Roanoke Canal Museum
(252)535-1687
15 Jackson Street
Roanoke Rapids NC

The Canal Arts Center has a rich history dating from the early 1800s. The Canal Arts Center and the Halifax County Arts Council are housed in what was the site of the Roanoke Navigation Company in the 1820s. Today the structure is used as a Center for the Performing Arts. The Center is host to the visual, performing and literary arts as well as cultural and educational programs. Located in Roanoke Rapids at 13 Jackson Street.

The Roanoke Canal trail contains some of the most impressive and best preserved early nineteenth century canal construction in the nation. Begun before 1819, and completed in 1823, the Roanoke Canal was built as the North Carolina segment of the ambitious Roanoke Navigation System. It was designed to connect the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with Norfolk, over a distance of 400 miles. Today you can experience the seven-mile trail along the old Canal in Roanoke Rapids.

Call (252)535-1687 for more information.

Historic Halifax
(252)583-7191
25 St. David Street
Roanoke Rapids NC

Halifax Countys rich history sets it apart. Several Indian tribes settled the area before the immigrants arrived in Halifax County. This history is celebrated each year at the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe Pow Wow Festival in Hollister, North Carolina.

April 12, 1776, the date commemorated on the North Carolina flag, signifies the Fourth Provincial Congress adoption of the "Halifax Resolves" during a meeting right here in Halifax. With that action, North Carolina became the first colony to take a bold, official step toward declaring independence from England. You can step back in time in Historic Halifax and experience the lifestyle of those early revolutionaries. A Visitors Center/Museum offers free guided tours and a unique archaeological exhibit.

Between 1776 and 1782, nearly every session of the NC General Assembly was held in the town of Halifax. Halifax has given North Carolina more Governors, members of Congress, attorneys general and brigadier generals than any other county in North Carolina. Halifax County was formed in 1758 and was named for Charles Montague Dunk, Earl of Halifax. He was, at the time, Secretary of the British Board of Trade.

Much of Halifax County its geography and its history was defined by the Roanoke River, which today forms its northern boundary. The great Roanoke has played a major role in the county for more than two centuries. Today, the Roanoke River is considered by many to have the best fishing in the country. Halifax County takes pride in its rich history and invites you to experience it first hand.

The Historic Halifax Visitors Center offers an audiovisual presentation, exhibits, guided tours and displays depicting the history of the town. Several historic structures are open on the site including the Sally Billy House, the Burgess House, the Halifax County Jail and the Owens House. The Montforts house, with exhibits and walkways over foundations exposed by the scholars spade and trowel, portrays the lifestyle of this wealthy resident of early Halifax. A spacious picnic area is nearby.

Call (252)583-7191 for more information

The Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center
(252) 826-3186
4961 Hwy 258
Scotland Neck NC

Has the worlds largest waterfowl collection of ducks, geese & swans. Also features other exotic birds such as crane, parrot, macaw, brush turkey, cockatoo, kookaburra, pheasant & currasow. New educational facility with accessible continental aviaries including Australia, Africa, Eurasia, North & South America.

Medoc Mountain State Park
(252)586-6588
1541 Medoc State Park Road
Hollister, NC

The mountain is a granite outcropping with its highest point reaching 325 feet. It is the remains of the core of an ancient mountain range. Picnicking, hiking trails, canoeing, nature study, camping and fishing all await you at this North Carolina State Park. Located 21 miles southwest of Roanoke Rapids on State Road 1002.

Call (252)586-6588 for more information.