Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Harnett County, NC

  • Published 2023/01/29

Harnett County is located in the state of North Carolina.

This county’s seat is Lillington, while its largest city is Dunn.

Harnett County is also a part of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The population in this county reached 133,568 as per the 2020 census.

Harnett County was established in 1855.

It was named after Cornelius Harnett, an American Revolutionary war soldier and a delegate to the Continental Congress.

It was first occupied in the mid-1720s by immigrants from Scotland.

Due to its natural beauty, Harnett County grew into a progressive area that people from across the globe love to see and experience.

It has established its name as one of the best manufacturers of building materials and furniture in the country, but it has so much more to offer aside from that.

Come and check out these best things to do in Harnett County, North Carolina.

Challenge Yourself at Raven Rock State Park

Welcome sign of Raven Rock State Park

Chansak Joe / Shutterstock.com

Raven Rock State Park is an outdoor adventure attraction on Raven Rock Road in Lillington.

You and your family must visit this place at least once, as it will give you memorable experiences and new challenges to conquer.

Raven Rock State Park boasts a 150-foot crystalline structure.

The trails that lead to this gigantic rock formation are surrounded by wild plants and flowers.

Stairs at Raven Rock State Park

Zhong Chen / Shutterstock.com

This state park also has picnic grounds and hiking trails suited for mountain biking.

Fishing on the nearby river bank, horseback riding, and paddling are also allowed at Raven Rock State Park.

If you want to spend the night in this amazing attraction, you can set up your tent in its campsite, rent a camper cabin, or park your trailer or RV.

Other amenities that Raven Rock State Park features are an amphitheater, auditorium, visitor center, and horse trailer.

River at Raven Rock State Park

Chansak Joe / Shutterstock.com

See Amazing Creatures at Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary

Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary is an exotic animal sanctuary and park on Live Oak Road in Coats.

Its mission is to teach people about the importance of animal conservation.

Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary conducts an animal rescue program where they rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and distressed animals.

You can enroll your little ones in this sanctuary’s safari camp program, where they’ll get to encounter animals.

They will also experience feeding and caring for these amazing creatures.

Since Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary is situated on a beautiful piece of land, it is also a popular venue for celebrating birthdays, weddings, and other events.

Picnic areas are also available.

Learn History at Averasboro Battlefield Museum

Averasboro Battlefield Museum is situated on NC-82, Dunn.

It is nestled on an 8,000-acre Smithville Plantation site where the Battle of Averasboro took place.

This location has been transformed into a museum, visitor center, and monuments site where locals and tourists can learn about the history of war and the area.

Averasboro Battlefield Museum houses a collection of old guns, bullets, maps, and other war artifacts.

It also has outdoor shaded areas where you can sit and relax.

Outside, you’ll see a cemetery where some of the war veterans are buried.

Averasboro Battlefield Museum has a visitor center that can answer all your queries about the museum.

It also has a gift shop where you can buy commemorative souvenirs.

Order Some Beer at Belleau Wood Brewing Company

Belleau Wood Brewing Company is a veteran-owned brewery on West Ivey Street in Lillington.

It opened in March 2020 as just one small-batch brewery until it grew into a three-barrel small-batch brewery with a taproom.

Despite being new to the business, it has already established itself as one of the most popular breweries in the area.

Belleau Wood Brewing Company also hosts classes and events related to brewing.

Aside from delicious food and satisfying beers, Belleau Wood Brewing Company also sells merchandise like stickers, caps, t-shirts, and bags.

Play Golf with Friends at Keith Hills Golf Club

Keith Hills Golf Club is located on Country Club Drive in Lillington.

Campbell University maintains it.

Keith Hills Golf Club features one par 72 courses and is one of the most picture-perfect golf courses since it is near the Cape Fear River.

It is also home to the PGA Golf Management Program and facilitates golf training for young men and women.

Have fun in its course tours, namely Orange Course, Black Course, and White Course.

These offer a challenging and fun experience that will make you want to go back for more golf sessions with friends.

Spend the Day at Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park

Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park is a family-friendly park on South Elm Avenue in Dunn.

This park features seven ball fields that you and your family can use for playing soccer, baseball, football, fast-pitch softball, and more.

Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park also has a one-mile track suited for walking, jogging, and biking.

If you want to take a moment to pause and destress, this park’s peaceful and relaxing atmosphere is the one for you.

Clarence Lee Tart Memorial Park also has a playground complete with slides, swings, monkey bars, and play equipment.

After doing all these activities, you can sit and grab a bite in one of its picnic shelters.

See the Collections inside General William C. Lee Airborne Museum

General William C. Lee Airborne Museum is a three-story house-turned-museum on West Divine Street in Dunn.

It exudes early 20th-century neoclassical architecture, which makes it stand out among its surrounding structures.

General William C. Lee Airborne Museum used to be the home of Maj. General William C. Lee, known as the “Father of the Airborne.”

Inside, you’ll see a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs related to Lee’s interesting life story.

General William C. Lee Airborne Museum also has collections about the early years of the U.S. Army Airborne as well as planes used in World War II.

Go Biking at Jack Marley Park

Schoolhouse along Jack Marley Park

Gjm1761, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jack Marley Park is a lake-side park on State Road in Angier.

Biking is one of the best things you can do here as it features concrete pathways surrounded by tall and lush trees on one side and a beautiful lake on the other.

This is also perfect for a simple afternoon relaxation and a book-reading session under the shade of the trees.

Jack Marley Park also has baseball and softball fields where you can play with friends, as well as tennis and basketball courts.

Its spacious walking areas are also suited for kite-flying and even exercising.

Make sure to bring your favorite snacks and eat at Jack Marley Park’s picnic shelter.

Check Out the Collections at Gourd Museum

Gourd Museum is situated on North Raleigh Street in Angier, inside the Angier Municipal Building.

Marvin and Mary Johnson established this museum in 1964 on Hwy 55 between Fuquay-Varina and Angier in the Kennebec Community, but it was Mark Johnson who owned and operated this museum.

Gourd Museum has displays of gourd crafts collected from different parts of the world.

You’ll be amazed at its extensive collection of artistically crafted pots, animal figurines, and other cute displays.

The majority of the artworks here at Gourd Museum are colored brown.

Beat the Heat at C.B. Codrington Park

C.B. Codrington Park is a humble park located on South Burke Street in Dunn.

It is perfect for an afternoon getaway with your loved ones, especially if you want to cool off from the blazing summer heat.

C.B. Codrington Park has a swimming pool open for everyone.

Just like most of the parks in Harnett County, it also has a playground where children can play and mingle with other kids.

While they’re busy, you can play sports at C.B. Codrington Park’s tennis and basketball courts.

You may also bring your food and drinks and eat them at the park’s picnic shelter.

Be Captivated by Mighty Falcons at Hawk Manor Falconry

Hawk Manor Falconry is an education attraction on Joe Collins Road in Lillington, owned by Chip Gentry.

It specializes in eliminating pest birds and, at the same time, offers educational programs about the importance of falcons in the ecosystem.

Hawk Manor Falconry offers a variety of exciting activities like private viewings, first-hand encounters with falcons, team buildings, and more.

This is also one of the most sought-after birthday venues in the area, especially for child celebrators.

All the activities at Hawk Manor Falconry always involve an educational and up-close encounter with falcons.

Choose the Best Healing Crystal at Zenciety Holistic Boutique

Zenciety Holistic Boutique is a unique shop on West Front Street in Lillington.

Joelle Thomas-Usrey and Ceshele Childres, who both have a passion for intuitive counseling and energy healing, own it.

Zenciety Holistic Boutique is where you can buy healing crystals and metaphysical supplies which you won’t find in common local stores.

Candles, artisan creations, and body products are also available at Zenciety Holistic Boutique.

What’s more exciting is that Zenciety Holistic Boutique also offers services such as intuitive readings using tarot and oracle cards, energy healing, and mediumship.

Educational and training services are also available here.

Admire Classic and Vintage Cars at East Coast Classic Cars

East Coast Classic Cars is on East Cornelius Harnett Boulevard in Lillington.

Lin Cummings and Bonnie Daniels own it and direct its operations.

East Coast Classic Cars boast a 35,000-square-foot facility that houses more than a hundred Street Rods, Hot Rods, Classics, Trucks, Antiques, and Exotics.

Some of the cars you should check out here are the 1973 Volkswagen Bus, 1940 Packard Sedan, 1941 Lincoln Continental, and 1997 Harley Davidson Fatboy.

EnjoyThrills at Devil’s Playground

Devil’s Playground is a haunted attraction situated on Falcon Road in Lillington.

This spooky attraction provides an interactive experience where you can get dirty, bloody, wet, and separated from the rest of your group and thrown into a group of strangers.

Prepare yourself as you’re in for an unforgettable adventure here at Devil’s Playground!

It has a Zombie Tag Arena, a carnival where you can win fun prizes, an axe-throwing facility, and a country market with local delicacies.

An adventure in the haunted houses usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

Wearing comfortable clothes and tennis shoes or sneakers is highly advised if you’re planning to visit Devil’s Playground, as you’ll get physically challenged while you’re here.

Visit the Summerville Presbyterian Church

Exterior of Summerville Presbyterian Church

Gjm1761, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Summerville Presbyterian Church is on Old US Highway in Lillington.

This historic Presbyterian church and cemetery was originally built in 1811 but got destroyed after being struck by lightning.

It was later on rebuilt in 1848.

You’ll recognize Summerville Presbyterian Church through its simple rectangular frame that exudes Greek Revival and Gothic Revival design elements.

The cemetery, located adjacent to Summerville Presbyterian Church, has at least 150 burial plots and a collection of mid to late-19th-century markers.

While you’re here, keep in mind to observe proper decorum.

Final Thoughts

Harnett County is a gem that is waiting to be discovered and explored.

It is not just popular for its top-notch building materials and furniture but also for its interesting attractions that will make you fall in love with the place.

It has museums, parks, and zoos that fit everybody’s interests.

These attractions will not only entertain you but educate you as well on important topics like environmental and animal protection.

Include this county in your next travel.

Use this guide on the best things to do in Harnett County, North Carolina, for a memorable adventure!

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