Spring Experiences

Gray historic building in the background with a formal flower garden in the foreground

NC State Historic Sites

Spring into History

Celebrate the wild and wonderful side of North Carolina this spring with America 250 NC. From blooming trails to untold stories, the road to 250 is full of beauty, history, and adventure!

Discover America 250 NC

Volunteers picking up litter on the beach.

Statewide Cleanup

North Carolina the Beautiful

America 250 NC has partnered with the DNCR Green Team and the North Carolina Aquariums to coordinate “North Carolina the Beautiful,” a statewide cleanup initiative throughout 2026.

Join a Cleanup

A group of people in colorful kayaks on the water

Explore State Parks

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages over 250,000 acres of iconic landscape across our state in our parks, recreation areas, and natural areas, with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation, and education.

Find a State Park

From the resilient west to the sunny coast, North Carolina’s rich natural history is Wild & Wonderful. From North Carolina State Parks and trails to museums and more, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources offers opportunities to travel and engage with the outdoors this Spring. Whether you're a longtime Tar Heel or planning your first visit to North Carolina, find events, travel itineraries, and more opportunities to get out and explore the beauty of North Carolina!

Experience Western North Carolina

Visit North Carolina’s beloved parks, museums, and historic sites in the western region.

Places to Visit

Outdoor Events

Spring Powwows Across the State

Visit the American Indian Heritage Commission online for information on events all month.

Find a Story Trail

The Story Trails of North Carolina highlights StoryWalk®/Book Trail/Book Walk programs across the state. These programs promote literacy and outdoor adventures for the whole family.

A band playing on a stage at night with an audience in the foreground and trees in the background.

Top Tips for a Great MerleFest Experience

Outdoor music festivals are one of our favorite ways to soak in the joy of North Carolina’s seasonal beauty while vibing to some awesome music.

Reenactors at Historic Halifax State Historic Site will commemorate the 249th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves April 11-12.

Halifax Resolves Days

Join us at the Historic Halifax State Historic Site as we honor 250 years since the Halifax Resolves, a bold step toward American independence.

NC Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The North Carolina Zoo protects wildlife and wild places and inspires people to join us in conserving the natural world.

Explore the Zoo

Conservation of the North Carolina Wilds

By gathering and sharing information about rare species and natural communities, North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program ensures public access to information that is needed to weigh the ecological significance of natural areas and to evaluate potential ecological impacts of conservation and development projects.

Volunteers on foot and canoe removing trash from a marshy area, circa 1990. Image courtesy of NC State Parks

View State Parks Archival Photos

Get inspired to explore some of our many State Parks this spring by exploring photos of wildlife, scenery and more from the State Archives' free Digital Collection.

Cultural Tourism & Trails

Authentic North Carolina adventures are at your fingertips with the N.C. Arts Council's arts tourism trails!

Wild & Wonder: Spring Experiences in North Carolina