An interesting history coupled with majestic scenery makes Wilmington a dynamic city with a variety of attractions. Wedged between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, the city was founded as a major shipping port in 1732. Wilmington’s history, including its part in the Revolutionary and Civil War, is recorded at the Cape Fear Museum—North Carolina’s oldest history museum. African American settlement in the region is recorded through several attractions such as the Bellamy Mansion. Historic downtown features well-preserved buildings, old-fashioned carriage rides, and trolley car tours. Charming cafes, restaurants and shops make a walk through the area a delight. Wilmington’s relaxed environment welcomes guests while its friendliness, charm and array of attractions keep them coming back.
Things to do in Wilmington
Cape Fear Museum
For an overview of the cultural and natural histories of the Cape Fear region from prehistory to the present, the Cape Fear Museum, established in 1898, stands unsurpassed. A miniature re-creation of the second battle of Fort Fisher and a remarkable scale model of the Wilmington waterfront, c. 1863, are of special interest. Call (910) 341-4350 for more information.
814 Market St, Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Serpentarium
Featuring more than 100 species of snakes, most of them poisonous, the Serpentarium boasts the largest collection of venomous snakes in the world. Owner Dean Ripa is a major breeder of the South American bushmaster, the world's longest pit viper and the rarest of venomous snakes. He claims to be the world's first and only breeder capable of having the blackhead bushmaster reproduce in captivity. Call (910) 762-1669 for more information.
20 Orange St., Wilmington, NC
Thalian Hall/City Hall
Since its renovation and expansion in the late 1980s, the name has been, more accurately, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. And yes, it does share the same roof with City Hall. Conceived as a combined political and cultural center, Thalian Hall was built between 1855 and 1858. During its first 75 years, the Hall brought great national performers and some surprising celebrities to its stage: Lillian Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Philip Sousa, Oscar Wilde and Tom Thumb, to name a few. Call (910) 343-3664 for more information.
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington, NC
USS Battle Ship North Carolina
Without question, the Battleship North Carolina is the centerpiece of the Wilmington Riverfront. A majestic symbol of this country's hard-earned naval victories in World War II, the Battleship is a must-see attraction. Enshrined in a berth on Eagles Island across the Cape Fear River from historic downtown Wilmington, this awesome vessel is dedicated to the 10,000 North Carolinians of all the armed services who gave their lives during World War II. Call (910) 251-5797 for more information.
Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC
Wilmington Railroad Museum
The dramatic transformation that Wilmington underwent when the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad closed its corporate offices in the late 1960s is clearly borne out by this museum's fine photographs and artifacts. Beyond history, the Railroad Museum is a kind of funhouse for people fascinated by trains and train culture. Call (910) 763-2634 for more information.
501 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC