• Q: Why is Mooresville known as "Race City USA"?
  • A: Mooresville is fondly known as "Race City USA" because of the many prominent NASCAR racing teams that call the area home.
  • Q: What activities are available for racing fans in Mooresville?
  • A: Racing fans shouldn't miss the chance to tour racing facilities and pick up some branded merchandise. They can also experience the thrill of speeding around the track at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing go-kart facility.
  • Q: What activities can adrenaline junkies enjoy in Mooresville?
  • A: Adrenaline junkies can zip around the track at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing facility, offering an exciting go-karting experience.
  • Q: What family-friendly activities are available in Mooresville?
  • A: If you're day-tripping with kids, you can enjoy activities such as apple picking, joining a horse-drawn wagon safari, and even attending a workshop.
  • Q: Is Mooresville a good destination for families?
  • A: Yes, Mooresville offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, making it a great destination for both racing fans and families looking for fun activities.

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1. The Lazy 5 Ranch


The Lazy 5 Ranch

© The Lazy 5 Ranch

Home to more than 750 animals representing 6 of the world's continents, The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned and operated zoo with exotic animals like zebras and giraffes as well as more familiar farm animals. A 3 1/2-mile driving route runs through the park; visitors are welcome to drive their own vehicles, and for an additional fee, you can take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Many of the animals come right up to the vehicles to be fed and pet, and wagon riders are provided with half a bucket of animal feed. Extra buckets are available for purchase.

15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-663-5100

2. Penske Racing South Facility


Penske Racing South Facility

© Penske Racing South Facility

Sitting on a 105-acre property, the Penske Racing South Facility is a state-of-the-art facility that all three of the Team Penske racing teams call home. All the teams' NASCAR and IndyCar are kept here, and there's a 330-foot fan walk where visitors can watch as cars are prepared for upcoming races. Tours of the facility can be arranged on certain days, and if you want to bring home a souvenir, you can also stop by the 4,986-square-foot gift shop to pick up a piece of Penske Racing merchandise.

200 Penske Way, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-664-2300

3. The Pit Indoor Kart Racing


The Pit Indoor Kart Racing

© Szymon/stock.adobe.com

Boasting more than 140,000 square feet of indoor entertainment, The Pit Indoor Kart Racing is an excellent place to experience the adrenaline rush of go-karting and other exciting activities. The 70,000-foot track boasts 20 challenging turns and plenty of space for passing, and the karts sit only inches off the ground and can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. A viewing area with TVs overlooks the track for people who would rather watch than ride, and other activities include a black light mini golf course, a laser tag arena, and more than 65 arcade games.

346 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-799-3470

4. Carrigan Farms


Carrigan Farms

© Carrigan Farms

Family owned and operated for five generations, Carrigan Farms grows some of the most delicious fresh produce in all of North Carolina. They typically have fruits and vegetables for sale between the middle of April and the middle of November, and there are several U-Pick options as well, including strawberries and asparagus in the spring and pumpkins and apples in the fall. The property also features a beautiful spring-fed quarry with a sandy beach volleyball court, and during the summer, visitors can attend an open swim, participate in a water aerobics class, or book the space for a private swim party.

1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-664-1450

5. JR Motorsports


JR Motorsports

© EwaStudio/stock.adobe.com

JR Motorsports is well known in the racing world as the management company for NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and they operate a 66,000-square-foot race shop that's a must-visit for any racing fans in Mooresville. The gift shop has a wide range of items for sale, including apparel, autographed items, and used race car tires, and there's a small viewing area where you can see some JR Motorsports cars on display. The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday, and if you call in advance, you might be able to arrange a behind the scenes tour of the shop.

349 Cayuga Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117, Phone: 704-799-4800

6. Memory Lane Museum


Memory Lane Museum

© Memory Lane Museum

Featuring an incredible collection of more than 150 unique vehicles, the Memory Lane Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of motorsports. Many of the cars are vintage race cars and retired NASCAR cars in pristine condition, but there's also a display of wrecked race cars that shows the evolution of safety features in the sport over the years. Other items on display include antique toys, pedal cars, and a large collection of racing go-karts. The museum is open Monday through Saturday with extended hours during race weeks, and guided tours are available by appointment.

769 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117, Phone: 704-662-3673

7. Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum


Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum

© tanarch/stock.adobe.com

A unique combination of living museum and coffee shop, the Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum was created in honor of Vietnam War veteran Richard Warren, who operated a local cafe that was a gathering place for the community's veterans. The museum houses a cafe in Richard's memory, and it also has plenty of war memorabilia on display and a gift shop where you can purchase military merchandise. Breakfast, lunch, and coffee are served Monday through Saturday, and veterans receive free coffee every Thursday. A particularly good time to visit is on Saturday morning, when musicians gather to play music.

165 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-663-0488

8. Mooresville Arts Gallery


Mooresville Arts Gallery

© Mooresville Arts Gallery

Located right downtown, the Mooresville Arts Gallery is a non-profit organization that has been the heart of the city's arts community for decades. There are three gallery spaces that host rotating exhibitions of art by local, regional, and international artists, and artist receptions are held once a month, usually on a Friday evening. Admission to the galleries and the receptions is free of charge, and visitors are always encouraged to attend. If you'd rather try your hand at creating your own masterpiece, you can also attend one of the many arts and crafts workshops that are held here.

103 W Center Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115, Phone: 704-663-6661

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