Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.
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Known as “Race City USA,” Mooresville, North Carolina, is a fun and inviting town with activities for everyone, not just auto fans! Just a 30-minute day trip from Charlotte and an hour from Greensboro, this Iredell County town hugs the shores of Lake Norman and is one of NC’s largest racing hubs.
Beyond racing’s huge footprint here, there are many things to do in Mooresville, including outdoor recreation, arts, and a delicious restaurant scene.
Inside our guide, we want you to see that there’s something for everyone to do during a trip to Mooresville and the southern side of Iredell County.
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Lake Norman offers quite a lot of fun to be had in southern Iredell County, but we hope that this article will show you all the fun found away from the lake as well!
Here’s how we’ve organized this guide covering things to do in Mooresville:
- Mooresville at a Glance
- Annual Events
- Things to do in Mooresville’s Downtown
- Racer-Friendly Things to Do in Mooresville
- Outdoor Fun (Lake Norman and Beyond)
- More Things to Do in Mooresville
- Where to Eat
- Where to Stay
- More Things to Do in Mooresville (Related Posts)
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Mooresville area and are wondering, “What are the best things to do near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: Places to Visit in Central North Carolina and The Best Things to Do in North Carolina
Mooresville at a Glance
With significant industries beyond simply racing, including Carolina Beer and Beverage and Lowe’s Home Improvement Headquarters, the workforce in Mooresville is highly skilled and educated.
With that comes a rich and diverse set of activities and businesses to enjoy. Despite its proximity to Charlotte, Mooresville still very much has a small-town vibe and character, making it enjoyable for families and couples to visit and live.
Read More: 25+ Great Things to Do in Lake Norman (Nearby Towns and Parks)
Annual Events in Mooresville
- June & October: Uncorked & Artsy is an evening of enjoying local artisans with wine and beer tastings. Local and regional artists set up downtown Mooresville, and tastings happen inside and outside of local businesses.
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
- June-October: Festival of Food Trucks takes place once a month in the Summer months in downtown Mooresville and brings a crowd! Downtown Mooresville is closed off while incredible area food trucks are set up for a great evening of fun and food!
- October: Downtown Mooresville Wiener Races raises money for local pet rescue groups and the Lake Norman Humane. Contestgoers get to watch multiple races and events!
- October: Mooresville hosts the NC Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Charles Mack Citizen Center.
- December: Downtown Mooresville Mistletoe Sip & Shop is a great way to get your holiday shopping in while also supporting local businesses!
Mooresville NC Things Things To Do (Downtown)
The historic downtown district of Mooresville is only part of where all of the fun happens! But we suggest it be the first place to start your weekend adventure.
Downtown Mooresville has a vibrant local scene that is wonderful for both residents and travelers!
There is plenty of parking downtown (we REALLY appreciate easy and free parking!), and it feels like there is always something going on downtown. To make it easier and a little cheaper on yourself, download the Downtown Mooresville app for ideas and local deals!
Future Fashion Designers
Address: 122 S Main St, Mooresville, NC
Website
From Hollywood to Mooresville, Shawnelle Cherry is on a mission to help inspire and cultivate her love for fashion to others at Future Fashion Designers.
Having designed gowns seen on the red carpet, Shawnelle now teaches design classes for all ages and skill levels, drawing on her lifetime of experience.
Adults wanting to make their Project Runway dreams come true can book a weekend at her Camp Sew Social. Here, you’ll spend four days in a luxurious retreat on Lake Norman, learning and collaborating!
DE Turner Hardware
Address: 111 N Main St, Mooresville, NC
Serving the community since 1899, DE Turner Hardware is a must-stop, even if you aren’t in the market for any hardware supplies or tools. Walking around the historic building is fun on its own!
The store also features local gifts, antiques, and memorabilia, making it more than just a shopping experience.
Mooresville Arts
A thriving arts organization is in the heart of every great North Carolina small town.
Mooresville Arts has provided the community with opportunities to interact with the arts for decades. They also host local, regional, and international artists.
Racer-Friendly Things to Do in Mooresville
North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame
Every racing fan should start their adventure in Mooresville at the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame. Located along Main Street in downtown Mooresville, etched stone pavers celebrate the driver’s name, car number, and year of induction.
Read More: 20+ Awesome Museums in Charlotte and Nearby!
Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Address: 119 Knob Hill Rd, Mooresville, NC
Website
After browsing the Hall of Fame pavers along Main Street, head to the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame for more history and memorabilia. You’ll find a variety of auto racing represented here, ranging from stock cars to drag racing.
Learn about the fascinating stories that have made racing America’s sport.
JR Motorsports
Address: 349 Cayuga Dr, Mooresville, NC
Website
Known in the racing world as the home of NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr, JR Motorsports has a 66,000-square-foot race shop. Check out the gift shop and a viewing area where you can see some of the cars on display.
A behind-the-scenes tour can be arranged if you call in advance.
Penske Racing
With 105 acres of state-of-the-art racing facilities, Team Penske houses all of its NASCAR and IndyCars here. Race fans can walk the 432-foot suspended bridge on top of these cars and see how they prepare for upcoming races.
Kyle Busch Motorsports
Address: 351 Mazeppa Rd, Mooresville, NC
Website
Catch a glimpse of Kyle Busch’s trophies as well as winning cars at Kyle Busch Motorsports. This 77,000-square-foot facility has plenty of unique things for racing fans to see!
The Pit Indoor Kart Racing
Address: 346 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC
Website
Since Mooresville is Race City, USA, there’s also a chance for you to push that pedal to the metal! At The Pit Indoor Kart Racing, you’ll find more than 140,000 square feet of racing fun.
Race fans who can reach speeds up to 45 mph will attest to this being one of the best things to do in Mooresville!
GoPro Motorplex
Address: 130 Motorplex Dr, Mooresville, NC
Website
If you are looking for an outdoor racing experience, head to GoPro Motorplex, the only outdoor course in the state. On the 0.7-mile track, you can hit speeds up to 55 mph before hitting any of the 11 turns.
Designed after the famous Kartdromo Parma circuit in Italy, GoPro Motorplex is perfect for large groups and corporate team-building outings. Ask them about using their 2,4000 square foot indoor meeting space!
Outdoor Things to Do in Mooresville
Lake Norman State Park
North Carolina’s largest manufactured lake makes for an incredible outdoor adventure near Mooresville! The 520 miles of shoreline at Lake Norman means there are plenty of places to launch your boat and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.
At Lake Norman State Park, you’ll find 30-plus miles of trails, camping, boating, and a beautiful sandy beach for swimming. Our favorite trail is the Lakeshore Trail, which can be shortened into a 2.6-mile loop and is perfect for kids and hikers of all abilities.
We also recommend stopping by the Visitors Center at Lake Norman State Park for a picnic and renting a paddleboat. The cost of your rental includes a life jacket and is an excellent way for us non-boaters to get in the water!
If you are visiting and did not bring a boat, don’t worry! There are multiple boat rental companies in Lake Norman. Lake Norman Boat Rentals is a locally owned and operated company that’s only 15 minutes from downtown Mooresville. You can rent a pontoon boat and tube from them and spend a wonderful day (or more) out on the water!
Read More: Outdoor Things to Do in Charlotte
Carrigan Farms
Address: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC
Website
One of the best outdoor things to do near Mooresville NC is exploring the beautiful Carrigan Farms property. Family-owned and operated for five generations, Carrigan Farms offers strawberry picking in the spring, apple picking, and pumpkin patch visits in the late summer/early fall.
Note that Carrigan Farms is cash only, so make sure to stop by an ATM before enjoying the festivities.
Beyond the farm is a stunning spring-fed quarry that makes for a beautiful backdrop.
Mazeppa Park Mountain Bike Trail
Add some cardio to your trip by hitting the trails on your bike. The 4.9-mile intermediate loop at Mazeppa Park offers grades up to 11 percent and is guaranteed to be a great time!
More Things to Do in Mooresville
Live Well Sauna & Salt
Address: 129 Mecklynn Rd Suite D, Mooresville, NC
Website
Honest question: Who doesn’t need a little pampering?
Live Well Sauna & Salt is a locally owned health spa with a full-spectrum infrared sauna and dry-salt halotherapy facility. In dry salt therapy, pharmaceutical-grade salt is heated and crushed into micro-particles.
Those MPs are then dispersed into the salt room to be inhaled while you relax during your session, which can help with various conditions, including asthma and allergies.
LangTree Village
Address: 120 Langtree Village Dr, Mooresville, NC
Website
If you are looking for where all the action is at Lake Norman, you can’t miss LangTree Lake Norman. Easily accessible off of I-77, LangTree Lake Norman is a plaza full of locally owned retail shops, restaurants, and residential space.
Various events make the area come alive day and night. Trust us when we say LangTree is a great place to connect with the community, stroll the sidewalks, and window-shop! It’s also just 20 minutes from Charlotte.
Antiquing
Ready for the largest antique mall that you can possibly imagine? The Lake Norman Antique Mall is located in a renovated mill and truly is a Mooresville gem.
You can spend hours browsing the different vendors looking for the perfect vintage piece or eclectic antique to add to your home. Every time you visit, it seems like more and more treasures emerge from nowhere!
Where to Eat in Mooresville
Grab a delicious breakfast at Sun Up Cafe in Langtree Village, or find gluten-free treats at the Patisserie Cafe.
Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Mooresville and Nearby (Prepare for a Food Coma!)
Another crowd favorite close to downtown Mooresville is the historic What-a-Burger #11. The circa 1950 fast-food chain is known for its delicious burgers, onion rings, and Witch Doctor drink (features all of the sodas on the line plus pickle juice!)
If you are looking for some delicious comfort food spots in Mooresville, then there are several incredible restaurants to try! Big Tiny’s BBQ downtown serves up Texas-style barbecue with small-town love.
Another top-rated local favorite is Alino Pizzeria, a wood-fired pizza joint that only uses the best Italian ingredients. The pizzas are enormous and well crafted, plus you can order housemade cannolis if you save room for afterward!
Table 31 in Langtree has casual American dishes with a cocktail list that is more than impressive! Share a grilled artichoke and leave plenty of room for the main course. Prime rib cooked to perfection and beautiful yellowfin tuna are just some of the delicious entrees waiting for you.
Stay tuned for more food finds in Mooresville and elsewhere in Iredell County!
Breweries in Mooresville
It wouldn’t be a trip for us without a visit to some North Carolina breweries! In Mooresville, there are three thirst-quenching breweries to visit, each with a different vibe. Jolly Roger Brewery is veteran-owned and known for its deep flavors and pirate-themed names.
If you are looking for a mix of the old and the new, King Canary is where you’ll find inspiration and flavor in brews. From everything from IPAs to fruited sours, this Mooresville brewery is where beer lovers go.
Finally, the most popular brewery in Mooresville (Ghostface Brewing) deserves mention. With two locations—one serving pizza and the other serving as their “Beer Lab”—Ghostface Brewing has a rotating tap that suits all beer palates.
Something unique to note about Ghostface is that many of their beers are low in gluten and considered safe for Celiacs. One of the owners has gluten sensitivity, and she drew on this to create a beer for those who can’t consume it.
Read More: North Carolina Breweries
Where to Stay in Mooresville
Whenever you decide to visit, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay in Mooresville!
If you are interested in a comfortable hotel close to all of the action, Tru by Hilton in Langtree is a beautiful choice. Located right off of I-77, it’s easy to access downtown and Lake Norman from this property.
If you want to stay by Lake Norman, there are plenty of stunning and relaxing Airbnbs! For a romantic getaway on the lake, check out this property!
Ready to Explore These Things to Do in Mooresville NC?
Mooresville is a beautiful and charming small North Carolina town with many things to do! Whether you love racing, antique shopping, or are simply looking for excellent outdoor recreation, this is your spot!
Spend a weekend on the lake and enjoy Mooresville’s wonderful restaurants and breweries. You are guaranteed to have an incredible weekend here!
