Love racing, lakeside fun, and Southern charm? Visit Mooresville! Known as “Race City USA,” Mooresville blends motorsports heritage with waterfront recreation on Lake Norman. 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
© 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
⮕ 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.
© 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
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Race Your Crew at The Pit Indoor Kart Racing and Own the Track
© 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
⮕ Swim, Pick, or Say I Do at Carrigan Farms Where Nature Meets Celebration
© 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
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Tour the Heart of a Racing Legacy at 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
⮕ Time Travel Through Classic Cars and Memorabilia at 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
⮕ Honor Heroes at the Welcome Home Veterans Museum and Hear Stories That Matter
© 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
⮕ See Local Talent Shine at the Mooresville Arts Gallery and Support Creative Voices
© 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
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Lake Norman – Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics at North Carolina’s largest manmade lake.
- North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame – Explore the history of NASCAR and local racing legends.
- Zootastic Park – Family-friendly zoo with exotic animals, drive-thru safaris, and seasonal events.
- Downtown Mooresville – Walkable historic district with boutiques, cafes, and murals celebrating the town’s racing roots.
Where to Eat
- Epic Chophouse – Upscale steakhouse in a historic downtown building with a refined menu and cozy atmosphere.
- On the Nines Bistro – Creative Southern cuisine with golf course views in nearby Statesville.
- Joe Fish Casual Seafood – Local favorite for fresh seafood, sandwiches, and a laid-back vibe.
Local Events
- Race City Festival (May) – Celebrate Mooresville’s racing heritage with live music, food, and family fun downtown.
- Lake Norman Fireworks Show (July) – Watch patriotic fireworks over the lake with boat and park viewing.
- Downtown Mooresville Christmas Parade (December) – Classic small-town holiday celebration with floats, bands, and Santa Claus.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Mooresville, North Carolina
- Davidson (15–20 min) – Stroll charming downtown streets, visit Davidson College, or enjoy lakeside dining.
- Cornelius (20–25 min) – Explore Lake Norman, rent a boat, or relax at waterfront parks and restaurants.
- Huntersville (25–30 min) – Visit Discovery Place Kids, shop at Birkdale Village, or hike at Latta Nature Preserve.
- Troutman (10–15 min) – Explore local parks, attend small-town events, or head to Lake Norman State Park for outdoor fun.
- Sherrills Ford (20–25 min) – Enjoy lakeside living, waterfront bars, and peaceful coves on Lake Norman’s western shore.
- Terrell (25–30 min) – Visit lakeside marinas, enjoy a relaxed pace, or dine at local hidden gems by the water.
- Statesville (25–30 min) – Explore historic downtown, visit local museums, or enjoy arts and antiques shopping.
- Mount Mourne (10 min) – Drive scenic roads, explore historic buildings, and experience rural charm minutes from town.
- Lake Norman State Park (15–20 min) – Hike, swim, or paddle in one of the area’s top spots for outdoor recreation.
FAQ
- 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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