Things to do in Banner Elk

Activities, attractions and tours

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A snow-covered forest with a waterfall.

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What to do in Banner Elk

Stay near popular Banner Elk attractions

A cable car system in a mountainous area with lush green hills.

Sugar Mountain Resort

8.8/5 (572 reviews)
North Carolina's largest ski area offers 21 slopes and a 1,200-foot vertical drop. Glide down the state's only double-black-diamond run or enjoy the 10,000-square-foot ice-skating rink.
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Where to stay in Banner Elk

Find the best Banner Elk areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A bronze deer statue with antlers, a street lamp, and a flag in a park with a building in the background.
Photo by Laura Tutterow
Open Photo by Laura Tutterow

Downtown

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

A winding road through a mountainous area with autumn foliage.

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.

A valley with autumn foliage, a small town, and rolling hills.

Tynecastle

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

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a sunset.

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 Julian Price Park.

A lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees reflecting the vibrant foliage.

Vilas

A person standing on a wooden observation deck overlooking a forested valley with a prominent rock formation to the left.

Boone

A mountainous landscape with autumn foliage, rocky outcrops, and a valley.

Sugar Mountain

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 itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Banner Elk?
Once you've visited major attractions like Land of Oz and Apple Hill Farm, spend some time exploring Banner Elk's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Banner Elk?
Grandfather Mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in Banner Elk and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Banner Elk?
Three days in Banner Elk is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests spend three days on average. Grandfather Mountain, Land of Oz and Hawksnest Tubing Park are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Boone.
Is Banner Elk a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to do and see in Banner Elk. Several key attractions, like Land of Oz, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around one of Banner Elk's vibrant neighborhoods, Charter Hills is 5 kilometers away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Banner Elk with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Banner Elk with kids.

What to do in Banner Elk for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Banner Elk for adults including Banner Elk Winery and Grandfather Vineyard & Winery.
Are there free things to do in Banner Elk?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Banner Elk is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without getting your cash out. Grandfather Trout Farm is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.