7 Things To Do on Memorial Day Weekend in North Carolina
The last weekend of May is a great time to explore NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources sites and programs!
by Debbie Tullos
On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died in military service to the United States. The date also has come to serve as the unofficial kickoff to summer. Either way, it’s a great time to explore the rich variety of natural and cultural resources of North Carolina. Whether to experience Memorial Day observances, or start your summer season, here are seven things you can do on Memorial Day weekend:
- BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA
A fitting way to spend Memorial Day is a visit to the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. It was opened to the public in October 1961 as an authentically restored World War II battleship, a National Historic Landmark, a museum collecting and interpreting all ships named NORTH CAROLINA, and a memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians of all branches of service who gave their lives in World War II. Under typical circumstances, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is open every day of the year, including all holidays, rain or shine.
Currently, access to some areas of the Ship may be restricted to ensure visitors’ safety. As mast repairs are now underway on the Battleship, part of the port-side main deck is closed to visitors, as are the upper decks. Visitors can still enjoy touring all of the lower decks and most of the main deck. The most up-to-date information about access, hours and ticketing can be found online.
2. BENNETT PLACE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE EVENT
The Bennett Place Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Event offers a unique historical perspective on the observance of the holiday.
Bennett Place State Historic Site is the location of the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War. In April 1865, Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Union Gen. William T. Sherman met at the Bennett farm and signed surrender papers for Southern armies in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Following the Civil War, a “Decoration Day” began in communities across America remembering soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Senator John A. Logan, a former Union officer on staff with Major General William T. Sherman, was instrumental in making this a formal national day honoring our fallen soldiers, which became Memorial Day.
The Memorial Day Remembrance Event features military historians representing the American soldier of all time periods throughout our nation’s history on May 28, 2022, 10am-4pm.
3. FORT MACON STATE PARK CANNON DAY & FORT TOURS
While not exclusively Memorial Day programming, Fort Macon State Park has plenty of activity over the weekend. With the Fort’s long and rich military history, it’s a compelling setting in which to take a bit of time on Memorial Day weekend to contemplate the experience and impact of war.
Saturday, May 28 is Cannon Day, when visitors can learn about some of the different cannons used in Ft. Macon and how they function. Programs will conclude with a blank firing demonstration. Demonstrations will be held at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30, and a different cannon will be fired for almost each session. In other words….it’s gonna get LOUD!
On Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30, you can take a guided tour of Fort Macon. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are held at 11:00, 1:00, & 3:00.
4. NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum is a historic site, once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the southeast, and a museum featuring all types of transportation history — railroading, automotive, aviation, and more.
Usually closed on Mondays, the Museum has a few special Monday dates open for visitors, including Memorial day — and the train will be runnin’! Additionally, free admission will be available to the museum on Memorial Day for veterans and active military with a military ID.
5. NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY
The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh has a current exhibit honoring the history and sacrifice of North Carolinians who have answered the call in times of war. For many, that service had a profound impact on their lives.
This free exhibit leads visitors on a voyage of discovery related to the military experiences of those North Carolinians. Moving through time, visitors learn about the lives of soldiers during each conflict — from the Spanish-American War (1898) through World War II (1941–1945) — using a series of artifacts, vignettes, graphics, video clips, and oral histories.
6. NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS PROGRAMS
Are you planning to take the long weekend and hit the road? No matter where you are in North Carolina, you’re never far from a State Park. You can always check the NC State Parks Events and Programs page for the latest information about what’s happening in a park near you. For this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few highlights:
- Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle, NC: Story Walk-Discovering Trees — Take a self-guided walk and read the activity-based book, “Backpack Explorer — Discovering Trees.”
- Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap, NC: Stone Mountain has programs throughout the weekend exploring the specific fauna and flora of the area: Tree ID and Box Turtles
- Carvers Creek State Park, Spring Lake, NC: Carvers Creek has programs throughout the weekend exploring the specific fauna and flora of the area: Spring Flowers and Snake Truths
- Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach, NC: Carnivorous Plant Hike — Join a Park Ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails to see and discuss the different types of carnivorous plants in the park, including the Venus Flytrap.
- Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro, NC: Barrier Island Beach Hike — Join a ranger on Bear Island and explore the beach to see evidence of past storms, fossil rock outcrops, geology, and barrier island migration… in real time!
7. PLAN YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH NC PATH!
The North Carolina Parks and Trails for Health (NC PATH) initiative is designed to encourage physical activity in North Carolina’s parks, greenways and other outdoor spaces. For more ideas and inspiration for things to do outdoors in our naturally beautiful state all year, visit the NC PATH website to start planning your outdoor adventure. While you’re there, sign up for the monthly NC PATH newsletter for the latest news about the initiative, parks, blog posts, safety tips and more!
