The Burgaw Depot is considered the oldest railroad station in North Carolina. In Burgaw, it offers a particularly tangible way to explore Pender’s history: through buildings, places and trails that bring different chapters to life.
History in Burgaw and Pender
The tree-lined streets of historic downtown Burgaw showcase a variety of 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The Pender County Museum is housed in the Burton-Noel House, Burgaw’s first brick house, built around 1917. It displays numerous artifacts related to Burgaw’s history. The depot, streetscape and museum offer different ways to explore the town’s past: a landmark railroad station, architecture in public spaces and historical objects in the museum.
The Penderlea Homestead Museum is also housed in a historic location. It is located in one of the first homesteads established by the Department of the Interior in 1936 on the Penderlea Homestead Farms. The Farms were a resettlement community in Pender County developed as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.
Historic Sites and Trails
Moores Creek National Battlefield marks the Patriots’ first major victory in the American Revolutionary War. A clearly defined route here is the 0.75-mile History Trail, which crosses Moores Creek via a wooden bridge. The historic site and trail connect the significance of the place with a clearly described section of trail.
As of September 2026, the visitor center was open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit. The African American Heritage Trail, which extends throughout Pender County, offers another perspective on the county’s history. Its route details may change, so take that into account when planning.
Trails Through Forest Roads, Along the Beach and on Loops
Section 15 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail includes 19 miles of forest road through the 64,743-acre Holly Shelter Game Land, as well as an eight-mile beach walk on Topsail Island. These are two distinct types of routes: a longer stretch on forest roads and a shorter beach walk. Check route conditions and beach access before setting out.
Two loop trails can also be distinguished by their length and terrain. The Osgood Canal Greenway and Urban Trail is 2.2 miles long and follows paved and concrete paths. Miller’s Pond features a seven-acre pond and a 0.5-mile loop; the park also has a kayak launch. The Greenway highlights its length and paved surfaces, while Miller’s Pond offers a pond, a shorter loop and a kayak launch.
The Abbey Nature Preserve Trail offers a short walk along a sandy path. Check seasonal conditions and access before your visit. Along with the longer sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the loops at Osgood Canal and Miller’s Pond, this short trail shows just how varied the outdoor experiences are.
Blueberries and Local Experiences
Pender County’s Blueberry Trail leads to fresh blueberries, blueberry fields, downtown shops, restaurants and historic sites. Trail information and participating businesses may change, so check the latest details if you plan to use the trail to guide your explorations.
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival in Burgaw celebrates the historical, economic and cultural importance of blueberries in southeastern North Carolina. Dates and programs may change. If you plan to attend the festival, check the latest information in advance.
For a different local experience, join an educational tour of Ghost Fleet Oyster Company’s oyster farm in Topsail Sound and Traps Bay. Confirm tour availability before your trip.
Getting There and Planning Your Trip
Pender County is accessible via Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 17 and North Carolina Highway 132. Plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Burgaw, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Hampstead, New Hanover County, Onslow County, Orange, Greene County
For the main travel overview: North Carolina.
