Love racing, lakeside fun, and Southern charm? Visit Mooresville! In this post, I’ll share the lakeside parks, racing heritage, and cozy eateries I discovered in Mooresville, North Carolina—where small-town warmth meets high-octane charm. Just north of Charlotte, this lively town offers family-friendly attractions, unique museums, and plenty of small-town hospitality.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mooresville is from spring through fall (April to October). Warm weather is perfect for boating on Lake Norman, attending outdoor events, and exploring the area’s racing scene.
How to Get There
- By Car: Mooresville is located off I-77, about 30 minutes north of Charlotte and 2 hours from Greensboro.
- By Air: Fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), then drive north on I-77.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Kannapolis, about 40 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn Mooresville – Modern hotel with a pool and convenient access to shops and restaurants.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott – Spacious suites and a great location near Lake Norman.
- Carolina Inn of Lake Norman – Budget-friendly motel with easy highway access.
Top Attractions
Feed a Giraffe and Ride the Safari Wagon at The Lazy 5 Ranch -
Step Inside the Fast Lane at Penske Racing South and Feel the Power of Precision - Get a behind-the-scenes look at a working race shop.
Race Your Crew at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing and Own the Track -
Swim, Pick, or Say I Do at Carrigan Farms Where Nature Meets Celebration -
Tour the Heart of a Racing Legacy at JR Motorsports -
Time Travel Through Classic Cars and Memorabilia at Memory Lane Museum -
Honor Heroes at the Welcome Home Veterans Museum and Hear Stories That Matter -
See Local Talent Shine at the Mooresville Arts Gallery and Support Creative Voices -
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Feed a Giraffe and Ride the Safari Wagon at The Lazy 5 Ranch
- • Step Inside the Fast Lane at Penske Racing South and Feel the Power of Precision
- • Race Your Crew at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing and Own the Track
- • Swim, Pick, or Say I Do at Carrigan Farms Where Nature Meets Celebration
- • Tour the Heart of a Racing Legacy at JR Motorsports
- • Time Travel Through Classic Cars and Memorabilia at Memory Lane Museum
- • Honor Heroes at the Welcome Home Veterans Museum and Hear Stories That Matter
- • See Local Talent Shine at the Mooresville Arts Gallery and Support Creative Voices