Textile machinery, fabric samples and a scale model of the town bring Burlington’s history to life. Other highlights include a restored carousel in City Park, nature trails along the Haw River and live concerts at the Paramount Theater. These topics lead to different sides of the area: industrial history, historical exhibits, park attractions and music. If you’re looking for a hotel in Burlington, you can first decide which of these themes will shape your trip.
Textile History and Company Shops
The Textile Heritage Museum features early textile machinery, fabric samples, quilts, clothing, photographs and artifacts from mill workers. The collection ranges from technical evidence of production to textiles and objects associated with mill work. Tours for groups are available by appointment; confirm visiting arrangements before you arrive.
The Whistlestop exhibit includes a scale model of Company Shops. It depicts the town as it would have looked in 1870, focusing on Company Shops as a whole. Company Shops Station is Alamance County’s passenger train station, housed in Burlington’s former roundhouse. The two historical experiences are distinct: a model of the town in 1870 and a passenger train station in Burlington’s former roundhouse.
Carousel and Rides at City Park
The restored Dentzel Carousel in Burlington City Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Dentzel Carousel Company built it in Philadelphia around 1906 to 1910. It features 46 hand-carved wooden animals.
Burlington City Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It also offers rides on a classic diesel-powered miniature train. Ride operations vary seasonally, and the miniature train is also weather-dependent. When planning your visit, consider park hours and ride operations separately: the park’s daily opening hours do not mean that rides are operating at all times.
Nature Along the Haw River and Concerts Downtown
Town and Country Park offers a different kind of park visit: this 50-acre natural area stretches along the banks of the Haw River and features about 2 miles of hiking trails. Nature and trails take center stage here, while the restored carousel and seasonal rides are among the specific attractions at City Park. The 50 acres describe the area of the natural space, while about 2 miles refers to the length of the trails; each figure conveys a different aspect of the park’s size.
The Paramount Theater, which hosts live concerts, is in the heart of Burlington’s historic downtown. The 4th Fridays in Downtown Burlington concert series runs from May through September. If the series is relevant to your trip planning, check the current season’s dates before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Haw River, Mebane, Green Level.
Return to the regional travel overview: Alamance.
