and are looking for something interesting to do, step aboard the Henrietta III. The cruises depart from Water and Dock streets and take visitors up and down the Cape Fear River. The cruises generally run for 1.5 hours and are fully narrated with interesting points of history explained in detail.

The Orton Plantation Gardens are located on an old rice plantation covering some 20 acres. Today the area is home to beautiful gardens where visitors can come to see the landscape, enjoy a walk, or see some wildlife. The gardens are also known for the old live oaks that grace the estate.

The Orton Plantation Gardens are well manicured and there is always something in bloom from spring until fall.

The onsite greenhouse also sells plants and seeds.

Self-guided walking tours lead through the gardens.

A visit to the Poplar Grove Historic Plantation, near Wilmington, is like stepping back in time to the 19th Century. Here visitors will find a wonderfully preserved and restored mansion decorated in the styles of the 1850's. The mansion has 12 rooms, 12 fireplaces and is over 4200 square feet in size. Along with the mansion, the tenant farmers homes and craft shops, including a blacksmiths operation can also be toured.

The St James Episcopal Church in Wilmington has an active congregation of community leaders. The church building itself was consecrated in 1840 and is considered one of Wilmington's finest examples of Neo Gothic architecture. The church has grown over the years and now has several additional buildings including Perry Hall at the corner of Dock and Fourth streets.

Thalian Hall is home to the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts which has been in operation since 1858. Thalian Hall is the last remaining theatre designed by John Montague Trimble, who was famous for the theatres he created. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was renovated in the 1970s and 80s, after which it became an even popular venue with performing artists.

Those interested in seeing a performance in Thalian Hall should check with the calendar to see what is showing.

The Tregembo Animal Park in Wilmington is a family owned and operated zoo that has existed in the same location for more than 50 years. The park is home to a variety of domestic and exotic animals including giraffe, camels, lions, tigers, and zebras.

Tregembo Animal Park sells animal food which it permits visitors to feed the animals.

Fans of railway equipment should head directly to the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Here visitors will find fine rolling stock that has been lovingly restored. Of particular note are the steam locomotive and caboose. For those into model railroads, there are operating HO and O scale trains. For the kids, there is a Thomas the Train play area. The lives and times of George Pullman and Thomas Edison are also nicely profiled though informative displays.