Experience South Carolina

Things to Do in Rock Hill

With approximately 65,000 residents, Rock Hill has a number of things to do. As a family-friendly city, the Catawba River offers options along the water, plenty of museums and parks, and lots of activities that will have you busy for the entirety of your stay. Here are the top 10 things to do in Rock Hill, South Carolina!

Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour

Image: Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour Website

If you’re looking for a family adventure that everyone will enjoy, a Canaan Zipline Tour will surely blow you away. There are two options for zipline tours. You can do the full tour which is 9 different ziplines. You’ll start out by ascending a 70-foot tower and taking a 900-foot zip. The whole experience will take roughly three hours and cost you $89. However, if you’re not feeling committed enough for that, you can try a “bootleg” version. The “Bootleg Tour” includes that 70-foot ascension and the first five ziplines. If you’re loving it, you can continue for the full tour after that. The cost of the Bootleg Tour is $65. You can do as much or as little as you want, so make sure to book this in while you’re in Rock Hill.

Glencairn Gardens

Of all the things to do in Rock Hill, SC, Glencairn Gardens is one of the best! The beautiful 11-acre garden is open every single day from dawn until dusk and admission is absolutely FREE. There’s no reason not to visit! Yet, what’s so funny is that you’re walking in what was originally a backyard. David and Hazel Bigger had a beautiful backyard garden in 1928, and as it began to grow and expand, they began to share it. What might you see in Glencairn? Azaleas, dogwoods, wisteria, camellias, and hardwoods are among what’s planted in the garden. The blooms will be especially beautiful in late March and early April, so you might just get the best of Glencairn if you’re visiting Rock Hill during that window. Don’t miss out!

The Museum of York County

Image: Museum of York County Facebook

If you’re curious about the natural history of the region of Rock Hill, then the Museum of York County is the place for you. Here you’ll find a Naturalist Center Lab with 2,000 specimens, the Settlemyre Planetarium, and changing exhibits which make it worth going to over and over again. There are a variety of tours and programs each day which are appropriate for children of different ages. These programs all last anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes. This museum would be a great way to fill a morning or afternoon if you’re looking for things to do in Rock Hill!

Rock Hill Outdoor Center

The Rock Hill Outdoor Center provides a variety of public recreation facilities for everyone’s use. There are cycling venue, athletic fields, trails, green space, and even a kayak and canoe launch. If you or your family is active, the Rock Hill Outdoor Center is an absolute must visit when you’re looking for things to do when you visit. Bring your bikes, canoes, and kayaks or go for a walk together. There are endless possibilities when you have Mother Nature at your disposable!

Carowinds

Image: Carowinds Website

Carowinds is the perfect way to entertain your kids for an entire day. Carowinds is a 398-acre amusement part with all the rides and attractions you could ever want. If you’re visiting in warm weather, there’s also the Boomerang Bay waterpark and live entertainment. If you’re visiting during October, you can also enjoy Scarowinds. During December, there’s WinterFest. Amusement parks offer so many different things to do and see, you’ll be set for the entire day. Visit their website for more information about ticketing as it varies depending on age, time of day, and time of year.

Camp at Ebenezer Park

Ebenezer Park is 26-acres and is located on the north shores of Lake Wylie. If you love camping, head to Ebenezer Park which has 67 campsites equipped with water, sewer, electric, fire rings, and picnic tables. The park is open year-round. Make sure you make a reservation before you go. For all of the camping information, you can visit here. While you’re there, there are also boating and fishing opportunities. You’ll need a valid South Carolina fishing license if you want to fish in the waters of Lake Wylie. You can purchase a license at a convenience store, sporting goods store or bait and tackle shop in the area.

Play Ball at Cherry Park

Cherry Park is the spot if you’re interested in playing some casual softball or baseball while in Rockhill. This 68-acre park also has a large playground, park amenities, and scenic trails if you’re just looking for somewhere to get some exercise. With the exception of tournaments, park admission is always free. You can visit the park from 7 AM to 11 PM from March to October and then in the off season from 7 AM to 9 PM. Bring your own ball and teach your kids how to play! It’ll be a family memory for years to come.

Catawba Cultural Center

Image: The Catawba Indian Nation Website

The Catawba Cultural Center is an awesome little spot in Rock Hill because it provides the history of the area through the lens of the people there first, the Native Americans. The cultural center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and admission is free. You’ll find the Center in the only remaining Reservation Schoolhouse. While you’re there, you can learn more through the exhibits and the crafts store which displays hand-crafted Catawba pottery. This is an experience you can’t get anywhere else!

The Catawba River

If you’re looking for things to do in Rock Hill, you shouldn’t overlook the Catawba River. It’s also a place where you can get out and have a good time. What can you do? Paddling, boating, fishing, and swimming are all available. There are suggested trails and launch points for each activity. Visit Catawba River Keeper for how to safely get started with each activity. Yet, also remember that the river is relied on my many. The Catawba River reaches 24 counties in both of the Carolinas and supplies roughly two million people with drinking water. So, while you’re there, be respectful of the space.

Fountain Park

Image: Fountain Park Website

After a jam-packed day in Rock Hill, do you just want to relax? Head to Fountain Park to relax. Fountain Park is right in Rock Hill’s Old Town and offers a scenic spot to see all f the action. The park opened in December 2014 and it has a large green space, small performance venue, and a large fountain for which it’s named. There are interactive water jets, and instructions for how to use them, but no wading, swimming, playing, or hands or feet in the fountain are permitted. Let the whole family relax and enjoy the view or run out their energy on the green space before heading to get a bit to eat.

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