Galleries, Museums, & Tours
Discover local artists in and around Wilmington. Everything from metal work to glass blown lanterns. Wilmington has no shortage of beauty. Here you’ll find all you need to know and more about Wilmington’s museums. Historic downtown is a goldmine of history with haunted mansions and a plethora of culture. Don’t miss out on all this city has to offer. Prepare to be blown away by the talent of Wilmington artists, the history of the waterways along with the hustle and bustle that has graced downtown Wilmington throughout the centuries. Let Wilmington tour guides enrich your experience with their knowledge of The Cape River and all that has occurred in this town we call Wilmington.
Wilmington Trolley Company
Wilmington Trolley Co. is a top quality guided tour through historic downtown Wilmington. Experience centuries of history as if you were there! Wilmington has been and is still home to countless public figures, film productions and architectural masterpieces.
The Gallery of Fine Art
Lose yourself in the wonderful world that is The Gallery of Fine Art. This is no ordinary gallery, here you’ll rediscover your inner child with artwork by Dr. Suess himself. Find unique jewelry, stunning blown glass pieces, and even pens made of corned cob. Choose a work by a local artist or American icon Dr. Suess to make a statement in your home.
Popular Options
Bellamy Mansion (downtown)
503 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Telephone: (910) 251-3700
Website
Latimer House (downtown)
126 S Third St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Telephone: 910-762-0492
Website
Battleship North Carolina (across the river from downtown)
1 Battleship Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
Telephone: 910-251-5797
Website
Burgwin-Wright House (downtown)
224 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Telephone: 910-762-0570
Website
Lower Cape Fear Historical Society (downtown)
126 South Third Street
Wilmington 28401
Telephone: 910-762-0492
Website
Ft Fisher Civil War Site (Ft Fisher down past Kure Beach)
1610 Ft. Fisher Blvd. South
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Telephone: 910-458-5538
Website
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site (across the river from Carolina Beach)
8884 St Phillips Rd SE
Winnabow, NC
28479
Telephone: 910-371-6613
Website
Moores Creek National Battlefield (located 20 miles from downtown Wilmington in Currie)
40 Patriots Hall Drive
Currie, NC 28435
Telephone: 910-283-5591 ext. 2234
Website
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
303 West Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Telephone: 910-256-2569
Website
Fort Johnson Museum
203 E Bay St
Southport, NC 28461
Website
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Learn More about Airlie Gardens
Notes: We highly recommend a trip to Airlie Gardens. Take a beautiful walk around the grounds and breathe in the salt air. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in our community.
Carolina Beach State Park
1010 B Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-8206
Notes: Hike, bike, camp, kayak, fish and more in this awesome State Park along the shores of the Cape Fear River and Snows Cut.
Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens
1510 South 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
More on Greenfield Park
Notes: Lots to do for the whole family. If you brought your bikes or running shoes, take a four mile loop around the lake. There are also canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, playgrounds, tennis courts and a skateboard park.
Empie Park
3405-A Park Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Empie Park
Notes: Located in Mid Town. Empie offers tons of recreational options including a dog park, tennis and basketball courts, bocce, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a walking/biking path, picnic areas and more.
Halyburton Park
4099 S 17th St
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 341-0075
More on Halyburton Park
Notes: What’s there to do at Halyburton Park? Bike, run, or walk around the park’s trail system. Hit the playgrounds, have a picnic, or do a headstand in yoga class.
Hugh McRae Park
1799 S College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Hugh McRae Park
Notes: Located about half way between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Hugh McRae has trails around the outside of the park, one of the best playgrounds in Wilmington, sand volleyball courts, multiple baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a dog park.
Ogden Park
Ogden Park Dr (off of Market Street)
Wilmington, NC 28411
More on Ogden Park
Notes: Ogden Park is a popular destination for locals living on the northern end of Wilmington. There are walking trails, sports facilities, a dog park, and more.
EvHenwood
6150 Rock Creek Rd NE
Leland, NC
Notes: Great place to take a hike across the Cape Fear River in Leland. It’s a 175 acre park loaded with walking trails. No dogs are allowed on the property (boo).
River Road Park
6300 River Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 798-7198
Notes: Nice little park along River Road which has a small boat launch and handicapped accessible fishing pier.
Veterans Park
835 Halyburton Memorial Parkway
Wilmington, NC
Notes: Primarily used as a large sports complex filled with soccer, baseball, and football field.
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Highway 17 North
Wilmington, NC 28429
(910) 686-9518
Notes: Offers daily tours of the home and grounds. Plus there are acres of beautiful wooded trails.
Brunswick Nature Park
2601 River Road
Winnabow, NC 28479
Notes: Located across the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County. Explore close to 900 acres on land, via kayak, or hit the biking trails.
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road
Wilmington, NC 28402
(910) 251-5797
BattleshipNC.com
Personal Note: The Battleship is awesome and one of the best attractions in the area. You can walk spend a multiple hours looking through the museum, walking the deck, and touring below. Note that if you have small children, it can be a difficult navigating the steep steps below the deck. Also, if you’re traveling with someone who loves boats/ships, be prepared for them wanting to be there a long time.
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Love touring grand old homes? If so, be sure to check out the Bellamy Mansion, Burgwin-Wright Museum, and the Latimer House. All three properties are both located in Historic Downtown Wilmington and are just a couple blocks apart.
Bellamy Mansion
503 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-3700
website
Burgwin-Wright Museum House & Gardens
224 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-0570
website
Latimer House Museum
126 S Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-0492
website
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Have kids? Check out some of the great options for small children and older kids.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
814 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 798-4370
website
Notes: Located close to downtown Wilmington. Great option for kids 6+. Younger kids would likely find more to do at the Children’s Museum or Train Museum.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 254-3534
website
Notes: Located in historic downtown Wilmington. Great spot for kids under 10.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
501 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-2634
website
Notes: Our boys loved the museum when they were younger. You can easily spend an hour or two there and later stroll the Riverwalk and grab some ice cream.
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Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum
3201 S 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-5999
website
Notes: Interest exhibits which rotate throughout the year. There is also a cafe on-site. The museum is located about 4-5 miles from downtown Wilmington.