15 Free Things to Do in High Point, NC

Did you know that High Point is the only city in North Carolina that extends to four different counties?

Most parts of it, though, are in Guilford County, while some extend to Forsyth, Davidson, and Randolph counties.

As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 113,887 and is the mecca for major industries such as furniture, bus manufacturing, and textiles.

But what makes it famous is its furniture industry, which earned the city the nickname "Home Furnishings and Hosiery Capital of the World."

The city was at its highest point when the North Carolina Railroad was constructed in 1856, which became its name High Point.

The city prides itself in offering tourist destinations, including historical sites and nature trails, many of which are admission-free.

Check out this list of free things to do in High Point, North Carolina:

See the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers

Beautiful, historic, and whimsical—these are the perfect words to describe the World's Largest Chest of Drawers.

Standing proudly on North Hamilton Street, the chest honors the city as the world's furniture capital.

The 36-foot-tall chest was built in 1926 by the High Point Chamber of Commerce as a landmark and was remodeled in 1996.

You can see two giant socks hanging from one of its drawers, symbolizing the city's hosiery industry.

It makes a great quick spot for a photo op to document your trip to High Point.

The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers is on a busy street, but free parking is around the corner.

Drop by the High Point Regional Visitors Center

Traveling to High Point can be much easier if you drop by High Point Regional Visitors Center.

The center has brochures, maps, and everything useful during your visit.

It has all the information you may need to get around the city and its local attractions, including the historical sites worth checking out.

The center also has amazing details and information about the annual High Point Market, which is the world's largest furniture show.

The High Point Regional Visitors Center is located off North Main Street.

Travel Back in Time at High Point Museum

An eclectic space for history and culture, High Point Museum lets you discover what life was like in the past.

It's a great family destination in the city, especially since the little ones can see the Little Red Schoolhouse at the museum's historical park.

At the park, you'll also see the Blacksmith Shop, the Haley House, and the Hoggatt House, all constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Indoor and outdoor exhibits will get you closer to High Point's past, including the Native Americans who first settled in the area.

Artifacts, archives, photographs, and all things historic are in the museum, letting you discover a slice of history while in town.

More than 37,000 objects are housed at High Point Museum.

The High Point Historical Society maintains the museum; you can find it off East Lexington Avenue.

Browse through the Public Art in Downtown High Point

Sculptures and larger-than-life murals will keep you busy in downtown High Point.

In downtown Main Street, seven sculptures are installed, all made by local artist Chuck Foster.

These sculptures are made of granite, marble, and limestone, weighing about 3,000 pounds, and have become the city's permanent collection.

Apart from these iconic sculptures, Brian Davis's murals also add a splash of colors to the city, which are proudly plastered on each wall downtown.

Don't miss the John Coltrane Statue, an eight-foot bronze statue honoring the timeless jazz musician.

Take your time and appreciate each piece of art at downtown High Point on a fine morning or afternoon!

Read a Book at the High Point Public Library

High Point Public Library is a great spot for traveling bookworms since it's where they can have a quiet and peaceful reading space.

Founded in 1942, the library hosts regular programs for all ages and for the whole family.

For book checkouts, the library card is free to everyone, which you can get at any time of your visit.

You can visit the High Point Public Library at North Main Street.

Appreciate Nature at Piedmont Environmental Center

Piedmont Environmental Center informs the public about preserving plants, trees, and wildlife.

The center offers 6.6 miles of natural trails to explore with beautiful pine forests, hardwood foliage, and natural lakeside for wildlife.

Both south and north trails are marked yellow, white, red, purple, orange, green, and blue.

The trails are easy to get to, but you'd still feel the challenge throughout the hikes.

Many are secluded but safe, making you more in tune with and closer to nature with breathtaking meandering pines and hardwood.

Piedmont Environmental Center is located off Penny Road.

Learn about the Furniture History at Bienenstock Furniture Library Association

As the "Home Furnishings and Hosiery Capital of the World," High Point has an extensive collection of furniture and design volumes.

This rare collection makes up over 5,000 volumes, making the Bienenstock Furniture Library Association the world's largest furniture specialty library.

Many of the books date back to 1543; there are also 18th-century published works of furniture masters Hepplewhite, Chippendale, and Sheraton.

You can find loads of information at the library regarding furniture and design.

You can also check out the amazing sculptures at the library grounds.

Sandy and Bernice Bienenstock established the Bienenstock Furniture Library Association in 1970.

It's nestled downtown on North Main Street.

Attend a Free Event at High Point University

The premiere High Point University offers year-long free events for locals and tourists.

The school hosts many fun and educational activities each year, including arts, music, theater performances, and other programs.

If you're in town, don't miss out on any of these events, which are part of the school's Cultural Enrichment Series.

High Point University was founded in 1924.

You can find it off North University Parkway.

Check Out the Classics at Let’s Talk Cars

For car enthusiasts, Let's Talk Cars is an awesome show you can attend in High Point free of charge!

Every Thursday, local car enthusiasts gather at Kagan’s National Home Furnishing Store's parking lot to showcase their classic and vintage cars.

There's free live music you can enjoy and great food and drinks you can buy from vendors.

It's a great spot to spend a nice afternoon while getting around the city!

Started by Jack Baker and Lacy Gordon in the 1990s, Let’s Talk Cars also hosts a big car show in May of each year.

If you're in town on a Thursday, head out to Kagan's parking lot on South Main Street.

Play a Round of Disc Golf at Johnson Street Disc Golf Park

Apart from helping your core strength, playing disc golf is also fun and a great pastime, which you can do at Johnson Street Disc Golf Park.

The full-length 18-basket course with three skill levels of tee boxes makes a round or two of disc golf more fun and exciting.

The open fields and wooded areas are challenging enough for any level.

All the tees at the course are marked with precise treelines, and the paths are perfectly carved out of the woods.

In addition, there are also benches to sit on and a picnic shelter with tables that you can use if you're packing a lunch or snack.

Johnson Street Disc Golf Park is one of the oldest golf parks in North Carolina.

Catch a High Point Sunset at Oak Hollow Festival Park

A beautiful and mesmerizing sunset in High Point is one thing you wouldn't want to miss.

The best spot to catch it is at Oak Hollow Festival Park on Eastchester Drive.

The 1,500-acre lakefront park offers a stunning sunset view from the hilltop or simply from the grounds by the lake.

Apart from the beautiful sunset, the park is also a great spot overlooking the lake, which is one of the area's highlights.

You can also share a delicious lunch with your family and friends at one of the picnic shelters.

Meanwhile, the little ones can enjoy playing at the playground.

Oak Hollow Festival Park officially opened in 1972.

Let the Kids Cool Off at High Point Splash Pad

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the little ones can have fun in the water at High Point Splash Pad, which is free to the public.

The kids can take advantage of the splash pad's features, including water buckets and water spray guns.

The kids can also enjoy climbing and playing at the Lunar Blast Net Climber beside the splash pad.

Note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so you'll be the one to watch over the kids while they're cooling down.

High Point Splash Pad is located on Taylor Avenue.

Let Your Dogs Play at Hedgecock Dog Park

The go-to dog park in the city is Hedgecock Dog Park, which has two off-leash areas for small and large dogs.

There are water fountains for your fur babies, which is a must when they're out playing and interacting with their other four-legged friends.

Plenty of waste bags are also available at the dog park.

If you're taking your kids, they can also play at the shaded playground nearby with mature trees.

There are also benches to sit on while taking advantage of the park's natural vibe.

At Hedgecock Park, you only have to register your pet, which is free of charge.

It is located off West Parris Avenue.

Relax at Armstrong Park

Nothing is more relaxing and fulfilling than starting your day with your favorite coffee at a spot close to nature.

To kickstart your day in High Point, take your coffee to Armstrong Park, where you can sit on natural grass under mature trees.

The best part is to sit and relax while drinking your coffee and listening to the birds singing at this peaceful neighborhood park.

You can also choose to use the picnic tables or simply take scenic walks in the gorgeous greenway.

Armstrong Park is nestled on East Parkway Avenue.

Wander around the Local Historic Districts

High Point features three local historic districts worth checking out.

Johnson Street has preserved the city's first suburban subdivision, built in 1907.

Sherrod Park encompasses a total of 18 acres of historic Tudor, Craftsmen, and Colonial Revival architectural styles.

Meanwhile, West High Avenue is a small five-acre district with seven properties and the oldest building in the downtown area.

These local historic districts are a sight to behold and must-visit spots in the city.

After all, learning about a place's history is always fun!

Final Thoughts

High Point's natural, historical, and cultural attractions make the city one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Keep this list of free things to do in High Point, North Carolina, when planning your trip to the city.

Make sure to take photos of your trip and return home with fun memories!