Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

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Virginia Cates Rd (off Orange Grove Rd)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

(919) 383-1686

Open May-Aug, 8am-9pm; Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, 8am-8pm; Nov-Feb, 8am-6pm; closed Christmas Day.

Features 190 acres of natural beauty, three miles of trails and a couple of ponds for fishing. Overlooking the Eno River, the mountain has an elevation of 867 ft., which is the highest point in Orange County. Parking. Pets allowed on leashes. Picnicking.

Old Orange County Courthouse

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North Churton and East King Sts (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

toll-free (877) 732-7748; phone (919) 732-7741

Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm; closed major holidays.

This outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture was designed and built by John Berry in 1844-1845 and features details of woodwork and stair brackets from Asher-Benjamin’s pattern book. The Courthouse is still in operation for county judicial business.

Old Playmakers Theater

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East Cameron Ave (next to South Building)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3230

Directions

phone (919) 962-1132

Built in 1851 as Smith Hall, this Greek-revival structure, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was designed by renowned 19th century architect Alexander Jackson Davis. During the Civil War, the Union Army briefly stabled horses here. Originally built as a library and ballroom, it served briefly for classes and was converted to a theater in 1924, the first state university building dedicated to American folk dramatic art.

Old Well (The)

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East Cameron Ave (facing South Building)
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3475

Directions

phone (919) 962-1630

Open daily, dawn to dusk.

In 1897, UNC President Edwin A. Alderman initiated the redesign of the original ramshackle shelter, which had been the primary source of campus water for more than a century. When it was finished, the new Greek Revival structure was so beautiful that it quickly became the unofficial symbol of the University. In 1954, it was given added beauty with brick walks, plantings and benches. Students traditionally earn good luck when they drink from The Old Well on the first day of classes.

Orange County Historical Museum

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201 North Churton St (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 732-2201

Open Tues-Sat., 11am-4 pm, Sun., 1-4pm.

Located on the site of North Carolina’s 1788 Constitutional convention, the museum interprets the history of Orange County from pre-settlement period through the 1950s. Its collection includes the only complete set of Colonial weights and measures in the U.S. and the desk of Governor Thomas Burke. A second-floor gallery features special exhibits on local history. Free, but donations accepted.

Orange County Parks & Recreation Department

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300 West Tryon St
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

phone (919) 245-2660

Office open Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm.

Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation oversees the parks and facilities owned and/or operated by Orange County.  Most facilities are available for use by private groups and individuals upon payment of rental fees, facility deposit, and completion of application use forms. Please call 919-245-2660, or come by the Parks and Recreation administrative office during regular business hours to schedule facility use.  Facilities must be reserved two weeks prior to event. 

Cedar Grove Park, Central Recreation Center, Efland-Cheeks Park & Community Center, Eurosport Soccer Center, Fairview Park, Little River Regional Park & Natural Area, River Park & Public Market House.

Orange County Public Library

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137 West Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

(919) 245-2525

Open Mon-Thu, 10 am - 8 pm; Fri, 10 am - 6 pm; Sat, 9 am - 5 pm; and Sun, 1 pm - 5 pm. Closed Sundays from May 29, 2011 to September 4, 2011

The Orange County Main Library provides access to computers, wireless internet, books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs and more. Reference services are available for general information as well as local history and genealogy research.

Orange County Speedway

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9740 NC Highway 57 North
Rougemont, NC 27572

Directions

phone (336) 364-1222

Open on race days (Mar.-Nov.), noon to midnight; race times, 2pm & 7pm.

The fastest 3/8-mile paved oval in the nation. The high-banked, wide turns make for fast, close competitive racing action. Come enjoy grassroots racing at its best. Admission: Adults, $10; students & seniors, $8; children up to 10; free. Parking.

Orange County Visitors Center

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150 East King Street (Downtown)
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Directions

toll-free (877)-732-7748; phone (919) 732-7741

Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Closed major holidays.

Located in the historic Alexander Dickson House (see separate listing), the visitors center provides information and assistance to travelers and those planning to visit the Hillsborough area, and conducts guided and self-guided tours of the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. An adjacent garden displays traditional 18th and 19th centry plants used for cooking, medicine and dyeing cloth. The site includes an office used by Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston during the Civil War. Tours are available on the second Saturday of the month at 10am and 2pm, Cost is $5. Closed major holidays. Free parking on street.

Orange Countywide Parks Locator Map

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Directions

(919) 245-2660

The site will allow users to search for parks based on the amenities they want to use.  Users can choose up to 3 amenties.  Site incorporates Google Maps into the Orange County site for driving directions, etc.  Users can be assured that the parks are where located where the map says they are.  Note that these are only facilities/park owned or run by Orange County, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane.  We do provide links to other recreation facitilities within the county.