26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Morganton (NC)

In search of the best and most fun things to do in Morganton, NC?

Morganton is a city located in Burke County of North Carolina, United States; it was founded in 1784.

Formally called Morgansborough in honor of General Daniel Morgan, the American Revolutionary war hero.

Morganton offers a unique mix of wonderful attractions, which gives an opportunity for both entertainment and relaxation.

If you love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, swimming, etc, the city of Morganton is the right destination for you.

Morganton has all you need to have an unforgettable vacation; there are many things to do here and several places to visit.

Considering an exploration of Morganton? Here are the top things to do in Morganton, NC.

Things to Do in Morganton, NC

1. History Museum of Burke County

History Museum of Burke County
Credits: Warren LeMay / Flickr
History Museum of Burke County

If you’re interested in the history of Burke County, a visit to the History Museum of Burke County is one of the top things to do in Morganton.

History Museum of Burke County is a ten thousand square feet facility that began collecting, preserving, and displaying significant artifacts about the history of Morganton since 2003.

The Museum displays hundreds of artifacts in open rooms; you need to take your time to browse through all the displayed items.

The History Museum of Burke County consists of two floors of galleries packed with historical artifacts, respectively using contemporary methods to enlighten the people about the city’s history.

This museum is open to everyone free of charge to attract more people interested in history to visit and explore all it has. History Museum of Burke County is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10am-4pm, and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

Address:201 W Meeting St, Morganton, NC 28655-3761

2. Freedom Park

Freedom Park
Credits: mezzotint / Shutterstock

For an amazing day out in Morganton, visit Freedom Park, it is a thirty-acre park located adjacent to Freedom High School.

Freedom Park was established in 1983; since then, it has become a popular attraction for many families with children.

It features a one-mile lighted walking track perfect for short walks alone or with your pet; there are two multi-feature play areas for the little ones to enjoy.

Freedom Park has tons of sports facilities, including the six lighted tennis courts, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, two basketball courts, and a lighted softball field.

The park also features a reserved picnic area with about four family picnic shelters with bbq grilling spots perfect for get-togethers and reunions.

Freedom Park has handicapped-accessible bathrooms coupled with the well-maintained facilities and environment.

Address:400 Independence Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655-5502 United States

3. Catawba Brewing Company

Catawba Brewing Company
Credits: Stas Malyarevsky / Shutterstock

Catawba Brewing Company is a wonderful place to hang out and have a fun day with your friends.

The brewery brews some of the finest craft beers in Morganton, North Carolina; it is owned by Billy and Scott the Pyatt brothers.

Catawba Brewing Company has served as the meeting point for many locals and tourists.

They offer a wide variety of beers, including the fantastic white ales, IPAs ensuring there is something for everyone.

Catawba Brewing Company was named in respect to their roots on the Catawba River. Their incredible decoration might leave you stunned.

Aside from beers, a food truck serves food to match up with the drinks in case you begin to feel peckish.

You also enjoy cool music to elevate your spirit while you sip from your glass; Catawba Brewing Company is open from Monday to Friday from 4pm-10pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 2pm-10pm.

Address:212 S Green St, Morganton, NC 28655-3525 United States

4. COMMA Performing Arts Center

COMMA Performing Arts Center
Credits: Dudarev Mikhail / Shutterstock

COMMA Performing Arts Center was founded on the 5th of Nov, 1986; COMMA stands as an acronym for The City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium.

If you are in for wild entertainment, one of the best things to do in Morganton is visiting COMMA Performing Arts Center.

This is an entertainment center and is a home to different kinds of live performances throughout the year, open to both locals and tourists.

COMMA Performing Arts Center hosts community events, broadway tours, dance shows, music concerts, dramas, and more.

The theater is clean and adequately maintained, equipped with a large stage, comfortable seats, and wonderful sound system.

It is a home to a permanent art piece made by Benjamin Long ( fresco painter) called “Sacred Dance & the Muses.”

Address:401 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

5. Catawba Meadows Park

Catawba Meadows Park
Credits: Dan Thornberg / Shutterstock

Another fun thing to do in Morganton is visiting Catawba Meadows Park with your friends and family.

Catawba Meadows Park is your number one go-to park if private family picnics and reunions are what you enjoy.

There are several sports facilities for the sports lover, such as soccer, golf, baseball, softball, and volleyball facilities.

Catawba Meadows Park features a beautiful playground that comprises swings, slides, mini rock walls, rope ladders, and more.

It has several trails perfect for walking and biking, an excellent place for fishing and swimming; Catawba Meadows Park is always about having fun; there is no dull moment here.

Address:701 Sanford Dr, Morganton, NC 28655-5618 United States

6. West Union Art Studios

West Union Art Studios
Credits: Kuznetcov_Konstantin / Shutterstock

Visiting West Union Art Studios is amongst the top things to do in Morganton, especially if you’re an art buff.

 West Union Art Studios is a group studio built to serve as an artistic work area for a more than a dozen local artists.

The studio’s primary purpose is to showcase and sell the amazing artworks of so many local artists, thereby promoting art in the city.

West Union Art studios is open to everyone who would like to stop by and check out the studios and ask questions.

You will also get the opportunity to watch the artists painting or making pottery; pets are also allowed.

Address:113 W Union St, Morganton, NC 28655-3459 United States

7. Mountain Burrito LLC

Mountain Burrito LLC
Credits: from my point of view / Shutterstock

 In this list of top things to do in Morganton is dining at Mountain Burrito restaurant for an exceptional dining experience.

Mountain Burrito offers authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients for healthy meals.

They offer meals perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while also offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Mountain Burrito offers a wide food menu that includes nachos, taco salad, naked burrito, roasted pork, salsas, jalapenos, sunshine sauce, and more.

The meals served are delicious, with all menu items below $10; the restaurant is beautifully decorated, creating a calm ambiance for higher comfortability. Do well to stop by with your travel companions and try out some of their amazing dishes.

Address:408 W Fleming Dr, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

8. Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio

 Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio
Credits: Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio / Facebook
Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio

Honestly, your vacation isn’t complete without stopping at Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio in Morganton.

After graduating in 1994, Hamilton Williams made handcrafted contemporary ceramic pieces that have grown into exquisite collections.

He made stoneware and porcelain works with due attention to the form and function as well as surfaces and glazes.

Hamilton Williams Gallery & Studio produces rare and beautiful pottery inspired by the remarkable natural beauty of their Appalachian home.

The gallery showcases a comprehensive collection of prominent modern crafts from regional and local artists.

Address:403 E Union St, Morganton, NC 28655 United States

Also, check out our list of things to do in Gastonia and things to do in Rocky Mount for a fun time in these cities of North Carolina.

9. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill’s Finest Apple

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill's Finest Apple
Credits: Libor Fousek / Shutterstock

An orchard where you get to pick-your-own fruits in Morganton is Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill’s.

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill’s offers the freshest and most delicious apples and peaches with foods made from them.

In the 18th century, Spencer Prewitt began the orchard with farming roots. Later, Harley Sr. bought an existing orchard in 1955.

He transformed it into what is now called the Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill’s, and they built the Southern Mountain packing house in the 1970.

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill’s Finest Apple now supplies fresh apple cider to more than two hundred state stores.

They own a bakery which offers amazing treats, including bread, pies, and other homemade goodies.

Address:2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655-7374 United States

10. Beanstalk Ziplines

Beanstalk Ziplines
Credits: Thanchanok.p / Shutterstock

Are you in for wild fun and adventure in Morganton? Beanstalk Ziplines offers you thrilling adventures that will send shivers through your veins.

Beanstalk Ziplines takes you on a zipline which will get you soaring high above rappelling towers and forest canopy.

They also offer ropes courses, which are just as fun as zip lines; groups and individuals go through a charade of independent trees houses that serve as educational locations and spots to rest.

Beanstalk Ziplines features five interconnected swaying bridges which are 35 feet high above the ground, which will leave bouncing in the wind while ending in their 520′ mega zip through the forest.

The adventure also includes physical challenges for different levels, ranging from easy and energizing to intermediate and rejuvenating.

Beanstalk Ziplines also offers customized outings for special needs guests; the spectators are super friendly.

Address: 701 Sanford Drive Morganton, NC 28655 United States

11. Abele’s Family Restaurant

Abele's Family Restaurant
Credits: Abele’s Family Restaurant / Facebook
Abele’s Family Restaurant

There is no better place to dine with your friends and family in Morganton than Abele’s Family Restaurant.

Abele’s Family Restaurant is a wonderful restaurant designed with fascinating decorations which make everyone feel relaxed and at home.

The restaurant is perfect to enjoy an intimate dinner with your partner or host a special event or occasion.

Abele’s Family Restaurant serves meals like soup, salad & fruits, bleu mushrooms, Buffalo wings dinner, Jamaican chicken dinner, wild Alaskan salmon steak, fish N’ shrimp, baked potatoes, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

They have an impressive menu for the kids and plenty of desserts options to offer, which include Apple pie, cheesecake, carrot cake, and others.

Abele’s Family Restaurant offers a wide range of beverages starting from Pepsi, coffee, cream soda, lemonade, iced tea, juice, etc.

There is an outdoor patio with additional seating for your preference; Abele’s Family Restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday from 7am-10pm, Friday from 7am-11pm, Saturday from 6am-10pm, and Sunday from 6am-4pm.

Address:2115 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

12. Silver Fork Winery

Silver Fork Winery
Credits: Barnaby Chambers / Shutterstock

Silver Fork Winery is one of the best wineries in Morganton, which produces some of the finest wines in the city.

The winery features a cozy tasting room where visitors get to try out samples of their best wines by flight, including a souvenir glass.

Silver Fork Winery produces wines with fresh and quality locally sourced ingredients for optimum satisfaction.

There is a large outdoor patio where you can sit and enjoy a meal with your friends and family on a calm summer evening.

Silver Fork Winery also offers live music for better relaxation coupled with the beautiful environment; it is also a perfect venue for special events and cooperate gatherings.

Every sip you take here gives you an insight about the lifestyle and tradition of the place.

Address:5000 Patton Rd, Morganton, NC 28655-7176 United States

13. Bigfoot Climbing Gym

Bigfoot Climbing Gym
Credits: Flystock / Shutterstock

Bigfoot Climbing Gym is a perfect place to spend the day with your family and friends which offers you an unforgettable experience.

If you love climbing, amongst the fun things to do in Morganton is visiting Bigfoot Climbing Gym, which caters to every climber’s needs irrespective of the skill level.

Bigfoot Climbing Gym offers exciting classes for beginners in the sports and creates a platform for them to master the skills.

They host field trips and birthday parties known as” Mountain-top entertainment,” including competitions for everyone to participate in and win fantastic prizes.

Bigfoot Climbing Gym is open from Monday to Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday from 11am-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 1pm-7pm.

Address:212 Avery Ave, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

14. Old Burke County Courthouse

Old Burke County Courthouse
Credits: Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Old Burke County Courthouse

If you want to travel back in time, visit the Old Burke County Courthouse built in 1833 by James Binnie, a Scottish builder.

Old Burke County Courthouse is a two-story historic courthouse built with a distinguished clock tower.

The courthouse is surrounded by stunning gardens, including the memorial rose garden on the square, which gives the environment a sweet fragrance.

Old Burke County Courthouse contains several plaques and memorials on the ground outside; the courthouse aim at reminding the people of the memories of those who lived during the colonial times.

This courthouse will surely change your perception of history and make you understand that history can be great irrespective of your current era.

Address:102 E Union St Courthouse Square, Morganton, NC 28655-3448 United States

15. Mimosa Hills Farm

Mimosa Hills Farm
Credits: gabati / Shutterstock

If horseback riding is something you enjoy doing, visiting Mimosa Hills Farm is one of the best things to do in Morganton.

Mimosa Hills Farm is a beautiful multi-breed facility located in the foothills of Western North Carolina.

This farm offers different services such as horse training and sales, riding, and driving lessons.

The horse ranch is extremely beautiful, featuring everything you need for an awesome experience; they also offer unique driver rider training programs, farm tours, summer horse camps, and more.

Mimosa Hills Farm hosts birthday parties, special events, and boarding and offers equine agent services.

The farm also features numerous highly-rated shows, and it is a home to lots of stars, including jumping and hunting.

Address:671 Hopewell Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, United Statesπ

Considering a fun road trip in North Carolina, do not miss exploring the top attractions and fun activities in Atlantic BeachMurphy, and Cary

16. Perry’s Berry’s Vineyard & Winery

Perry's Berry's Vineyard & Winery
Credits: TFoxFoto / Shutterstock

When you’re in the mood to have fun with your friends and family in Morganton, there is no place better than Perry’s Berry’s Vineyard & Winery.

Perry’s Berry’s Vineyard & Winery offers you a unique outdoor experience with your family by giving you the best blueberries in the whole foothills.

There are over more than two thousand eight hundred plants to choose from; blueberries are available from late June to early August, while pumpkins are available 3rd week of September and October.

Perry’s Berry’s Vineyard & Winery offers an impressive selection of their delicious wines made from their fruit.

They also offer amazing blueberry ice cream as well as charcuterie boards and cheese & crackers. The staff is super friendly and nice, always attending to the needs of their visitors.

Address:1136 Browning View Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

17. Back Porch Antiques

Back Porch Antiques
Credits: Zaharia Bogdan Rares / Shutterstock

Back Porch Antiques is a lovely place where you can shop for amazing, unique and special items in Morganton.

Back Porch Antiques offers a wide variety of antiques, retro-inspired furniture, primitive, vintage, etc.

It comprises many vendors who deal on different kinds of rare items for costs you can’t get elsewhere.

Back Porch Antiques features stunning jewelry, framed arts, glassware, shabby chic, trains, art decor, rugs, Crystal, and more.

There is a snack bar where customers can enjoy easy snacks and delightful chilled glass of their favorite beverage.

Address:1112 Carbon City Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

18. Las Salsas

Las Salsas
Credits: KvaS / Shutterstock

Las Salsas is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant known for serving delicious Mexican cuisines in Morganton.

Whether you’re a fan of Mexican dishes or not, you need to check this place out and taste some of their meals.

Las Salsas offers a wide food menu including guacamole, fajitas nachos, Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla, spicy red chicken salad, tortilla soup, adovada cream, jalapeño carne asada charbroiled steak, shredded beef tacos, spicy red sauce burrito, Chimichangas, sandwiches, and more.

The restaurant ensures that the meals are well prepared, delicious, fresh, and healthy for consumption.

Las Salsas staff is polite and lovely when taking orders creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy.

19. Catawba River Greenway

Catawba River Greenway
Credits: Akhenaton Images / Shutterstock

Certainly, your visit isn’t complete without stopping at Catawba River Greenway in Morganton with your travel companions.

Catawba River Greenway is characterized by a length of 6.8 kilometers, making it a perfect route for beginners in running and walking who are trying to build their confidence and endurance level before going on longer routes.

It is also an ideal place for biking with the out and back loop of the trail, which offers a picturesque view of the Catawba River water.

This is a no-cost area where you go to burn off some excess calories during your vacation; the trail is charming and a calm place to have an alone time away from the bustling and hustling of the world.

Catawba River Greenway is appropriately maintained and easily accessible by everyone regardless of their age, and it is also a dog-friendly path as long as the dog remains leashed.

Address: Catawba River Greenway, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

20. Fonta Flora Brewery

Fonta Flora Brewery
Credits: DONOT6_STUDIO / Shutterstock

Fonta Flora Brewery Is a brewery known for brewing some of the best beers in the city, making it a popular destination for many locals and tourists.

The beers are made with locally sourced ingredients, so if you want to get a feel of Morganton, one of the best things you should do is visit Fonta Flora Brewery.

The seasonal and colorful fruits and vegetables used in production elevate the quality of each product.

Some of the beers include strawberry Saison, unusual frequency, leguminous groundystout, maple bark sparkling water, ba wolf spit, high like a dove, equinox, everything changed, and lots more.

Don’t come with the hope of getting food; Fonta Flora Brewery doesn’t offer food, just good drinks and a lively atmosphere.

Fonta Flora Brewery is open Monday & Wednesday from 5pm-9pm, Thursday & Friday from 5pm-10pm, Saturday from 12pm-10pm, and Sunday from 12pm-7pm.

Address:317 N Green St, Morganton, NC 28655-3324 United States

21. Morganton Farmers Market

Morganton Farmers Market
Credits: a-image / Shutterstock

 Shopping at Morganton Farmers Market is amongst the best things to do in Morganton. You get to shop for about anything you want.

Morganton Farmers Market offers a smooth shopping experience, and you can shop for all you want just at one location.

They offer good deals on blended oils, flowers, bread, fresh organic vegetables, goat milk products, herbs, lotions, soaps, and lots more.

Morganton Farmers Market offers beautiful handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings, and other craftworks.

You will find a coffee kiosk that offers delightful cups of coffee, many of the vendors that the market accepts only cash, so be sure to bring cash.

Aside from enjoying live music while shopping, you also get to meet and interact with many locals and other tourists.

Address:300 Beach St, Morganton, NC 28655-3698 United States.

22. Bethel Park

Bethel Park
Credits: Ivana P. Nikolic / Shutterstock

One of the fun Morganton activities is visiting Bethel Park for an unforgettable experience with your loved ones.

Bethel Park is the favorite park for most families who would like to go on a picnic due to the beauty and liveliness of the park.

This is a fifteen-acre park established in 1978 by Morganton, filled with several fun facilities.

It features soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, a well-paved circular walking trail, a dog park, and more.

There is a play area with play equipment like swings, slides, and so on for the little ones to explore and have fun.

Bethel Park is a great for large gatherings, and it hosts exciting events for children as well; there is also a big parking lot.

For fun things to do in Morganton, NC, add this to your checklist of places to visit in Morganton.

Address:300 Collett St. Morganton, NC 286 United States

23. Historic McDowell House

Historic McDowell House
Credits: Frances Benjamin Johnston / Wiki (public domain)
Historic McDowell House

Another top thing to do in Morganton is visiting the Historic McDowell House, built in the early 19th century.

Historic McDowell House is one of the oldest buildings still standing in North Carolina, also known as “Quaker Meadows.”

In the 1760s, the family of Joseph McDowell moved to this part of the Piedmont region, his son Charles McDowell decided to build the McDowell house in Morganton.

The combination of vernacular features and Federal-style architecture makes the house unique and distinct.

Historic McDowell House is now part of American history being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address:119 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

24. Boulevard Barbeque

Boulevard Barbeque
Credits: Boulevard Barbeque / Facebook
Boulevard Barbeque

Boulevard Barbeque is a family-friendly restaurant that offers traditional southern dining in Morganton.

This restaurant is famous for making delicious and well-prepared barbecue; each bite you take will tickle your taste buds.

Boulevard Barbeque offers different sauces such as coastal sauce, Lexington sauce, gold mustard sauce, Kansas city sauce, and Bama sauce.

They also serve smoked or fried wings, sandwiches, sliced pork, NC original burgers, Texas dipper, jumbo smoked drumsticks, crunchy chicken tenders, and corn fritters.

Boulevard Barbeque also offers delectable appetizers and desserts, including smoked nachos grande, mozzarella sticks, Pork Skins & Pimento Cheese, onion rings, Homemade Cheesecake, Nanner Puddin’, and Mama’s Seasonal Sonker.

They are open from Monday to Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-10pm ( closed on Sunday)

Address:810 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655, United States

25. Sidetracked Brewery

Sidetracked Brewery
Credits: Valentyn Volkov / Shutterstock

Sidetracked Brewery is a famous brewery in Morganton and is open to everyone who loves the taste of great beer. If you are a beer lover, this Brewery should make your list of the best places to visit in Morganton, NC.

This Brewery is devoted to serving Morganton the best craft beer using fresh, locally sourced malt raised in Carolina and distributed by the Carolina Malt House.

You can check out their tap room, a comfortable space with a rustic feel. It is a great hangout venue to host your friends and loved ones. The tap room has comfortable seats, many games, fresh popcorn, and space to unwind.

You can watch or play board games, charades, Ping-Pong, brainteasers, ring toss, darts, and trivia. Guests are allowed to come with their meals, but beer from outside is not permitted.

Address: 609 S Green St, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

26. Stidham’s Axe Throwing & Lounge

Stidham's Axe Throwing & Lounge
Credits: Aldo_Parrotta / Shutterstock

Stidham’s Axe Throwing & Lounge is an excellent destination that should make your bucket list of the best things to do in Morganton, NC if you are looking forward to doing something different other than the regular museum and park visits.

The activity of axe throwing is highly recommendable for anyone wanting to let go of their worries and stress-filled activities, especially at work.

The owners of this place are super friendly, welcoming, and well-grounded about this activity. You don’t have to worry if you have never yielded an axe nor thrown one before, as they will guide and provide you with hints on how to throw axes, and you might get lucky to hit the bullseye.

Apart from axe throwing, visitors can enjoy outdoor cornhole games, video arcades, indoor pool tables, and outdoor seating. You can visit on Thursdays to be part of their Karaoke nights.

They have a fine selection of beverages, including beer, ciders on draft, and soft drinks. This place is equally a family-friendly venue.

Address:  420 W Fleming Dr., Suite E, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

Want to explore more places in North Carolina, check out our list of things to do in Asheboro and things to do in Surf City for a fun time in these cities of North Carolina.

Plan a Trip to Morganton

Morganton is a beautiful city blessed with lots of fun attractions and exciting places to visit starting from its parks, galleries, restaurants, wineries, bars, museums, markets, and more.

You will never be bored in Morganton as it offers travelers the opportunity to get outside and have fun. So when you visit, make sure you explore all the places listed above, get ready for a memorable experience.