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: 18 Best Things to do in Concord, NC:
- Charlotte Motor Speedway
- SeaLife Aquarium
- Frank Liske Park
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
- The Mustang Owners Museum
- The Concord Museum
- Cabarrus Brewing Company
- Legacy Biplane Rides
- Bost Grist Mill
- Carolina Thread Trail
- Billy Graham Library
- Carowinds
- Carolina Raptor Center
- Concord Mills
- Motor Speedway Tours
- Dover Vineyards
- Old Courthouse Theater
- Rocky River Gold Club
1. 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!
Source: CLTMotorSpdwy Twitter
2. 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!
Source: SEALIFECC Twitter
3. 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!
Source: Frank Liske Park Facebook
4. 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!
Source: NCMHOF Twitter
5. 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.
Source: Mustang Owners Museum Facebook
6. 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. 
Source: Concord Museum Twitter
7. 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.
Source: Cabarrus Brewing Company Twitter
8. 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.
Source: Legacy Biplane Rides Facebook
9. 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.
Source: Bost Grist Mill website
10. 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.
Source: Thread Trail Twitter
11. 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.
Source: Billy Graham Library Facebook
12. 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.
Source: Carowinds Twitter
13. 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.
Source: Carolina Raptor Center Twitter
14. 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.
Source: Concord Mills NC Twitter
15. 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!
Source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Twitter
16. 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!
Source: Dover Vineyards Facebook
17. 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!
Source: Old Courthouse Facebook
18. 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!
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!
FAQ's
There are so many things to do in Concord, NC, starting with one of the most popular locations in the state: NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway. Packed with high-speed action, it’s a must-see experience for families. Just as important, the town is just north of Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s largest cities, containing so much to do and see. And with the seemingly endless natural beauty of its forests and mountains, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in North Carolina.
Any list of “Things To In North Carolina” will contains many sights and experiences that can only be found in a visit to the Tarheel State. Nearby cities contain a host of appealing activities—there are so many fun things to do in Charlotte—while beautiful local lakes and woods are vital sightseeing destinations. The close proximity of cities and parks in the region makes it easy to combine cultural experiences with outdoors fun. Of course, any visit should include a stay at our Great Wolf Lodge in Concord—click here to learn more.
There are many things to do with kids in North Carolina outside of Great Wolf Lodge. These include popular attractions, historical landmarks, famous tourist stops, and more. See our list, “Quick View: 19 Best Things To Do In Concord,” for a longer list of options.
A number of the most fun things to do in North Carolina can be found on our list above. From a visit to NASCAR Motor Speedway, to the natural beauty of the forests and mountains, to the numerous museums, parks, and other travel destinations in nearby Charlotte and surrounding regions, North Carolina contains many popular attractions for tourists and families.