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Burlington began in the 1850s as Company Shops, the place where the North Carolina Railroad built its engine and repair shops halfway along its line between Goldsboro and Charlotte. When the shops moved away, residents picked a new name in 1887, reportedly after seeing it on a passing train, and the town soon found new life in textiles, with the Holt family's mills growing into the giant Burlington Industries.
The railroad and mill eras still shape downtown, where the 1892 Southern Railway depot, the restored Paramount Theater and a cluster of historic commercial buildings line the streets near Main Street. City Park is home to the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel, a hand-carved carousel from about 1910 with animals of many kinds, and summer evenings bring the Burlington Sock Puppets to the city's ballpark.
Just outside town, Alamance Battleground State Historic Site marks the 1771 clash between colonial militia and the Regulators, and the Haw River and Lake Mackintosh offer paddling and trails. Elon University's tree-filled campus is next door, and Cedarock Park's trails and historic farm sit a short drive south.
WiserMap travel guideBurlington North Carolina Dentzel Carousel and Haw RiverPlan a Burlington, North Carolina trip with the Dentzel carousel at City Park, historic downtown, Alamance Battleground, Elon University and the Haw River.Read the guide
A hand-carved wooden carousel built by the Dentzel company around 1910, with horses, a lion, giraffes, a tiger and other menagerie animals, restored and running inside Burlington City Park. It is one of the few working Dentzel menagerie carousels left. Rides cost very little and run in warm months.
Burlington's main city park, home of the Dentzel Carousel, has a miniature train, small amusement rides, playgrounds, a pool, picnic shelters and big shade trees. It is a classic, low-cost outing for young children. The rides and train operate seasonally and on set days, so check the parks department schedule.
A county park south of Burlington along Rock Creek, with hiking trails, a waterfall over rock ledges, a historic farmstead with an 1830s house, fishing ponds, disc golf and horse trails. It is free and makes a relaxed half-day outing. Pick up a trail map at the entrance, as several trails branch off.
Lake Mackintosh is a large reservoir on Burlington's southeast side, and its main city park offers fishing piers, boat ramps, kayak rentals, picnic shelters and a short waterfront trail. It is a quiet place for paddling or bank fishing. A fishing license is required, and some areas open only in warm months.
A land and paddle trail that follows the Haw River across Alamance County, linking parks, old mill towns and river access points. Walkers can use wooded footpath sections, while paddlers can float stretches between launches. Check river levels before paddling, as the river can rise quickly after storms.
A state historic site south of Burlington marking the 1771 battle in which colonial militia under Governor William Tryon defeated the Regulators, a backcountry protest movement. The site has a visitor center, monuments, a walking trail and the 1780s Allen House log home. Admission is free; allow about an hour.
Set in the 1790s birthplace home of textile pioneer Edwin Michael Holt, south of Burlington, this museum tells the story of the county's mills, early settlers and rural life through furnished rooms and exhibits. It is small and quiet; check opening days ahead, as hours are limited on weekends.
A well-preserved 1880s textile mill village on the Haw River just north of Burlington, with rows of restored mill houses, the old mill buildings and the Textile Heritage Museum about life in the cotton mills. A river trail passes by. Most houses are private homes, so view them from the street and paths.
Burlington grew around the railroad shops of the North Carolina Railroad, and its downtown keeps a historic depot, brick storefronts and murals. Today it has local restaurants, a brewery, shops and seasonal events such as outdoor concerts. It is easy to see on foot; street parking is free in most places.
The campus of Elon University, just west of Burlington in the town of Elon, is known for its brick Georgian buildings, oak-lined lawns and landscaped gardens, with fountains and lakes. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and see the arts and athletics venues. Park in visitor lots and check event days.
A restored historic theater on East Front Street in downtown Burlington, now a city-owned venue for community theater, concerts, film screenings and touring shows. Its intimate auditorium has good sightlines from most seats. Check the season calendar online, and arrive early to find nearby parking.
Burlington's summer collegiate baseball team, named after the city's hosiery mill history, plays in the Appalachian League at historic Burlington Athletic Stadium. Games are inexpensive and family friendly, with promotions and fireworks nights. The season runs from early June to early August.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
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Photo: Elon University, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
