10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Hickory, North Carolina (Catawba County)
If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway in North Carolina,
Hickory in
Catawba County might surprise you. This small city sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a cool mix of history, outdoor adventures, and local flavor.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip from Charlotte, passing through on I‑40, or visiting family nearby, Hickory has plenty to keep you busy. Here are
10 fun things to do in and near Hickory, NC that are perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers.
1. Explore Downtown Hickory & Union Square
Downtown Hickory feels like the kind of place where you slow down, stroll, and actually enjoy the day.
You’ll find
Union Square at the heart of it all, with local shops, restaurants, and a relaxed small-town vibe. On nice days, people hang out on benches, kids run around the fountain, and live music sometimes fills the air.
- Browse local boutiques and antique shops
- Grab coffee from a local café and people-watch
- Check out the seasonal farmers market, usually held near Union Square
If you like walkable downtowns, this is one of the best places to start your Hickory visit. Park the car, stretch your legs, and just wander.
2. Visit the Hickory Museum of Art
Right in Hickory, the
Hickory Museum of Art is one of the oldest art museums in North Carolina. It’s a great rainy-day activity or a quiet stop if you need a break from driving.
Inside, you’ll find:
- American art, including regional and folk pieces
- Rotating exhibits that often feature local and Southern artists
- Kid-friendly spaces and occasional hands-on activities
If you’re not usually “an art person,” don’t worry. The museum is small enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can slow your pace, wander from room to room, and maybe discover a new favorite style of art.
3. Step Back in Time at the Catawba Science Center
In the same SALT Block complex as the art museum, you’ll find the
Catawba Science Center. This is a
huge win if you’re traveling with kids, but adults will find plenty to enjoy too.
Highlights often include:
- Hands-on science exhibits (great for curious kids)
- An aquarium with fish and other aquatic creatures
- A planetarium with shows about the night sky and space
It’s easy to turn a visit here into a half-day outing. Start with the Science Center, swing by the Museum of Art, and then grab lunch nearby. If you’ve ever heard “I’m bored” from the back seat on a trip, this spot will fix that fast.
4. Enjoy Lake Hickory: Boating, Fishing, and Lakeside Views
Just north of town,
Lake Hickory is a great escape if you love being near the water. The lake stretches for miles, with quiet coves and wide open sections that are perfect for boating.
Things you can do on or around Lake Hickory:
- Rent a boat or bring your own to explore the lake
- Try your luck fishing for bass, catfish, and more
- Relax at a lakeside restaurant or marina with outdoor seating
On a warm day, the lake feels like a different world from the city. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful here, with the light reflecting off the water and the hills in the background.
5. Experience Hickory’s Furniture History & Outlet Shopping
Hickory has long been known as part of the
furniture capital of the world. If you’re into home décor, design, or just love a good bargain, this is a must-do.
In and around Hickory, you’ll find:
- Furniture outlets with discounted pieces
- Showrooms featuring local and regional furniture makers
- Chances to see the quality that put this area on the map
Even if you’re not in the market for a new sofa, it’s interesting to see why Hickory became such a furniture hub. And who knows—you might end up finding the perfect accent chair you didn’t know you needed.
6. Catch a Game with the Hickory Crawdads
Love baseball? Then head over to see the
Hickory Crawdads, a minor league team that plays at LP Frans Stadium.
A Crawdads game is:
- Affordable – tickets and concessions are usually budget-friendly
- Family-friendly – kids often get to run the bases or join in between-inning fun
- Relaxed – you’re close to the action without the big-league crowds
The atmosphere feels more like a community gathering than a huge event, which is part of its charm. On summer nights, sitting in the stands with a hot dog and a cold drink just feels right.
7. Hike and Explore Bakers Mountain Park
If you’re craving some nature, head a short drive south of Hickory to
Bakers Mountain Park in Catawba County. At around 1,780 feet, it’s one of the highest points in the county and offers some solid views of the area.
At Bakers Mountain Park, you’ll find:
- Miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate
- Wooded paths, streams, and peaceful forest scenery
- Overlooks where you can see the surrounding foothills
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and plan for at least a couple of hours if you want to explore more than one trail. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after time in the car or unplug from screens for a while.
8. Discover Local History at the Catawba County Museum of History
Curious about the story behind Hickory and the surrounding area? Stop by the
Catawba County Museum of History, located in the historic courthouse in downtown Newton, just a short drive from Hickory.
Inside, you’ll learn about:
- The early days of Catawba County
- Local industries like furniture and textiles
- Everyday life here over the past century or two
The museum is not huge, but it’s rich in detail. It’s the kind of place where you walk out saying, “Wow, I had no idea this area did all that.” If you like connecting the dots between places and their past, this stop is worth the trip.
9. Sample Local Flavors: Breweries, BBQ, and Comfort Food
Travel and food go hand in hand, and Hickory delivers on
local flavor.
Around town, you can:
- Visit local breweries and try craft beers made right in Hickory
- Dig into classic North Carolina BBQ—pulled pork, hushpuppies, slaw, and more
- Grab Southern comfort food like fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea
One easy way to experience Hickory’s food scene is to plan a simple “progressive meal”:
- Start with an appetizer or shared plate at a brewery
- Move to a BBQ joint or diner for your main course
- Finish with dessert or coffee downtown
It turns dinner into a small adventure and lets you see more of the city.
10. Take a Scenic Drive Toward the Blue Ridge Mountains
One of the best things about Hickory is its location. You’re not far from the
Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes it a perfect starting point for a scenic drive.
Head northwest toward places like:
- Blowing Rock and Boone (a bit farther, but great for a day trip)
- The Blue Ridge Parkway, with its overlooks and hiking spots
Even if you don’t go that far, just driving out of town toward the foothills gives you rolling views, old barns, and plenty of mountain charm. It’s the kind of drive where you roll the windows down, turn up the music, and just enjoy the ride.
Planning Your Trip to Hickory, NC
Hickory is the kind of place that grows on you. It’s not flashy or overwhelming. Instead, it offers a mix of:
- Walkable downtown streets and local shops
- Family-friendly museums and science centers
- Outdoor escapes on the lake and in the hills
- Good food, cold drinks, and small-town charm
Because it’s right off major highways like I‑40, Hickory is easy to add to a road trip through North Carolina. You can spend a full weekend here or just stop for a day and still get a nice feel for the area.
What Would You Do First in Hickory?
Would you start with a
Lake Hickory sunset, a
Crawdads baseball game, or a relaxed walk around
downtown Hickory?
I’d love to hear your ideas.
- Have you visited Hickory or Catawba County before?
- Do you have a favorite restaurant, trail, or hidden spot?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their perfect trip.
If you found this guide to
things to do in Hickory, North Carolina helpful, please
share it with a friend, pin it for later, or post it to your favorite travel group. The more people discover these smaller North Carolina towns, the more they appreciate how much they have to offer.
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