Things To Do

Old Town Rock Hill

In 2001, the term “Old Town” was coined to identify and market the historically significant area surrounding Rock Hill’s downtown. Years later, the meaning of Old Town, and its importance as an asset to the City, continues to evolve. The association’s website: https://www.onlyinoldtown.com/ and Facebook page are both great resources for current activities in the area.

Visit York County

We are Charlotte’s Southern neighbor and the northernmost county in the Olde English District region of South Carolina. We’re an adventurous, affordable and authentically southern experience. An undiscovered destination, we offer big-city amenities in a warm, friendly environment known for its hospitality and outdoor adventure. Learn More about York County

Seven museums are in the city, and many more in the area.

The Museum of York County is a natural history museum located near the Rock Hill Airport.

The Comporium Telephone Museum is a historical museum located in Downtown about the history of technology in Rock Hill.
The Rock Hill Fire Museum is a museum located in Downtown about the history of the Rock Hill Fire Department.
The Center for the Arts is an art museum also located in Downtown and owned by the York County Arts Council viewing local art.
The Tom S Getty Art Center is a local art museum featuring local art located in Downtown Rock Hill
The Main Street Children’s Museum is located in Downtown as well, specializing in children’s learning and educational activities.

The White Home is a museum on White Street and is on the National Register of Historical Places.

Museums outside Rock Hill include Historic Brattonsville, the Catawba Cultural Center at the Catawba Indian reservation, and several museums located in the Charlotte area.

Catawba Cultural Center

The Catawba people were once one of the most powerful tribes in the South and are the only federally recognized tribe in the state. One of the Siouan peoples, they have a rich history in this area and most of the remaining Catawba Nation still resides in Rock Hill. They are mostly known for their traditional pottery making techniques, something that has been passed down from generation to generation for 6,000 years.

The Catawba Cultural Center aims to promote and preserve their rich cultural heritage. The exhibits can be seen here for no charge, and staff members will be happy to guide you and answer any questions you may have. See artifacts and archives and learn more about the fascinating history of the Catawba people. Further, in the fall, they hope to bring back their Yap Ye Iswa (Day of Catawba), which helps to preserve the culture and educate non-native people about their culture and heritage.

Fountain Park

Just a short walk from our Inn is the block-sized urban park at Main and Elizabeth Streets within walking distance to all the downtown shopping and restaurants. One end of Fountain Park features an amphitheater stage while the other is the water fountain.

One of the best times to visit Fountain Park is every third Friday from May through October during Food Truck Friday. Dozens of food trucks line the streets surrounding the park, which are closed to vehicles for the event, as live music echoes through the air from the stage.

Glencairn Gardens

Began in 1928 as the backyard garden of two of Rock Hill’s citizens, David and Hazel Bigger. It is now a 4.5-hectare (11-acre) paradise nestled in the center of town that is ever-growing as the community that continues to cultivate it. The garden is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and connected to various areas of downtown Rock Hill. A veteran’s garden was recently added as a tribute to those who have served. While the peak blooming season is during late March/early April, visitors can enjoy azaleas, dogwoods, wisteria, camellias, and more year-round.

Riverwalk

This is a dynamic, riverfront community with a distinctive, outdoor lifestyle being developed on the scenic Catawba River. The 1,008 acre master planned community features 850 home sites, 250 town-home, and 550 apartments. Enjoy unique dining, shopping, and entertainment concepts and world class cycling venue all intermixed along a 2.5 mile stretch of the Catawba River. Beautiful paved walking trail and other public space along the river provide an excellent opportunity to enjoys nature and scenery.

Rock Hill Outdoor Center

This 100-hectare (250-acre) outdoor space was designed and built to add more recreational space to the surrounding community. Here you can enjoy cycling, athletic fields, trails, a kayak/canoe launch, and more. Imagine hiking the 3.62-kilometer (2.25-mile) Piedmont Medical Trail, soaking up views of the beautiful Catawba River, or using the public green space for an impromptu game of frisbee with your family.

Into cycling? This is definitely the place for you. The Giordana Velodrome has hosted national cycling events and provides equipment and instructions for all experience levels. The park also features a BMX Supercross Track, Rock Hill Criterium, and mountain bike course along River Park.

Water Sports

Nestled next to the Catawba River, Rock Hill is conveniently near some great kayaking, tubing, fishing, and hiking. There are even some mild white-water rapids along the ways. Especially beautiful is the May bloom of the spider lilies found along the river in Landsford Canal State Park.

Sporting Venues / Activities

In additional to the activities mention above, Rock Hill is home to many other fantastic sporting venues and activities.

Disk Golf – Rock Hill is home of Innova Golf East and this October, the US Disc Golf Championship is expected to return to Winthrop University for the 22nd consecutive year from October 7-10, 2020. Along with the 27 hole Winthrop University Disk Golf Course , Rock Hill has Boyd Park (18), Fewell Park (18), Rock Hill High School, and fifteen other public access courses.

Cherry Park – Rock Hill’s premier softball/baseball facility nestled in a beautiful 68 acre park with scenic trails, a large playground and numerous park amenities. The park can be enjoyed year-round and provides athletic programs for both youth and adults. Cherry Park was the second sports venue to be inducted into the National Softball Association’s (NSA) Hall of Fame; the park is proud to host some of the largest regional, state, and national tournaments in the country.
Manchester Meadows – 70 acres of recreation space that’s enjoyed year-round and provides athletic programs for youth and adults. Its soccer fields, trails, soccer pavilion, and additional park amenities are nestled in a beautifully landscaped setting. Other ways to enjoy Manchester Meadows Park include picnics by the lake and fun on the playground. The park also hosts local, regional and national athletic tournaments.
Rock Hill Sports & Event Center – the sports hub of the Knowledge Park corridor of Rock Hill!  The 170,000 sq. ft. facility is part of a mixed-use site connecting Winthrop University to Old Town Rock Hill, restaurants, outdoor venues, office space, apartments and more. The Center will host city athletic programs, sports tournaments, conferences/conventions, concerts and other special events.  By offering healthy living activities as well as cultural and tourism opportunities, the Sports and Event Center adds to the quality of life in Rock Hill and surrounding areas.
Football City USA – thanks to the freakishly high number of NFL players it has turned out per capita (one player per 8,512 people). And between three of its high schools, more are likely on the way—you can watch the future of the NFL play before your very eyes. South Point, Northwestern and Rock Hill High games are played on Friday evenings in the Fall.
Camp Canaan Canopy Tour – the perfect adventure for families, corporate outings, leadership development, thrill-seekers and educational opportunities. Designed for guests who are in reasonably good health, the Zipline tour is a thrilling experience for first-timers as well as high-adventure enthusiast. If you’re looking for the best Ziplining near Charlotte, NC, the Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour is where it’s at!