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19 Best Things To Do In Concord, NC for 2023

Did you know that Concord’s history dates back over 200 years? The city was actually established as a compromise between German and Scotch-Irish settlers. Its name even means “harmony,” with the main downtown throughway having been named in the same spirit.

Today, Union Street is home to scores of boutiques, restaurants, galleries and more. Of course, you can’t mention Concord without a nod towards all things NASCAR. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Check is a must-see destination for motocross fans everywhere.

Other attractions include the Sea Life Aquarium, the Billy Graham Library, and of course, our very own Great Wolf Lodge! Read on for more things to do in Concord, North Carolina!

Quick View: The 19 Best Things to do in Concord:

1. Great Wolf Lodge

Concord is about a four hour drive to the beach, so it’s good to know that there are some local spots where you can cool off! Great Wolf Lodge is just a half hour away from the neighboring city of Charlotte. The indoor water park is kept at a comfortable 84-degrees, all year round.

Here, you’ll find tons of water slides, rides and other on-land attractions for the whole family to enjoy! If you want to stick around for a few days, you can hole up in one of our themed suites.

You’ll feel like you’re camping out in the Northwoods Forest in no time! If not, feel free to drop in for the day. Remember, entry is free for guests under two years old. From mini golf to laser tag, arcade games to four-story tube rides, there’s no shortage of things to do and activities to enjoy at the lodge!

Father and son playing at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Concord, NC

2. Charlotte Motor Speedway

Motorsports are huge in Concord, so much so that the city is known as “Where Racing Lives.” Legendary driver Dale Earnhardt was actually born just a short drive away! The Charlotte Motor Speedway houses NASCAR races, racing schools, monster truck bashes and more!

The venue has even hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race every year since 1985, with just one exception. There are also camping facilities available onsite for those who don’t want to miss a minute of the action!

Cars racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway near Concord, NC

Source: CLTMotorSpdwy Twitter

3. SeaLife Aquarium

Located in the popular Concord Mills shopping center, the Sea Life Aquarium houses over 5,000 creatures including sharks, rays, seahorses and more. It’s also got tons of interactive experiences for guests to enjoy. Guests can explore the shipwreck exhibit, walk through the underwater ocean tunnel or splash around the interactive touch pool!

Jellyfish at the SeaLife Aquarium in the Concord Mills mall

Source: SEALIFECC Twitter

4. Frank Liske Park

Take in some fresh air at Frank Liske Park! The area spans over 230 acres and contains a lake for fishing and paddle boarding, picnic shelters, picnic sites, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, playgrounds and a lighted tennis court.

Other outdoor activities include sport camps, nature camps and classes, tennis classes, nature workshops, road races and tons of other community activities!

A view of the trees at the Frank Liske Park in Concord, NC

Source: Frank Liske Park Facebook

5. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was designed to honor artists, composers and musicians from around the state. Visitors can learn about the region’s musical heritage and explore exhibits of artifacts, items, memorabilia and more!

An image of a performer at the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Concord, NC

Source: NCMHOF Twitter

6. Mustang Owners Museum

Any Mustang aficionados out there? You’re in luck! Concord has an entire museum dedicated to the automobile. The Museum Owners Museum showcases upwards of 25 Mustangs including classics, modified, racing and a few unique versions.

View of an engine at the Mustang Owners Museum in Concord, NC

Source: Mustang Owners Museum Facebook

7. The Concord Museum

Originally known as Memorial Hall, the Concord Museum was founded back in 1939. There, you can find artifacts, documents and books of historical significance to the community. Special exhibits revolve around Women’s Suffrage in North Carolina, pioneer days, servicemen and more. Historical reenactment at the Concord Museum

Source: Concord Museum Twitter

8. Cabarrus Brewing Company

Time for a drink! The Cabarrus Brewing Company boasts a delicious selection of craft beers, from blonde ales to dark stouts. You can also expect to get a taste of local history, character and traditions while there.

External shot of the Cabarrus Brewing Company in Concord, NC

Source: Cabarrus Brewing Company Twitter

9. Legacy Biplane Rides

See Concord from above! Legacy Biplane Rides offers visitors a spectacular view of the area from their 1943 Stearman N2S-5 aircraft. They also offer lessons for those interested in learning how to fly. Real adventurers can learn how to do barrel rolls, loops, hammerhead turns and other kinds of aerobatics.

Plane waiting for riders at the Legacy Biplane Rides in Concord

Source: Legacy Biplane Rides Facebook

10. Bost Grist Mill

Bost Grist Mill has been serving Cabarrus county since the early 1800s. Watch corn get ground up into meal and grits using the same stones and techniques used during the 1800s. Visitors can also learn more about the mill’s historic past through re-enactments and living history exhibits.

Vintage equipment at Bost Grist Mill in Concord

Source: Bost Grist Mill website

11. Carolina Thread Trail

The Carolina Thread Trail is a regional network of connected greenways, trails and blueways that covers over 260 miles of trails. It’s a landmark project designed to bring the legacy of conversation to every member of the community, regardless of their background.

Image of the woods in Concord, NC

Source: Thread Trail Twitter

12. Billy Graham Library

Located in nearby Charlotte, the Billy Graham Library offers a 40,000 square-foot experience for visitors to discover the life and legacy of the famous American pastor.

Visitors can explore Graham’s childhood home and beyond through multimedia presentations, interactive kiosks, photos and memorabilia. The property also offers a bookstore, a dairy barn and a memorial prayer garden.

Visitors gathering at the Billy Graham Library near Concord, North Carolina

Source: Billy Graham Library Facebook

13. Carowinds

Looking for more things to do in Concord? Head over to Carowinds where you’ll find 14 world-class roller coasters, an original kid’s play area, and over 60 rides, shows and attractions. You can also explore Carolina Harbor while there.

The water park features wave pools, multi-story water slides and other exhilarating attractions. The amusement park has been serving the Carolina community for over 45 years.

Kids playing on the slides at Carowinds near Concord, NC

Source: Carowinds Twitter

14. Carolina Raptor Center

The Carolina Raptor center is located on 57 acres inside the Latta Nature Preserve. The center has been around for over 30 years, helping introduce and educate visitors to their eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons and owls.

In total, the center contains over 30 species of birds. They host events and encounters throughout the year to broadcast the science and natural history of raptors and the science of flight.

Up close image of a bird at the Carolina Raptor Center

Source: Carolina Raptor Center Twitter

15. Concord Mills

In the mood to do a little shopping? Head over to Concord Mills for over 200 stores and dining options. The complex is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Carolina.

At Concord Mills, you can expect to find name-brand outlets such as Coach, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren as well as budget retailers sprinkled around the property. Concord Mills also features four full service restaurants, several entertainment venues, changing stations and more.

Beauty products from Concord Mills shopping center in Concord, NC

Source: Concord Mills NC Twitter

16. Motor Speedway Tours

That’s right, we’re back at the Charlotte Motor Speedway! Take a tour of the venue to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Dirt Track and the zMAX Dragway! Your guide will fill you in on the illustrious history of each track while you enjoy the sights and sounds of American racing!

Image of the track at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina

Source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Twitter

17. Dover Vineyards

Enjoy the finer side of Concord at Dover Vineyards. The vineyard planted its first vines back in 2009 that have helped give way to six unique wine blends. There’s also a farm on the property that produces some of the best kale and Swiss chard in the region! You can stop by for a tasting, host your own party, or even sign up for a yoga class on the farm!

Image of the fields at Dover Vineyards in Concord

Source: Dover Vineyards Facebook

18. Old Courthouse Theatre

Looking for more things to do in Concord? Head over to the Old Courthouse Theatre for some local talent. The Theatre puts on a total of four plays each season. The venue is conveniently located in downtown Concord, making it easy for guests to explore the historic district, shop around a few local boutiques or grab some dinner and drinks before the show!

External shot of the Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord

Source: Old Courthouse Facebook

19. Rocky River Golf Club

There are over 600 golf courses sprinkled throughout the state of North Carolina. Concord offers some of the best. The Rocky River Golf Club was designed by Dan Maples, nationally known for having created some of the state’s top courses.

Rocky River is able to appeal to all skill levels, from beginners to scratch, with 4 sets of tees including PGA Junior tees on the front 9. It’s managed by the Embassy Suites-Concord, making it one of the only courses in the state able to offer stay-and-play packages. Stop by for the day, or even the night!

View of the Course at the Rocky River Golf Club in Concord, North Carolina

Source: Rocky River Golf Club Facebook

We hope you enjoyed our list of things to do in Concord, North Carolina! Head on over to Visit Cabarrus for more ideas on what to do in Concord and the surrounding area. If you haven’t already figured out a place to stay, check out some of the room options at Great Wolf Lodge.

Remember, our newly renovated resort offers 11 waterslides, four pools, as well as a host of on-land activities for the entire family to enjoy. Make sure to check out our official site for our best deals!

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