Things to do in Banner Elk

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Colorful North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains sunset in Autumn from Sugar Mountain
Adobe
Adobe
Adobe
Adobe

Banner Elk Attractions

There's something quite special about smaller cities. Whether you're on your way to Banner Elk for a couple of days or you're planning on staying longer, you'll quickly fall in love with this destination. In fact, with so many thrilling things to do and extraordinary attractions to enjoy, you mightn't want to leave!

If you're ready to discover the best of Banner Elk, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {3 fun activities in Banner Elk fun activities in Banner Elk} are also worth checking out.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

What to do in Banner Elk

Free Things to Do in Banner Elk

A visit to Banner Elk need not cost a fortune. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Grandfather Trout Farm

- If you love animals, don't return home without spending time here.

Lees-McRae College

- Get ready to feel like you've taken a step back in time while roaming around this historic site.

Things to Do in Banner Elk with Kids

Banner Elk boasts loads of close by fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the gang happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Banner Elk? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Banner Elk

Sugar Mountain ski resort town park with idyllic picnic table bench under tree and view of ski chair slope and beautiful green North Carolina Blue Ridge Appalachia

Sugar Mountain Resort

4.5/5(163 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Sugar Mountain with a visit to Sugar Mountain Resort. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Sugar Mountain Resort
Banner Elk, North Carolina highway road street in city town by Sugar and Beech Mountain ski resorts with view of Grandfather Mountain State Park in sunny morning ridge peak

Beech Mountain Resort

4.5/5(114 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Banner Elk with a visit to Beech Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Beech Mountain Resort
Yellow brick road Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Land of Oz

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Land of Oz during your visit to Beech Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Land of Oz
Time to make some wine!

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery
This is the headstone of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This elk has been in the town forever, but this past year the elk has been refurbished and installed as the centerpiece of the town. This elk frames Appalachia in the sense of this small town pride in the mountains. In the background you can see the historic elementary school and rolling mountains and once again the North Carolina pride of the state flag surrounding this elk even though about 100ft to the right there is another flagpole with the same flags raised high and proud. This is where every child in this town went to school in this picturesque location but as time rolls on is Appalachia move on too? #appalachianechoes

The Greene

The Greene is just one of the places to see in Banner Elk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

The Greene
Throughout my childhood I spent so much time at this park. I always remember of thinking of it as the park in the middle of the mountains. What I never noticed as a child was how every single aspect of this park was planned out and put there for a reason. Likewise before studying the photographic image I had never thought about how we construct a image and its affordances and constraints. One thing I really want to point out in this image is that while we have this beautiful park there is a huge ugly pipe in the middle of the photograph. It is part of the necessity of the planning of the park, just like the frame is a necessity of an image. We sometimes want to forget it is there but it is a necessary part of an image and still has meaning. #appalachianechoes

Tate-Evans Park

You can learn about the history of Banner Elk when you stop by Tate-Evans Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Tate-Evans Park

Hawksnest Tubing Park

4/5(55 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Seven Devils with a visit to Hawksnest Tubing Park. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Hawksnest Tubing Park

Banner Elk Winery

4.5/5(37 reviews)

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Banner Elk Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its ski slopes.

Banner Elk Winery

Lees-McRae College

4.5/5(38 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Lees-McRae College, during your travels in Banner Elk. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.

Lees-McRae College

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Banner Elk

blue ridge mountains near mount mitchell and cragy gardens

Mill Ridge

While Mill Ridge might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Grandfather Vineyard & Winery and Grandfather Trout Farm.

Mill Ridge
Appalachia, where patriotism lives on. A lot of times we stereotype Appalachia to be very proud of their country and the south. This photo captures small town mainstreet flag pole. In Banner Elk there is one stoplight and on that main street is our American flag flying high with the rolling mountains in the background. The highlight of this small town is the 4th of July. This image just reminds me of how the town comes to life to be all American on that day. #appalachianechoes

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Elk Statue and Tate-Evans Park.

Downtown
From the top of Sugar Mountain looking at Tyne Castle in Banner Elk North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains

Tynecastle

If you're spending some time in Tynecastle, Grandfather Mountain State Park and Watauga River are top sights worth seeing.

Tynecastle
Blue Ridge Parkway, scenic autumn view, Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

Charter Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Charter Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Beech Mountain Resort and Land of Oz.

Charter Hills
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Banner Elk

Grandfather Mountain showing mountains and forests

Blowing Rock

Grandfather Mountain showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway as well as an individual male

Linville

S072H2 Fall color at Buckeye Lake, Beech Mountain, N.C.

Beech Mountain

Another #hiddentreasure of Appalachia is this view from Vilas Overlook. I managed to snap a picture at the perfect time—the leaves are changing colors, the goldenrod is in full-bloom, and the cloudy sky is covering the hills like a blanket. That’s right—not even the cloudy skies can diminish the incredible view that this is. I found it on my way to Trashcan Falls, and it is up a dirt road. The view was different than other overlooks like Thunderhill and Howard’s Knob in my opinion because this one was nestled right in a residential area. You can even see the house I had to park above to get this shot! Luckily it was a lazy Sunday and nobody seemed to notice I was there—they were all probably napping after church! #appalachianechoes #vilas #overlook #appalachia #mountains

Vilas

Winter waterfall near Blue Ridge and Boone

Seven Devils

A small but wonderful park to stop at if you are in the area. There are several small waterfalls that are within short walking distance from the parking area. View a video of Waterfalls Park here: https://www.hdcarolina.com/episode/waterfalls-park #Green

Newland

Back Country Road Farm near Valle Crucis in Autumn North Carolina

Valle Crucis

Boone

Boone

Frequently asked questions

Is Banner Elk worth visiting?
Known for its hiking and skiing, discovering fun things to do in Banner Elk is a cinch. Be sure to add Grandfather Mountain to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Banner Elk?
After you've visited top attractions like Land of Oz and Grandfather Trout Farm, spend the rest of your day exploring the retail and food options in Banner Elk.
What is the top tourist attraction in Banner Elk?
You can't leave without visiting Grandfather Mountain, rated the top tourist attraction in Banner Elk.
Is three days enough to stay in Banner Elk?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Grandfather Mountain, Hawksnest Tubing Park and Land of Oz with a three-day stay in Banner Elk. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Boone.
Is Banner Elk a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, Banner Elk is a great place to visit. Find leading attractions, like Hawksnest Tubing Park, a walkable distance from downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Charter Hills, a vibrant neighborhood located about 3 miles from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Banner Elk with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Banner Elk with kids.
What to do in Banner Elk for adults?
Banner Elk Winery and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery are just a few of the things to do in Banner Elk. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Banner Elk?
In Banner Elk, Grandfather Trout Farm is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Banner Elk.