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Rock Hill is a city of about 75,000 people in York County, South Carolina, on the Catawba River about 25 miles south of Charlotte. It grew as a railroad and textile town in the late 1800s and today is known for Winthrop University, a busy sports scene and a walkable Old Town.
Old Town Rock Hill centers on Main Street, with local restaurants, coffee shops, Fountain Park and the Gateway Plaza, where the four bronze Civitas statues stand on tall columns. The city also has an important place in civil rights history: in 1961 the Friendship Nine, a group of students who held a sit-in at a downtown lunch counter, chose jail over bail, a strategy that spread across the South. A marker and the restored lunch counter on Main Street tell their story.
Winthrop University's campus, with brick buildings and tree-lined walks, sits just west of downtown. Glencairn Garden is an 11-acre garden known for its azaleas and dogwoods in spring. Along the river, Riverwalk combines walking trails with the Giordana Velodrome and a BMX Supercross track that host national events, and the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center brings indoor tournaments. Landsford Canal State Park, famous for its rocky shoal spider lilies, and the Carowinds theme park are easy day trips.
The historic downtown of Rock Hill along Main Street, with restored brick buildings, local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and boutiques. Fountain Park and the Old Town Amphitheater host concerts and events. It is very walkable, and street parking plus nearby garages make it easy to visit.
The site of the 1961 sit-in at the former McCrory's store on Main Street, where nine Black students known as the Friendship Nine chose jail over paying bail, a key moment in the civil rights movement. The building now holds a restaurant, with the original stools and a historical marker.
Four tall bronze statues of winged women holding symbols of the city, standing on columns at the gateway of Dave Lyle Boulevard near Old Town. Created by sculptor Audrey Flack, they have become Rock Hill's best-known image. Stop for a photo when entering downtown; there is no visitor center at the site.
A public university founded in 1886 with a historic campus of red brick buildings, tree-lined lawns and Tillman Hall. The Winthrop Coliseum hosts sports and concerts, and campus galleries show student and faculty art. Visitors may walk the grounds freely; park in visitor areas marked on campus maps.
An 11-acre public garden near Old Town with azaleas, dogwoods, tiered fountains, a koi pond and walking paths, started as a private garden in the 1920s. Spring is the most colorful season and the garden hosts the Come-See-Me festival events. Entry is free, and it is a quiet spot for an hour.
A planned community along the Catawba River with paved and natural trails, river overlooks, a bike park and the Giordana Velodrome. The Riverwalk Trail is popular for walking, running and cycling. It works well for a morning outing; bring water, as shade is limited on parts of the trail.
An outdoor banked cycling track at the Rock Hill Outdoor Center near the Catawba River, one of only a few velodromes in the Southeast. It hosts track racing nights and training clinics, and visitors can watch races from the infield. Check the schedule for open sessions and race events before going.
An indoor sports facility in the Knowledge Park area near Old Town with basketball and volleyball courts, used for tournaments, festivals and community events. It brings many youth sports teams to the city. Check the event calendar, since public access depends on what is scheduled that day.
A large city park on Cherry Road with baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a walking trail and open lawns. It hosts many youth tournaments and community events. On tournament weekends it can be crowded, so arrive early for parking, and use the shaded areas on hot days.
A natural history and cultural museum in Rock Hill with large animal dioramas from Africa and other continents, a planetarium, nature trails and exhibits on local history and science. It is part of the regional Culture and Heritage Museums. It suits families; check the planetarium show times.
A cultural center on the Catawba Indian Nation reservation just east of Rock Hill, sharing the history, crafts and traditions of the Catawba people, known for their centuries-old pottery. The gift shop sells local pottery, and there are nature trails nearby. Call ahead to confirm opening hours.
A state park on the Catawba River south of Rock Hill with remains of an early 1800s canal and lock system, river trails and picnic areas. In late spring it is famous for blooming rocky shoals spider lilies, best seen around mid-May to early June. There is a small entry fee; wear good shoes.
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South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
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