Major Landmarks In Concord, North Carolina

Concord, North Carolina is a fast-growing city located just northeast of Charlotte. While still retaining its small-town charm, Concord has developed into an economic hub with plenty to see and do. From historic sites that recall Concord’s past to modern attractions catering to today’s visitors, the city offers numerous landmarks and destinations for tourists and locals alike.

Downtown Concord

Downtown Concord is the heart of the city and home to many of its most notable landmarks.

Union Street Historic District

This seven-block area contains a variety of 19th and early 20th century buildings that have been beautifully preserved. Notable sights include:

• Historic County Courthouse: A striking 1897 courthouse featuring a copper dome atop a monumental granite structure. Still in use today.
• Various Victorian commercial buildings and shops featuring ornate brickwork and large display windows for browsing.

Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to take in all the architectural splendor. Plaques in front of buildings describe their history and significance.

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

This state-of-the-art multi-use facility opened in 2005. Hosting major concerts, sporting events, conferences, and more. Features include:

• Main arena with 4,500 fixed seats
• Exhibit halls totaling 100,000+ sq ft of space
• 25 meeting rooms
• Stadium-style concourse with concessions

The center brings big-name entertainment to Concord and helps attract visitors from the greater Charlotte region as well.

Concord United Methodist Church

Founded in 1790, this historic church features stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Highlights include:

• Intricate stained glass windows
• A majestic bell tower
• An impressive pipe organ dating to the 1950s

The sanctuary exudes traditional beauty and the church remains an anchor to the downtown community today. Many visitors enjoy stopping by to take in the ornate interior.

Museums and Historic Homes

Concord has numerous museums and historic homes that provide a window into the city and region’s history.

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site

Located just outside downtown, this mine was the site of the first documented gold find in the United States in 1799. Visitors can:

• Tour a restored 19th century gold mine
• Visit various historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop
• Pan for gold themselves in sifting troughs
• See geological exhibits, steam engines used to power equipment, and various mining artifacts

Interpretive history tells the story of America’s first gold rush and how it put Cabarrus County on the map.

Cabarrus County Veterans Museum

Honoring Concord’s military heritage, this museum contains over 10,000 artifacts related to conflicts from World War I to Iraq. Highlights include:

• Uniforms, medals, and weapons tracing all branches of the armed forces
• Photographs, letters, diaries, and oral histories from Cabarrus veterans
• A 30-foot scale model of the USS North Carolina Battleship

Rotating exhibits cover various aspects of local military history.

Historic Homes

Several historic homes in Concord have been preserved as museums offering a glimpse into the past:

Hartsell House

• Built in 1835 Colonial home furnished with period antiques
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Guided tours provided

Coleman-Franklin-Cannon House

• Greek Revival home built in 1852
• Showcases upscale living during the Victorian era
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Corban Avenue House

• One of Concord’s oldest homes, dating to the late 18th century
• Operated by the Cabarrus Historical Society
• Features colonial furnishings and decor

These homes provide an intimate look into previous eras through their architecture, decorative arts, and household artifacts.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Located in Concord’s north side, the super speedway is one of the city’s top attractions drawing visitors from around the country.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

As Charlotte is considered the center of American motorsports, Concord is home to many related landmarks. The Hall of Fame contains exhibits honoring the sport’s greats including:

• Over 50 stock cars on display, including historic award-winning race cars
• Artifacts related to the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time
• Interactive exhibits explaining racing technology
• Glory Road featuring the actual paved surface from Talladega Superspeedway

With over 40,000 sq ft of exhibits, the Hall of Fame allows visitors to immerse themselves in racing history.

Race Weekends

The speedway has several marquee events annually drawing fans from far and wide:

• Coca-Cola 600 in May – NASCAR’s longest race
• Bank of America 500 – playoff race in October
• World of Outlaws Sprint Car events

On race weekends, the area becomes the center of attention with fans filling hotels, shops, and restaurants. The sights and sounds of races provide excitement to the community.

Speedway Tours

Fans can take behind-the-scenes tours of Charlotte Motor Speedway during most days of the year. These tours allow you to:

• Drive a stock car yourself around the speedway
• View garage areas
• See the infield care center
• Visit the TV broadcast booth

Tours provide insider access allowing visitors to see what few get to experience on non-race days.

Outdoor Recreation

In addition to historical and commercial landmarks, Concord provides plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities through its parks and nature preserves.

Frank Liske Park

The flagship park for Cabarrus County spans over 1,400 acres and contains a wide array of amenities including:

• Lake swimming complex with waterslides
• Extensive hiking, biking, and bridle trails
• Large campground withPrimitive and RV sites
• Picnic shelters
• Athletic fields and courts
• Boat rentals and fishing access

Whether you come for the day or camp overnight, the park provides outdoor fun and exercise for all ages.

Vietnam Veterans Park

Located along Concord’s scenic riverwalk area, this poignant memorial park honors local Vietnam War veterans and casualties. Highlights include:

• A Walk of Flags displaying all state flags
• Engraved black granite fountain etched with images from the era
• Statues and plaques describing major battles and campaigns
• An eternal flame honoring the fallen

The park provides a quiet, respectful tribute in a beautiful setting along the waterfront.

Nature Preserves

Concord has over 1,500 acres of nature preserves offering hiking paths through wetlands, forests, and meadows. These unspoiled natural areas provide habitat protection and opportunities to see native plants and wildlife. Major preserves include:

Rocky River Nature Preserve

• 415 acres with river access
• Pine and hardwood forests
• Spotted salamanders habitat

Irish Buffalo Creek Nature Preserve

• 367 acres
• Oak-hickory forest
• Wild azalea colonies in spring

Spending time surrounded by nature provides exercise and education through guided tours or simply hiking the trails solo while learning from informational signs.

Conclusion

From historic attractions like Reed Gold Mine and Union Street to NASCAR landmarks like the Hall of Fame and Speedway to outdoor recreation destinations, Concord provides an ideal getaway with a remarkable range of sites and activities.

Easy access from Charlotte allows visitors to experience Concord’s unique small-city flavor and hospitality while enjoying both history and nature alongside quintessential American excitement like auto racing.

Whether reliving the thrill of America’s first gold discovery, camping along a quiet creek, or cheering on stock cars roaring by at nearly 200 mph, Concord offers memorable adventures and singular attractions to suit any interest.