In Lee, you can make nature, water and history different focuses of your trip. Deciding first whether outdoor activity, river access or cultural interests matter most makes it easier to choose what to do. The Endor Iron Furnace Greenway offers a clearly described route; Sanford’s public art program and historic sites add a distinct cultural focus.
Nature, Trails and Water
San-Lee Park covers 177 acres. The Endor Iron Furnace Greenway is 1.43 miles long, paved and designated for walking, running and biking. The two places offer different points of reference for planning: San-Lee Park is defined by its size, while the Greenway has a precisely stated length, a specified surface and several ways to use it. If you want to include a single route in your plans, the Greenway is a clearly defined option.
From Route 1, take Exit 70 A for the Lillington/421 Bypass or Exit 145 for Kelly Drive toward San-Lee Park. Check road conditions before setting out, and use the exit that matches your route.
If you would rather get on the water than use a paved trail, there are two named kayak access points on the Deep River: McIver Canoe Park and the US-421 bridge at Cumnock. At the Avent-Ferry ramp, motorboats, canoes and kayaks can be used for fishing on North Carolina’s longest river. The options differ by water access and activity: the two named sites provide kayak access to the Deep River, while the Avent-Ferry ramp is specifically associated with fishing and several types of boats.
Local History
House in the Horseshoe was built around 1770. During the American Revolution, British Loyalists led by David Fanning attacked the house in 1781. The historic site displays antiques from the Colonial and Revolutionary periods. Its history brings together the building itself, a specific event and objects from both eras. House in the Horseshoe is temporarily closed until further notice while a new visitor center is under construction. Check before you go to see whether it is still closed.
The Railroad House was built in 1872 for the station agent of the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railroad. Its story focuses on a specific railroad employee. Ole Gilliam Mill offers a different historical connection: the mill is a reproduction of the original Gilliam Mill, built in 1850. The date refers to the original building, not the reproduction. This distinction helps set the two stories apart: one is connected to the railroad, the other to a replica of an older mill.
Art, Theater and Other Activities
Sanford’s public art program includes a total of 16 murals, as well as several interactive artworks and sculptures. The art extends beyond murals, offering different ways to explore an interest in public art.
The Temple Theatre was built in 1925 as a vaudeville theater. The Temple Academy offers year-round classes, vacation camps and performances for students of all ages. These are two distinct cultural interests: the theater’s historic role and a year-round program of learning and performances.
Deep River Sporting Clays offers a very different kind of activity. Its sporting clays course winds through wooded terrain and includes 13 different shooting stations. Unlike the Greenway, this is not a place for walking, running or biking, but for sporting clays. The different activities can help you tailor your stay to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Sanford, Brunswick, Surry County, Person County, Alamance, Avery County, Iredell, Chatham County.
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
