North Carolina is home to some small-town wonders; each one bringing forth new and interesting attractions worthy of a visit. The tiny town of Old Fort (population, approximately 900) may be small but it has a novel park just north of town that hosts somewhere in the neighborhood of 250,000 visitors annually.

Visitors arriving in downtown Old Fort love the 30-foot-tall arrowhead in the town square. It was hand-carved and dedicated on this spot back in 1930. But it’s not the only monument to see in Old Fort…

Google Maps/street view

Travel just four miles northwest of town and discover a man-made geyser with a spray shooting 80 feet into the air!

Google Maps/Bobby Hughes

Andrews Geyser was created back in 1885 as an attraction for a now-gone nearby hotel and was dedicated to the 125 men who died laying down the railroad in these parts.

Google Maps/Gary Tabar Jr

In 1911, ten years after the hotel here had burned, the geyser was moved 70 feet from its original spot and a fort-shaped reflecting pond was built around the base.

Google Maps/Greg Mead

All of the water from Andrews Geyser comes from a pond approximately two miles away and 500 feet higher in elevation. It’s that 500-foot drop combined with the effect of channeling the water downhill through such a small pipe that creates the continuous gravity-powered fountain.

Google Maps/Bobby Hughes

A summertime visit is always in order. However, if there hasn’t been much rain, you could arrive at a dry geyser. A wintertime visit almost never disappoints and the icy build-up at the base is amazing.

Google Maps/Justin Moose

Want to see it for yourself? It’s located just 10 minutes north of the town of Old Fort, just off Interstate 40 in Western North Carolina.

Google Maps

Take a look at Andrews Geyser in action!

Google Maps/street view

Google Maps/Bobby Hughes

Google Maps/Gary Tabar Jr

Google Maps/Greg Mead

Google Maps/Justin Moose

Google Maps

Andrews Geyser is located at 2111 Mill Creek Rd., Old Fort, NC 28762. The park is open from dawn to dusk and includes picnic tables and a group picnic shelter. Have you seen this geyser in person? Let us know about your experience in the comments. Take a look at these 7 amazing North Carolina Landmarks.

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Address: 2111 Mill Creek Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Coolest Attractions in North Carolina January 11, 2023 William Suphan What are the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina? The coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina include:

Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, this is a thrilling challenge in the midst of gorgeous natural beauty. Carova Beach. You need a 4X4 vehicle to get to this beach, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of wild horses. Castle Monte Rouge. This odd castle near Durham has intriguing spires and sits all alone deep in the forest. Church of the Frescoes. This tiny church in a tiny town has authentic Italian frescoes within that will amaze you.

Discover more about the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina.  What are the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina? The coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina include:

Shangri La Stone Village. This miniature stone village was built with amazing detail by one person and is an amazing roadside attraction. The Fairy Trail. Take this lovely hike at Bullington Gardens where you’ll see artistic scenes of fairy homes, tea settings, and tiny gardens. Waterfall Scenic Byway. If you want a truly picturesque drive, especially during autumn, this 98-mile byway has the most beautiful views. McGalliard Falls. Located near Valdese, this is the perfect place to go swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and enjoy a picnic.

Learn more about the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina.  What are the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina? The strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina include:

Maggie Valley. This whole valley is filled with strangeness with the Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness and the Ghost Town In The Sky. Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo. These plastic flamingos won’t do much, but hey, you can pet them for free and take one home if you like. The Angus Barn Self-Kicking Machine. Feeling the need for penance? Get kicked by a rotating wheel of boots! Tobacco Museum Talking Robot. If you want to wander deep into the Uncanny Valley, take a gander at this animatronic robot that will teach you the history of tobacco.

Find out more about the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Coolest Attractions in North Carolina

January 11, 2023

William Suphan

What are the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina? The coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina include:

Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, this is a thrilling challenge in the midst of gorgeous natural beauty. Carova Beach. You need a 4X4 vehicle to get to this beach, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of wild horses. Castle Monte Rouge. This odd castle near Durham has intriguing spires and sits all alone deep in the forest. Church of the Frescoes. This tiny church in a tiny town has authentic Italian frescoes within that will amaze you.

Discover more about the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina.  What are the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina? The coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina include:

Shangri La Stone Village. This miniature stone village was built with amazing detail by one person and is an amazing roadside attraction. The Fairy Trail. Take this lovely hike at Bullington Gardens where you’ll see artistic scenes of fairy homes, tea settings, and tiny gardens. Waterfall Scenic Byway. If you want a truly picturesque drive, especially during autumn, this 98-mile byway has the most beautiful views. McGalliard Falls. Located near Valdese, this is the perfect place to go swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and enjoy a picnic.

Learn more about the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina.  What are the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina? The strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina include:

Maggie Valley. This whole valley is filled with strangeness with the Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness and the Ghost Town In The Sky. Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo. These plastic flamingos won’t do much, but hey, you can pet them for free and take one home if you like. The Angus Barn Self-Kicking Machine. Feeling the need for penance? Get kicked by a rotating wheel of boots! Tobacco Museum Talking Robot. If you want to wander deep into the Uncanny Valley, take a gander at this animatronic robot that will teach you the history of tobacco.

Find out more about the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina include:

  • Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, this is a thrilling challenge in the midst of gorgeous natural beauty.
  • Carova Beach. You need a 4X4 vehicle to get to this beach, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of wild horses.
  • Castle Monte Rouge. This odd castle near Durham has intriguing spires and sits all alone deep in the forest.
  • Church of the Frescoes. This tiny church in a tiny town has authentic Italian frescoes within that will amaze you.

Discover more about the coolest hidden destinations in North Carolina. 

What are the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina?

The coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina include:

  • Shangri La Stone Village. This miniature stone village was built with amazing detail by one person and is an amazing roadside attraction.
  • The Fairy Trail. Take this lovely hike at Bullington Gardens where you’ll see artistic scenes of fairy homes, tea settings, and tiny gardens.
  • Waterfall Scenic Byway. If you want a truly picturesque drive, especially during autumn, this 98-mile byway has the most beautiful views.
  • McGalliard Falls. Located near Valdese, this is the perfect place to go swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and enjoy a picnic.

Learn more about the coolest day trip destinations in North Carolina. 

What are the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina?

The strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina include:

  • Maggie Valley. This whole valley is filled with strangeness with the Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness and the Ghost Town In The Sky.
  • Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo. These plastic flamingos won’t do much, but hey, you can pet them for free and take one home if you like.
  • The Angus Barn Self-Kicking Machine. Feeling the need for penance? Get kicked by a rotating wheel of boots!
  • Tobacco Museum Talking Robot. If you want to wander deep into the Uncanny Valley, take a gander at this animatronic robot that will teach you the history of tobacco.

Find out more about the strangest roadside attractions in North Carolina.