Planning to take a trip to the southwestern part of North Carolina?
Then Make sure to visit Henderson County, which is a home of mixed top attractions for any tourist to see.
The town is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and it offers so many outdoor activities to visitors.
The county’s origin dates back to around 1838 and was given the name of the influential Chief Justice of North Carolina at the time.
No matter the activity tourists are looking to get out of their visit, Henderson has everything and we have compiled the twelve best things to do in the town.
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Western North Carolina Air Museum Hendersonville
Source: Flickr/Government & Heritage Lib | CC BY 2.0 GenericWestern North Carolina Air Museum Hendersonville is located two and a half miles from downtown Hendersonville and is dedicated to celebrating flight.
The museum has a large collection of interesting flight history including aeroplanes, engines, flight manuals, photos of historic aeroplanes and pilots, and so much more.
See aeroplanes from the 1910s to 1980s up close and personal as there are no ropes to keep visitors away.
Visitors can also partake in free flights when pilots are flying some of the old planes with free admission.
Donations are highly encouraged to support the museum and its rich flying history & heritage.
Address: 1340 E Gilbert St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Source: Flickr/Ken Lund | CC BY-SA 2.0 GenericCarl Sandburg Home National Historic Site has been around since the 20th century and used to be the haven for the famous Carl Sandburg, who was an exceptional writer in the country.
The site has been preserved leaving it with the old charm it had right from time.
Other amenities include several amazing hiking trails, old buildings that are worn out, a real-life barn, and so much more.
There is a gift shop to buy souvenirs as you enjoy the free tour of the home nestled within Flat Rock, a small village.
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Address: 1800 Little River Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731, United States
Hibernia Campground, Area 2, Kerr Lake, NC
Source: Flickr/Charles Boyer | CC BY 2.0 GenericHibernia Campground is located at Kerr Lake in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the campsite has around 138 campsites 46 of them hooked up with electricity.
These campsites are situated along the Kerr Lake shoreline in a wooded area that offers magnificent views.
Visitors get to enjoy single and group camping altogether, for those with tents, trailers, and RVs, the camp allows it.
Other amenities include showers, drinking water, flush toilets, trash collection, a dump station, a boat ramp, a playground and a picnic area.
There are also canoeing, fishing, water skiing, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hiking.
Address: Henderson, NC 27537, United States
Adventure Island, NC
Source: Unsplash/Duangphorn Wiriya (Representative Image) | Unsplash LicenseFor a memorable experience with the whole family, Adventure Island is one of the best places to create those memories with family and friends.
It is a top attraction in Hendersonville, NC with a lot of family fun activities which include Bumper Boats, Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Battling Cages, and so much more.
It also has an amazing snack bar which offers Dippin’ Dots, Pizza, Popcorn Slushies and more.
Be sure to get the best fun with family as Adventure Island opens all week and offers discounts for military personnel with ID and seniors. Don’t miss out!
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Address: 1211 Coble Blvd, Henderson, NC 27536, United States
Mineral & Lapidary Museum
Source: Unsplash/Edz Norton (Representative Image) | Unsplash LicenseOne other amazing place to visit in Hendersonville, North Carolina is the Mineral & Lapidary Museum.
It hosts an excitingly awesome number of natural gems, artefacts and fossils, and minerals found in the State and around the globe.
Items on display at the museum include a dinosaur egg cluster, fluorescent minerals, North Carolina minerals, geodes, coral, gemstones, English minerals, artfully crafted jewellery, Henderson County Meterite, and replicas of the Cullinan Diamond.
There is also a gift shop that opens daily with special gemstones and items for sale and admission to the museum is free.
Address: 400 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
Appalachian Pinball Museum
Source: Unsplash/Heather McKean (Representative Image) | Unsplash LicenseThe Appalachian Pinball Museum is a must-visit for travellers who would like to learn, enjoy, and reminisce on the good old days with a classic collection of vintage pinball machines.
Whether it is rainy or sunny or any other day they offer North Carolina beer to go to the pinball machines while guests play.
Although they charge for games, with $12, visitors get to play all through the day on machines that date back as far as the 60s and 70s.
Some of the pinball machines include Star Wars, KISS, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Elvira, and Twilight Zone with games like Galaga, Pac-Man, Dig Dug, and so much more.
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Address: 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
Holmes Educational State Forest
Source: Wikimedia/Holmes Educational State Forest | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalHolmes Educational State Forest is another great place to learn and explore the natural surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It is a perfect destination to experience peace and calm just surrounded by nature as you walk around these mystical forests.
Its trails are well thought out and marked with exhibits strategically placed around the forest which makes hiking exciting even for those who are first-time hikers.
With 5 trails, there are options to choose from to make the experience a memorable one.
The main attraction is the “Talking Trees Trail” which has 7 talking trees in the beautiful natural forest.
Address: 1299 Crab Creek Rd #8440, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States
Historic Johnson Farm
Source: Wikimedia/JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ M.D | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalThe Historic Johnson Farm was built in 1876 and has been serving this area for a very long time.
It has been preserved in its original form and gives off that old-fashioned attraction as a 19th-century tobacco source.
The farm welcomes many visitors from across the nation all through the year and offers tours inside the farmhouse, and the opportunity to see some of the pets and the terrain around.
It is home to weavers and fibre artists that acquired the skill from generations passed onto them to preserve the culture and history.
Visitors can support themselves by purchasing their products or partake in hands-on classes.
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Address: 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791, United States
Grandad’s Apples NC
Source: Unsplash/Natalie Grainger (Representative Image) | Unsplash LicenseGrandad’s is Hendersonville’s Apple Orchard located not far from Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is yet another amazing place to go with the whole family to enjoy the different family fun activities.
The 100-acre farm is family owned and allows visitors to explore and pick their apples fresh from the trees in the orchard.
For people who would like to get pre-picked apples, there is a store to also get these without stress.
One of the best things to do at Grandad’s is to have a taste of their hot cider doughnuts and others such as cookies, apple pies, and so much more.
Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
DuPont State Forest Henderson
Source: Wikipedia/Gary Stevens | CC BY 2.0 GenericThe DuPont State Forest in Henderson is a massive 10,000 acres of vegetation with Hiking, Mountain Biking, Waterfalls, Swimming, Scenic Views, Lakes, Fishing, and so much more to offer.
The forest spans 2 counties; Henderson and Transylvania, and it is regarded as a treasure in the region as it also is the most popular tourist destination with breathtaking fun.
The State Forest runs all year round and has been featured in “The Hunger Games” and “The Last of the Mohicans” 2012 and 1992 respectively.
It is best to arrive early to get parking due to the high inflow of visitors.
Address: Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, United States
Jump Off Rock
Source: Wikimedia/Seth Taylor | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalLocated just five miles from Hendersonville, Jump off Rock is the best place to get scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountain and Pisgah ranges.
It is a free park for visitors and is open from sunrise to sunset, daily and throughout the year.
There are three hiking trails here for travellers to explore on a bike or foot hiking, the Blue Trail is easier and takes a short 8 minutes’ walk, the Yellow Trail averages 15 minutes while the Red Trail which is most difficult takes longer.
For a better experience, visitors should stick around 15 minutes before sunset to get perfect photos for the gram.
Address: 4501 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739, United States
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
Source: Unsplash/Ales Maze (Representative Image) | Unsplash LicenseSaint Paul Mountain Vineyards are located in the Blue Ridge mountains of Henderson County, North Carolina.
It is an orchard and vineyard which opened its tasting facility in 2008 on a family land that has been around for centuries.
The vineyards offer more than 30 different wines and specialize in French Vinifera that are locally processed and served in its 3 tasting rooms.
Some of the wines produced on the vineyard include Petit Verdot, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Dry Riesling, and red Jasper wine which is their blend.
Other activities here include live music, pairing dinners, wine events, and more.
Address: 588 Chestnut Gap Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792, United States
Conclusion
Henderson County is a famous destination for travellers with so many places to see, explore, and learn from while having memorable fun with family and friends.
It is a great place to appreciate the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest with numerous entertaining outdoor and indoor activities.
No matter the budget, a trip to this charming city will give you some of the best experiences in North Carolina!
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