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Kannapolis was built from scratch in the early 1900s by textile maker James William Cannon, who bought farmland north of Concord in 1906 and laid out a mill town around his plant. Cannon Mills grew into the world's largest maker of towels and sheets, and for most of the century the mill owned the houses, the stores and the downtown, so Kannapolis was not even incorporated as a city until 1984. The great mill closed in 2003 and was later torn down.
In its place rose the North Carolina Research Campus, a public-private center for food, nutrition and biotech research whose columned buildings now anchor the center of town. The city has since rebuilt its downtown around West Avenue, with new streetscapes, restaurants, apartments and Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
Kannapolis is also proud to be the hometown of the Earnhardt racing family, and fans follow the Dale Trail to sites tied to the late Dale Earnhardt. Families head to Village Park for its carousel and train, the 1936 Gem Theatre still shows movies downtown, and Bakers Creek Park offers wooded trails.
WiserMap travel guideKannapolis North Carolina Dale Earnhardt Tribute BallparkPlan a Kannapolis, North Carolina trip with Atrium Health Ballpark, the Dale Earnhardt Tribute, West Avenue, the North Carolina Research Campus and Village Park...Read the guide
A downtown ballpark opened in 2020 and home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, a Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The park has a walkable concourse, a kids' area and good views from most seats. Tickets are affordable, and the surrounding plaza is often open on non-game days.
West Avenue is the heart of Kannapolis's rebuilt downtown, a pedestrian-friendly street with restaurants, a brewery, shops and a linear park with fountains and play areas, next to the VIDA mixed-use buildings. It hosts outdoor movies and concerts. Free parking is available in nearby decks.
Built on the site of the former Cannon Mills plant, this campus houses research centers of several state universities focused on nutrition and health. Its grand Core Laboratory building and landscaped lawn are worth a look. The grounds are open to walk, though most buildings are for staff and researchers.
A small downtown plaza honoring NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, who grew up in Kannapolis, with a nine-foot bronze statue, granite monuments listing his career wins and a time line of his life. Fans leave flowers and notes. It is free and open daily and only takes a few minutes to see.
A self-guided driving tour of places tied to Dale Earnhardt around Kannapolis, including his childhood home neighborhood, his favorite local restaurants and murals along the way. Maps are available from the visitor center and online. It takes an hour or two; some stops are private homes, so view from the street.
A popular family park near downtown with a carousel, a miniature train, a large playground, a splash pad and an amphitheater for summer concerts. Rides are inexpensive and good for young children. The rides and splash pad run on a seasonal schedule, so check the city's website before going.
A city park with wooded walking trails, a playground, picnic shelters and a fishing pond, popular for quiet strolls and picnics. It also offers a disc golf course. It is less busy than Village Park and a good spot for a walk in nature; bring insect repellent in summer.
A paved greenway that follows Irish Buffalo Creek through wooded corridors in Kannapolis, linking neighborhoods and parks. It is mostly flat and suits walking, running and cycling. Look for benches and creek overlooks along the way, and bring water on warm days as facilities are limited.
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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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