Patriots or Traitors
at Gaston County Museum
The Gaston County Museum is excited to launch an exhibit portraying North Carolina’s involvement in the Civil War. With 2011 being the 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the museum wants to tell the local story of this monumental event in our nation’s history.
Sign an oath of service to the Confederacy, huddle down in the trenches and dress up like a North Carolina soldier, prepare a campsite and learn about what type of food soldiers and their families would eat, as a part of hands on activities.
Gaston's Got It All!
Top 5 Attractions 
Explore the many exciting attractions that Gaston County and Gaston County Tourism have to offer! The largest attraction in Gaston County by visitors is Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, covering 110 acres of spectacular plants, flowers, and more. Crowder's Mountain State Park, the highest point in Gaston County offering spectacular views from sheer vertical cliffs. Schiele Museum a science museum and planetarium featuring both permanent and touring exhibits. Christmas Town USA in McAdenville. Every December, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights turn this small mill town into a spectacular holiday display. A world-class recreation and training facility, the U.S. National Whitewater Center set among 300 acres wooded along the scenic Catawba River. The multi-use facility has a climbing center, mountain-biking trails and running trails.
Festivals & Events
in Gaston County
Looking for something to do this weekend or Fiday night? Gaston County offers a variety of festivals and events year round. Just about every town has its own unique event to celebrate the important history of their area. Festivals which include Garibaldi Fest in Belmont, Spring Fest in Mount Holly, Down Home Day in Bessemer City, and Country Fest in Stanley. There are also events like Cotton Ginning Days, antique car shows, and more. All these and many more help make Gaston County an interesting place to visit any time of the year.
Each one of our top attractions also offer their own festivals and events which can be found right here on this site! Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Crowders Mountain State Park, The Schiele Museum, U.S. National Whitewater Rafting, it's all right here.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Calendar of Events