Lumberton, North Carolina, is known for its historical and cultural significance, an ideal place to visit for its many activities and attractions.
The city is the seat of Robeson County, about 60 miles south of Raleigh, the state capital.
General John Willis founded the city in 1787.
Willis was a colonel in the American Revolutionary War; he also named the city.
Lumberton was named for its location on the Lumber River, which flows through the city.
It was also the frontier where the free families of color settled.
Lumberton is home to many historic sites, landmarks, and cultural and recreational activities.
Here are the best things to do in Lumberton, NC:
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Lush greens and pristine waters await you at the 142-acre Luther Britt Park.
Luther Britt Park is a perfect hidden gem if you want to escape the city.
The Park has a playground for children, a paved walking/biking trail, and picnic shelters where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views.
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The Luther Britt Park features an interactive read-a-book trail and an 18-hole disc golf course for kids and adults alike.
The Park also allows visitors to rent a fully equipped Beach House, perfect for a weekend getaway with family or friends.
If you are looking for things to do in Lumberton on a budget, this is the perfect place.
The Robeson County Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of Lumberton and its surrounding areas.
The Museum aims to preserve the history and culture of the county.
It has a variety of exhibits on topics such as the Civil War, Native Americans, and the Lumbee tribe.
The Museum also has a research library that houses a collection of documents, books, and other materials related to the area’s history.
The Museum is also home to the Robeson County Historic Places, a collection of important buildings and sites in the county’s history.
It features exhibits, programs, and events to share the county’s history, culture, and arts with the community.
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The Carolina Civic Center is in a historic theater that has been Lumberton’s leading cultural center for almost 40 years.
Formerly known as the Carolina Theater, the Carolina Civic Center has evolved into a multi-purpose facility that hosts concerts, plays, and musicals.
Built in 1927, the theater opened in 1928 as a theater that screens silent movies.
It closed its doors in 1975 and was due for demolition in the same year.
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Fortunately, local citizens fought to preserve the theater, and it reopened its doors in 1978, restoring its original glory.
Another offering of the Center is the Robert Morton Theater Organ.
In 1922, the organ was initially inside the National Greensboro Theater.
After 50 years, the organ went to the Carolina Civic Center in 1978.
Some things to do at the Carolina Civic Center include attending live performances, joining educational programs, and joining a guided tour of the theater.
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The Exploration Station is the perfect place for kids to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.
The facility features several interactive exhibits where children can pretend to be doctors, dress as firemen, and learn to milk a cow.
Located on Chestnut St., the Exploration Station also offers activities for months-old babies, stimulating their minds.
Some exhibits at the Exploration Station include a vet clinic, grocery store, pirate ship, fire station, engineering laboratory, and bank.
The Exploration Station is also available for birthdays and programs for school groups.
Formerly known as the Northeast Park, the Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex is a great place to get some exercise while appreciating nature.
The Complex’s name was changed to Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex as a tribute to its former mayor, who made significant contributions to the city.
The Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex features picnic shelters, grills, playgrounds, restrooms, and paved trails.
The Complex also has a mile-long walking trail that takes you through an old-growth forest and past several interesting plant species.
Baseball and softball fields and tennis courts are also available at the Complex for those who want to play.
The Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex is also great for taking your dog for a walk.
It has a designated dog park where your furry friend can run and play without a leash.
The Lumberton Bowling Center is the perfect place to have fun and relieve some stress.
The facility features bowling lanes, a bar, and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy a drink.
The Lumberton Bowling Center also has some arcade games and pool tables, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.
The Lumberton Bowling Center is perfect for team building, birthday parties, and other special events.
Whether you’re looking to have some fun or win a game or two, the Lumberton Bowling Center is the perfect place.
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Lumberton Commercial Historic District is home to many architectural designs, including Victorian, Streamline Moderne, and Classical Revival.
It’s easy to see the different types of architecture on foot.
The Lumberton Commercial Historic District boasts several historic businesses, such as the National Bank of Lumberton and the Lumberton Drug Company.
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The district is also home to several historical buildings, such as the five-story 1927 Classical Revival Planters Building and the 1927 Carolina Civic Center.
Other notable buildings in the Lumberton Commercial Historic District are the Proctor Law Office, McLeod Building, and the R. B. Watson House.
If you want to learn more about the history and architecture of Lumberton, go to the Lumberton Commercial Historic District.
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The Meadow Road Dog Park is the perfect place to bring your furry friend for a walk or a run.
The Park features benches, water fountains, and waste stations.
It also has some different trails for you and your dog to explore, so you’ll never run out of places to go.
The Park has a separate area for small dogs, so rest assured that your furry friend will be safe and comfortable.
It also allows your dogs to run and play to their heart’s content.
The Meadow Road Dog Park is also great for meeting other dog owners, as it is always bustling with people and their dogs.
The Inner Peace Center for the Arts is where to go if you want peace.
The Center is home to several artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
The Inner Peace Center for the Arts is also home to different artists who are always willing to share their knowledge and love of art with others.
Check out the performance hall where you can catch a play or a musical performance.
It also hosts programs, educational offerings, and events.
The Center also organizes programs for kids to learn about different art forms and have fun at the same time.
If you’re looking for a place to appreciate some fantastic art, visit the Inner Peace Center for the Arts.
Stephens Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place to go if you want to taste fantastic wine.
The vineyard is home to several wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines.
Stephens Vineyard and Winery also offers several different wine tastings, so you can try other wines before buying them.
The vineyard also offers several different tours, so you can learn about the different types of grapes used to make their wines and their process.
Stephens Vineyard and Winery also hosts live music and wine tastings.
Visit the winery if you’re looking for a place to relax and taste some fantastic wine.
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The Queen Anne-styled house is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved homes in Lumberton.
Built in 1893, the Luther Henry Caldwell House features several architectural elements, including a wrap-around porch, bay windows, and a turret.
The well-known businessman Luther Hendry Caldwell owned the house.
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In 1980, the National Register of Historic Places added the house to its record.
Inside the house, you’ll see the original furniture and decor; it’s as if time has stood still in this beautiful home.
The Luther Henry Caldwell House is open for tours by appointment only, so call ahead before you visit.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic home to tour, drop by the Luther Henry Caldwell House in Lumberton.
Very few places have as good seafood in North Carolina as Pier 41 Seafood; it’s no surprise this is one of the most-visited restaurants in Lumberton.
Featuring a massive menu that utilizes all sorts of fresh seafood, you can get your fix of fried fish, shrimp boils, and various soups and salads as well.
Some of the must-try here are their deep-fried flounder and deviled crab—crowd favorites in Pier 41 Seafood.
If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t love or is allergic to seafood, the restaurant also has a “Land Lovers” section that has a lot of mouthwatering beef, pork, and chicken dishes.
One of the most highly rated restaurants in Lumberton, visit this amazing establishment along Elizabethtown Road.
Try the Carnival at Robeson County Fairgrounds
Robeson County Fairgrounds is one of the funnest times of the year in Lumberton, typically happening around late September to early October.
It’s a week-long celebration that’s been annually happening for over 75 years now, featuring a large carnival, arts and crafts events, and agricultural exhibits which is the central theme of the fair.
One of the biggest attractions here is its ferris wheel—a must-try for families.
Food and live performances are also abundant here, and you’re sure to get good deals when trying out the various stalls in the fair.
A lively place to have fun with locals, be sure to check the daily schedule of Robeson County Fair.
You can visit Robeson County Fairgrounds along MLK Jr Drive.
Go Fishing at James L. Stephen Memorial Park
James L. Stephen Memorial Park is a hidden gem in Lumberton that’s a great place to cast your line.
Situated along Lumber River in Riverside Drive, this is another scenic place to appreciate this iconic body of water in Lumberton.
Lots of catch are here, and there’s a strong community of fishers around which is a great opportunity to meet locals of Lumberton.
Besides fishing, there’s a rustic charm to this park as it’s not as famous compared to the others.
Because of the lack of park amenities, this makes it a great stopover for nature photographers or those who want to be close with nature.
Go on a Shopping Spree at Lumberton Towne Center
If you’re in the mood to shop, you’re in luck as Lumberton has a town center that’s brimming with all sorts of stores.
One of the crowd favorites at Lumberton Towne Center is Burkes Outlet, a fantastic place to spend some extra cash for affordable clothing and home items.
There’s also a couple of dining establishments here, both local and famous chains, making it a great place to have lunch or dinner.
Lumberton Town Center also has a Hobby Lobby if you’re into arts and crafts, or simply looking for a gift.
You can find this shopping mall along Fayetteville Road.
Have a Picnic at Jerry Giles Park
Jerry Giles Park is a relaxing green space in Lumberton where lots of families congregate during chilly afternoons.
It’s a nice place to bring children thanks in large part to its playground facility.
Jerry Giles Park also has a ton of greenery, so having picnics here is definitely a popular family-bonding activity.
Benches and a bit of walking trails are also found here, so you can go jogging for a bit if you want a bit of exercise.
You can access Jerry Giles Park along North Walnut Street.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian is the perfect place to learn about the Native Americans.
The Museum of the Southeast American Indian is in Pembroke, North Carolina, 22 minutes from Lumberton.
It features different exhibits that tell the story of the Lumbee Tribe, the largest tribe in North Carolina.
The Museum also offers tours to learn about the other tribes that once lived in North Carolina.
You’ll find various artifacts, arts, and crafts created by different Native American tribes.
The Museum offers many staff-led tours for an in-depth view of the tribe.
The John Blue House is a historic two-story Steam Gothic house built in 1891 after the Civil War.
John Blue Sr. designed the house, hence the name.
Find it in Laurinburg, North Carolina, 37 minutes from Lumberton.
The house features 12 exterior doors, stained glass windows, and double circular porches made of pine lumber trees.
The house’s interior features furniture and other items from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
John Blue Sr. carved the ornaments and railings of the house.
The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Observe how people lived in the 1900s by touring the house and learning about its previous inhabitants.
You can also explore the pre-Civil War cotton gin and authentic log cabins outside the house.
The grounds are surrounded by pecan trees, white picket fences, and a small garden, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.
The Paul R. Givens Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to see notable Broadway plays.
The Center is in Pembroke, 22 minutes away from Lumberton.
It hosts musicals, plays, and dance performances.
The Paul R. Givens Performing Arts Center is named after Chancellor Paul R. Givens.
He was the first to bring talented acts and performers to the University of North Carolina.
The 1,600-seat Center is among the top 25 best-performing arts universities due to its educational programs.
Watch a show and learn about the different types of performing arts.
Some notable shows you can see at the Paul R Givens Performing Arts Center are The Nutcracker, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked.
If you’re looking for a place to see a live show, grab a ticket at the Givens Performing Arts Center.
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The Lumber River State Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Find the park at Orrum, North Carolina, 25 minutes from Lumberton.
The Park is home to various plant and animal species, making it a perfect spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.
The river is a highlight of the Lumber River State Park and is perfect for swimming.
It features a variety of habitats, including forested wetlands, swamp forests, hardwood forests, and cypress-gum swamps.
The golden brown color of the river, which looks like sweet tea, comes from the tannin released from the cypress and gum trees.
The Park organizes float trips where you can paddle down the river.
Take in the stunning scenery while learning about the ecology and history of the area from a Park Ranger.
The Lumber River State Park also offers activities for visitors, such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking.
You can also walk down several trails, including the Lumber River State Trail, a 0.5-mile loop along Griffin’s Bluff.
Lumberton in North Carolina is home to historical sites that will interest you.
It caters to diverse people interested in different things, whether history, the great outdoors, or the performing arts.
There is something for everyone in Lumberton, and you’ll enjoy your time there.
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