group tours in high point

High Point is a city full of surprises and delights. With everything from castles and gold mines, to plantations and a giant chest of drawers, you and your group are sure to find unforgettable adventures. Join us for a memorable time in a city with charm, history and down-home hospitality.

Below, you will find sample itineraries for several of our most popular theme tours. Itineraries can be combined, expanded and customized to suit your group's needs. For detailed information on specific attractions, please refer to the "What to Do" section of our website.

Theme Tours

school group educational tour

MORNING

HIGH POINT MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL PARK (1-1/2 HR) - The park contains the Haley House, the oldest surviving documented structure on its original site in Guilford County, built in 1786, the Hoggatt House, built in 1801, and a mid 1700s Blacksmith Shop. The museum offers a variety of exhibits illustrating life in the area during the past three centuries. Living history demonstrations and specialty programs are available.

HUNTER FARMS (1 HR 15 MIN) - Enjoy a video showing milk from the cow to the supermarket. Observe milk and ice cream products being packaged for customers and learn about Hunter Farms production and discover the keys to success. Be sure to sample some of the delicious ice cream and milk at the end of your visit!

LUNCH

LUNCH AT CASTLE MCCULLOCH (1 HR) - McCulloch Gold Mill operated for thirty years as a gold refinery in the 1800s. Now reconstructed into a castle, groups will learn the history of the North Carolina Gold Rush and pan for gold and gems just as it was done when the mill was in operation. You will not want to miss the Gem and Mineral Museum.

AFTERNOON

MENDENHALL PLANTATION (1 HR) - An early 19th Century Quaker Homestead listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and is home to one of two remaining false-bottom wagons used to transport slaves to freedom.

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (1 HR) - The only public facility in North Carolina made with more than 60% recycled materials. This center's educational hands-on programs focus on environmental and nature education. Take a walk across the state on the Mapscape or hike the 376 acres of trails.

ADDITIONAL

MILLIS REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATIONAL CENTER (1 HR) - The ultimate in interactive health education! Ride a bike with Mr. Bones, the bicycling skeleton and measure your height against a life-size Michael Jordan. Get health tips from the talking transparent mannequin or design your own educational program.

ALL-A-FLUTTER BUTTERFLY FARM (1 HR) - Demonstrations of all stages of development: from the instar (caterpillar) stage, to the chrysalis, to the emergence of the brilliantly colored adult butterfly. You can hand feed the butters, too!

outdoor enthusiasts tour

MORNING

PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (2 HR) - Take a walk across the state on the unique Mapscape or hike across 376 acres on trails adjacent to High Point City Lake. Take part in one of their nature programs ranging from field classes to special events. The more adventurous may want guided outdoor hikes and nature expeditions.

LUNCH

PICNIC IN THE PARK (2 HR) - Have a picnic at City Lake Park and then ride the miniature train, the carousel or the park's pontoon boat for a Fall Leaf Tour on the lake (seasonal).

AFTERNOON

CASTLE MCCULLOCH (1 HR) - McCulloch Gold Mill operated for thirty years as a gold refinery, now reconstructed into a castle. Situated on sixty acres of wooded grounds, the Castle's massive solid granite walls, drawbridge, moat, and stone tower are all reminiscent of the noble medieval era. In the midst of this preserved setting, a group can pan for gold and gems just as it was done during the North Carolina Gold Rush.

MAIZE ADVENTURE (1 HR) - Find your way out of a ten acre cornfield maize with miles of twisting and turning pathways. Don't miss out on the Pumpkin Patch or Gem Dig. (Seasonal).

ADDITIONAL

Or spend your afternoon playing a relaxing round of golf at Oak Hollow Golf Course, one of the Top 25 ranked public courses in the nation designed by Pete Dye.

heritage tour

MORNING

HIGH POINT MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL PARK (1 HR) - Visit the oldest surviving documented structure on its original site in Guilford County, the Haley House, built in 1786; the Hoggatt House, built in 1801, now used to demonstrate colonial chores such as weaving and candle dipping; and tour a mid 1700s Blacksmith Shop. This newly renovated museum offers a variety of exhibits illustrating life in the area during the past three centuries.

MENDENHALL PLANTATION
(1 HR) - An early 19th Century Quaker Homestead listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to one of two remaining false-bottom wagons used to transport slaves to freedom. Be sure to see the fully renovated Madison Lindsay House, Bank Barn and Old Schoolhouse.

LUNCH

… at area cafeterias and experience southern cooking at its best!

AFTERNOON

MCCULLOCH GOLD MILL (1 HR) - The Gold Mill operated for thirty years as a gold refinery, now reconstructed into a castle. Situated on sixty acres of wooded grounds, the Castle's massive solid granite walls, drawbridge, moat, and stone tower are all reminiscent of the noble medieval era. In the midst of this preserved setting, a group can pan for gold and gems just as it was done during the North Carolina Gold Rush.

DOLL & MINIATURE MUSEUM OF HIGH POINT (1 HR) - The South's largest doll museum featuring more than 2500 dolls, miniatures and doll houses, with some dating as far back as the 1400s. This museum also features a special exhibit of over 120 Shirley Temple dolls, African-American Heritage dolls and other rotating exhibits.

KREBER - Learn how a leading commercial photography studio in the country operates. From the marketing to the photography, you will be amazed with one of the largest photography studios in the nation.

african-american heritage tour

MORNING

Drive by Washington Drive District which includes the Kilby Hotel, constructed in 1913 and owned by Nannie Kilby, a prominent African-American businesswoman; the marker and home for John Coltrane, a great jazz musician and composer; the High Point Normal and Industrial Institute (now William Penn), a local Quaker founded institute for educating young African-Americans.

ROSETTA C. BALDWIN MUSEUM (1 HR) - Created to honor the legacy of Miss Baldwin - a tireless educator, her family and many other African-Americans for their contributions to the development of the High Point community. For seven decades Miss Baldwin taught in High Point.

DOLL & MINIATURE MUSEUM OF HIGH POINT
(1 HR) - Experience African- American history through the Mary Washington African-American Heritage Dolls. Featuring Madame C.J. Walker, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson and many others.

LUNCH

… at one of the area's best Soul Food Restaurants (Contact the CVB for more information)

AFTERNOON

HIGH POINT MUSEUM (1 HR) - John Coltrane, famous jazz saxophonist who grew up in High Point and attended William Penn High School is remembered with a special exhibition. Other early local African-American entrepreneurs include Willis Hinton, restaurant and hotel owner and Albert Miller, brickyard operator.

ADDITIONAL

CHARLOTTE HAWKINS BROWN MEMORIAL (1 HR) - North Carolina's first official historic site honoring an African American woman. This site is the location of the Palmer Institute, a black preparatory school established by Brown in 1902.

MATTYE REED AFRICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM (1 HR) - Located at NCA&T University, housing one of the best collections of African artifacts in the country.

high point's novelty tour

MORNING

COLOSSAL SITES (2 HR) - Stop for photo opportunities at the World's Largest Chest of Drawers and the World's Largest Highboy at the World's Largest Home Furnishings retail store. Later, you may want to check out the world's largest inventory of china, crystal, flatware and collectibles at Replacements, Ltd.

GOLD RUSH! (1 HR) - Pan for gold and gems at Castle McCulloch just as it was done during the North Carolina Gold Rush.

LUNCH

MEDIEVAL FEAST AT CASTLE MCCULLOCH - an experience you'll never forget!

AFTERNOON

DOCTOR! DOCTOR! (1 HR) - The Madison Lindsay House at Mendenhall Plantation was one of the first medical schools in the state. Also one of only two remaining false- bottom wagons left in the nation is on site - used to transport slaves to freedom during the Civil War.

RECYCLE IT! (1 HR) - Piedmont Environmental Center is the largest public facility made with more than 60% recycled materials. While visiting the center be sure to walk from the Outer Banks to Mount Mitchell in less than two minutes on the Mapscape.

HELLO DOLLY! (1 HR) - DOLL & MINIATURE MUSEUM OF HIGH POINT houses the South's largest collection of dolls, more than 2500 with some dating as far back as the 1400s. It is home to the world's smallest dolls, two fleas in formal wedding attire.

PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS! - Learn how Kreber, a leading commercial photography studio in the country operates. From the marketing to the photography, you will be amazed with one of the largest photography studios in the nation.

EVENING

Spend your evening viewing repertory style plays performed by the NC Shakespeare Festival. (Seasonal)

educational tour

MORNING

HIGH POINT MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL PARK (1 HR) - The park contains the Haley House, the oldest surviving documented structure on its original site in Guilford County, built in 1786, the Hoggatt House, built in 1801, and a mid 1700s Blacksmith Shop. The museum offers a variety of exhibits illustrating life in the area during the past three centuries. Living History demonstrations and programs are available on weekends.

LUNCH

… at one of our famous southern pork barbecue restaurants complete with homemade peach cobbler and ice cream!

AFTERNOON

MCCULLOCH GOLD MILL (1 HR) - The Gold Mill operated for thirty years as a gold refinery, now reconstructed into a castle. A group can learn the history of the North Carolina Gold Rush and pan for gold and gems just as it was done then. You will not want to miss the Gem and Mineral Museum.

ADDITIONAL

"how do they make that?" tour

MORNING

GOLD AND GEM PANNING AT CASTLE MCCULLOCH (2 HR) - Roam a castle reminiscent of medieval times, pan for gold and gems at this one time 19th century Gold Refinery.

LUNCH

… at one of our traditional southern pork barbecue restaurants - complete with homemade peach cobbler and ice cream!

a night on the town

MEDIEVAL FEASTS

An evening of dining and entertainment like you've never before experienced. Hosted at Castle McCulloch which is situated on sixty acres of wooded grounds, the Castle's massive solid granite walls, drawbridge, moat, and stone tower are all reminiscent of the noble medieval era.

PICNIC IN THE PARK For lunch or dinner, City Lake Park is the perfect place to bring a picnic. After eating along the lakeside, take a ride on the miniature train or carousel, and when in season, go for a Fall Leaf Cruise on the lake.

"TO BE OR NOT TO BE…" Have dinner in one of High Point's extraordinary restaurants and then enjoy an evening of Shakespeare at its best performed by the NC Shakespeare Festival. (Seasonal)

SCENIC CONCERTS Grab a picnic and enjoy a lakeside view while being serenaded with beautiful music when you attend Arts Splash. (Seasonal)

INDOOR FIREWORKS! Be sure to catch our Star Spangled Series hosted by the High Point Theatre. Ask about available dinner packages. (Seasonal)

Additional Tours

Tours can be customized to include other interesting High Point attractions including the High Point Theatre Art Galleries with changing art shows in three galleries and Castle McCulloch, a gold refinery restored as a 19th century English castle. Onsite, groups can pan for gold and gems. The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, based in High Point, performs in September and in December, presents Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

Contact our tourism office to arrange your customized group tours

Complimentary Services

The High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau provides the following assistance to group tour planners:
Destination video showcasing the entire city
Customized itineraries (photocopy quality) for each tour suited to your group's needs
Assistance in securing competitive bids for overnight housing for area hotels
Maps, escort notes and information on accommodations, restaurants, and attractions
Complimentary tour gift for overnights
Information and assistance from travel industry members
Step-On Guides Listing (upon request)

Services

Where You Need To Go

We are a concierge and shopping service located in the Piedmont Triad offering a personalized agenda for your specific needs. With mature knowledgeable guides and an interior designer on staff, you have access to many trade showrooms not available to the public. We offer discounts with local hotels and restaurants, as well as transportation during your visit.

www.whereyouneedtogotours.com