While North Carolina’s history is deeply rooted in the railway industry, including many cities that were once thriving railroad hubs, today we usually navigate our gorgeous state by car. Yet, there’s something nostalgic and unique about hopping on board to see the untouched wilderness throughout our state. These epic day train trips in North Carolina will get you from point A to point B in an unforgettable fashion.

How fun is this? The best part is that many train day trips in North Carolina offer so much more than just a ride; you’ll be learning about history, seeing beautiful places, and creating lasting memories. Have you done any of these train trips – or plan to now? Let us know in the comments below! And for another totally memorable day trip, you have to visit the hidden castles in North Carolina – these sites are total hidden gems, and so much fun to explore!

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Day Train Trips In North Carolina

What are the coolest attractions in North Carolina?

  • If you love history, you've got to plan a visit to the living history farm at Latta Plantation. You'll learn so much about 19th-century life!
  • If you're looking for a fun outing for kids, head to Discovery Zone or SciWorks, where there are so many interactive things to do that kids won't even realize how much they're learning. SciWorks even has a beautiful planetarium.
  • For a unique day trip, head to Sand Dollar Island off the coast of Morehead City and collect a few sand dollars to bring home.

What underrated places in North Carolina should I visit?

  • White Lake is an amazing spot to stop by in the summer, and you might even have it all to yourself! This spot near Elizabethtown often gets overlooked in favor of the larger coastal beaches.
  • If you love the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a drive through the 18 miles of Cherohala Skyway that make their way through our state. It offers views that you'll never forget!
  • When you're on the hunt for something truly unique, though, it's hard to top the Winston-Salem Clamshell. Inside, you'll learn the history of a project that never quite lived up to the expectations and you can enjoy a weird bit of history that not many people have noticed.

What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?

For outdoor fun, you can head to the beach, or to the mountains!

  • It's hard to top a hike through Jockeys Ridge State Park, where the dunes seem to stretch on forever. In the mountains, hike Grandfather Mountain to find the most remarkable views in the state.
  • If you prefer a more relaxing adventure, take a dune buggy or 4x4 out to see the wild horses of Corolla, or enjoy a day at the enormous North Carolina Zoo.

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