On October 31, 1965, Rockingham Speedway opened in Richmond County as a flat, one-mile oval. Since then, motorsports have shaped the area's history: the track has hosted NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series races. The speedway is also one of eight stops on North Carolina's Moonshine & Motorsports Trail. Its place on the trail situates the flat, one-mile oval within the broader context of moonshine and motorsports in North Carolina.
Motorsports History and Track Traditions
Rockingham Dragway is also part of the region's motorsports history. Its event history includes competitive and special events such as the GM Performance Super Chevy Show, ADRL Dragstock, and the National Bikers Roundup. If you want to plan your trip around a race or event, check the dates in advance.
The Hamlet Historic Depot tells another defining story. It was built in 1900 as Hamlet's train station and as the headquarters of the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Interactive terminals, hands-on exhibits, and an HO-scale model railroad present railroad history in different ways. The depot also serves as an Amtrak-Kwik-Trak kiosk station; two trains run daily. Check the schedule when planning your trip, as times may change.
The restored Rockingham Seaboard Rail Road Depot looks out over the rail lines it once served. The Main Street Commercial Historic District adds another perspective on transportation and commerce: its history reflects significant local development in both areas. Most of its buildings are one-, two-, and three-story brick commercial buildings, with decorative brickwork and plate-glass storefronts typical of small towns in North Carolina in the early 20th century.
Museums, Homes, and Stages
The Rankin Museum brings together natural history, local history, and Native American culture. Activities include a fossil pit followed by an explanation in the Rankin Exploration Zone. The roughly one-hour, self-guided “Search and Fact” tour offers another way to explore the museum's themes; check its availability before your visit.
Bostick Schoolhouse also preserves a piece of educational history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has been restored as faithfully as possible to the last one-room schoolhouse used at this site. Leak-Wall House tells a different historical story: John Wall Leak had it built in 1853. The house contains Victorian-era antiques, including some original pieces from the building.
For a look at the sky, the Astronomy Research Station at Discovery Place Kids–Rockingham teaches children about the solar system and satellites. On stage, meanwhile, Richmond County Community Theatre continues a long performance tradition: it has staged plays and musicals for more than 45 years. Museums, a historic schoolhouse, and theater showcase different sides of cultural life, so a visit need not be limited to a single theme.
Everyday Life, Nature, and Regional Products
The Richmond County Visitor Center offers information about the region and brochures for several North Carolina counties. At the Richmond County Historical Museum, artifacts tell the story of local education, sports, motorsports, railroads, agriculture, the military, and public safety. As offerings may change, ask in advance about current holdings if you are looking for specific information.
Fishing, boating, walking, and cycling are among the recreational activities available along Hitchcock Creek. These different activities give you several ways to include the creek in your travel plans. The topics that interest you most can help determine your choice of accommodations: motorsports, railroad history, museums, culture, or activities on the water.
Regional products are also part of the picture. Triple L Farms grows fresh produce and, in summer, sells fruit and vegetables, as well as jams, jellies, ice cream, syrup, dressings, pickled vegetables, and other goods at the Old Derby General Store. The summer sales are seasonal. In Ellerbe, the Berry Patch is billed as the “world's largest strawberry”—a striking local attraction alongside stories of railroads, motorsports, and history.
Discover more destinations: Rockingham, Granville County, Montgomery County, Rowan, Durham, Wilkes, Halifax, Scotland County.
For the main travel overview: North Carolina.
