Gaston County Offers A Wide Variety of Activities  From one of the country’s most spectacular botanical gardens, to a historic cathedral to a Harley Davidson museum, Gaston County is filled with interesting things to do and places to see. Here’s a list of some of the highlights. For more information on activities in and around Gaston County, visit the Gaston County Visitor’s Center in Belmont, just off I-85 at exit 26. And visit the Travel and Tourism website at: www.gastontourism.com See the most interesting and beautiful attractions in Gaston County with our self-guided Magnolia Tour, including:
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden — Named one of the nation's "20 Great Gardens" by HGTV, enjoy 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a glass-domed Pavilion and more. Gaston County Museum of Art & History — Based in an elegantly simple former hotel, features changing art exhibits, NC's largest public collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and many historic artifacts. Belmont Abbey — Once the only abbey cathedral in the nation, its beautiful painted-glass windows won a gold prize in 1893. World's Largest Flying American Flag, 114 by 65 feet, a patriotic tribute by the local chapter of United Veterans of America. Dallas Courthouse and Dallas Historic District, featuring a fine collection of 19th and early 20th Century buildings that tell the story of Piedmont village life. Lineberger Maple Springs Farm, a pumpkin patch and play land for children with old fashioned fun and games each fall harvest season, plus seasonal berry picking. Crowders Mountain State Park, 5,096 acres of rugged peaks with breathtaking views, accessible by trails designed for the tenderfoot to the seasoned hiker. Carolina Harley-Davidson Museum – See old Harley- Davidson motorcycles, memorabilia, leather outfits and photographs in the new architecturally designed home of Carolina Harley-Davidson in Gastonia.		U.S. National Whitewater Center — World's largest whitewater-focused facility on 300 riverside acres. Enjoy rafting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and other outdoor recreation. Schiele Museum of Natural History — Largest collection of land mammal species in the Southeast, a great planetarium and changing exhibits. Grier Beam Truck Museum — This museum features great old trucks and memorabilia of the industry. Christmastown USA — Hundreds of thousands of lights turn McAdenville into a wonderland each Christmas. Cherryville Heritage Park includes 19th century buildings that illustrate the history of Cherryville, including a City Hall, school, smokehouse and jail. Cherryville Historical Museum includes artifacts dating from the early 1800s, plus a rare wall-size painting of a bull created years ago to advertise Bull Durham tobacco. American Military Museum of Gastonia, exhibiting military uniforms, medals, weapons and models of ships, planes, and tanks. Brevard Station — A museum portraying pictures, artifacts and documents from the past, including the discovery of the Bigleaf Magnolia in the area — and that's why we call this the Magnolia Tour!