Overview
Kannapolis is a city in North Carolina, roughly 15 minutes north of Charlotte by car. It is known primarily as the home of the Earnhardt auto-racing family, and the former home of a large textile industry. It is being revitalized as a bedroom community of Charlotte with a population of over 50,000 residents.
5 sights · 5 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kannapolis
Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza
Plaza celebrating the legacy of Dale Earnhardt.
West Avenue
A walkable district located in the heart of Kannapolis with places to eat, drink, and shop. It has small recreational areas, outdoor dining tables, and is located next to a baseball stadium. There are occasional events h…
NC Research Campus
The Dale Trail
A self-guided tour of important landmarks in the life of Dale Earnhardt.
Village Park
Beautiful 17-acre park featuring North Carolina's only 2-story carousel and train that runs around the park. Splash Pad is fun for kids and enjoyable for adults. Entry to the park is free, with the train, carousel, and s…
NC Research Campus
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 32°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Mar. (climate data from nearby Charlotte)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- USA Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, Concord — 8 mi away. Directions
- CLT Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte — 26 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Interstate 85 North, take exit 58, 60, or 63.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, The Dale Trail, NC Research Campus
- Lunch Park Road Soda Shoppe
- Afternoon Cannon Village, Curb Motorsports Museum
- Dinner Sabor Latin Street Grill
- Evening Gaelic Alley Irish Pub
Day 2
- Morning Village Park, NC Research Campus, Gem Theater
- Lunch What-A-Burger #10
- Afternoon Kannapolis Cannonballers, West Avenue
- Evening Old Armor Beer Company
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
By car
From Interstate 85 North, take exit 58, 60, or 63.
By plane
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Concord Regional Airport (USA)
By train
The Kannapolis Amtrak station is found at 201 South Main Street.
By bus
Concord Kannapolis Area Transit offers service from Concord.
Get around
See
See Village Park
Beautiful 17-acre park featuring North Carolina's only 2-story carousel and train that runs around the park. Splash Pad is fun for kids and enjoyable for adults. Entry to the park is free, with the train, carousel, and splash pad being $1.50 each. Free summer concert series features names such as 38 Special and Diamond Rio. During winter, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 300,000 Christmas lights. Tickets during Christmas to train and carousel $2 each.
Do
Do Kannapolis Cannonballers
Class "A" Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Member of the South Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, Northern Division. Won last season's South Atlantic League Title. Play 70 home games from April–September at Atrium Health Stadium. Most affordable form of family entertainment.
Do Curb Motorsports Museum
Mike Curb opened this racing facility in 1983 so Richard Petty could drive from Kannapolis in what he called, 'my kind of town.' Mr. Petty won his last two races driving for Curb Motorsports – his 199th and 200th. The car he drove in his 199th win is on display as well as the car Dale Earnhardt drove in 1980 for his first Winston Cup Championship, the car Dale Jarrett drove in his first Busch race, and the car Johnny Sauter drove when he won the September 2003 Richmond race. Over the past 20 years the following drivers have driven for Curb Motorsports: Richard Petty, Dale Jarreett, Ron Bouchard, Ed Primm, Brad Noffsinger, Stevie Reeves, Kevin Brugg, Shane Hall, Jay Sauter and Johnny Sauter. During this time Curb Motorsports had 118 top ten finishes. In all, 21 cars are on display in this museum, including 7 Indy cars.
Do West Avenue
A walkable district located in the heart of Kannapolis with places to eat, drink, and shop. It has small recreational areas, outdoor dining tables, and is located next to a baseball stadium. There are occasional events held here with things such as live music, food trucks, and other outdoor activities.
=Buy=
Eat
- Los Arcos, one of the region's favorite Mexican restaurants, serves a full range of Mexican dishes, including a great taco salad and chicken soup. They are known for their fast, friendly service and some of the area's best sweet tea. 1021 S. Cannon Blvd (Hwy 29).
Eat Park Road Soda Shoppe
Sit down restaurant serving burgers and fries. Fast, friendly service and a great local atmosphere.
Eat Sabor Latin Street Grill
Enjoy Latin Street food in the center of town either in-house or takeout..
Eat What-A-Burger #10
Old fashioned drive-in/car hop. Best burgers and Cherry-Lemon-Sundrop in town. If you're feeling frisky, try a Witch-doctor and onion rings too.
Drink
Drink Gaelic Alley Irish Pub
A traditional Irish Pub where you can enjoy food and drink with live sports playing.
Drink Old Armor Beer Company (Old Armor Brewery)
Old Armor is a local brewery owned by American army veterans.
Sleep
Go next
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My experience
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