Lee: Nature, Art and History

Lee combines outdoor activities with history, theater and public art. When planning, it’s worth keeping the different options in mind: San-Lee Park is described by its area, while the Endor Iron Furnace Greenway is described by its length and surface. Historic sites and cultural offerings complement these destinations. At House in the Horseshoe, be sure to also note the temporary closure.

Trails, Park and Directions

San-Lee Park covers 177 acres. This area measurement provides a different point of reference than a trail’s length. The Endor Iron Furnace Greenway is 1.43 miles long and paved. It’s suitable for walking, running and cycling. The two figures help put different types of outings into perspective: a park area on one hand, and a named, paved route on the other.

To get to San-Lee Park, take Exit 70 A from Route 1 to the Lillington/421 Bypass, or Exit 145 to Kelly Drive toward the park. Check road conditions before setting out. This gives you the named roads and destinations without assuming a travel time or a connection between the two exits.

History from the Revolutionary War to the Railroad

House in the Horseshoe was built around 1770. In 1781, during the American Revolution, British Loyalists led by David Fanning attacked the house. This timeline puts the house’s construction and the later events of the war into context. The antiques displayed there include pieces from the Colonial and Revolutionary eras.

House in the Horseshoe is currently temporarily closed until further notice because of construction on a new visitor center. Before planning a visit, check whether the closure is still in effect. This keeps a historic visit on the planning list without assuming that the site is currently accessible.

The historic Railroad House also tells the story of a different era: it was built in 1872 for the station agent of the Raleigh and Augusta Air Line Railroad. Ole Gilliam Mill, in turn, is a reproduction of the original Gilliam Mill, built in 1850. These examples have different connections to the past: the Railroad House centers on its connection to a railroad, while the mill is a replica of an older building.

Theater and Public Art

The Temple Theatre was built in 1925 as a vaudeville theater. The Temple Academy offers classes, holiday camps and performances for students of all ages throughout the year. So, alongside the history of the theater building, there are ongoing educational and stage offerings. The classes and performances described are for learners in different age groups.

Sanford also embraces public art: the art program includes 16 murals in total, as well as several interactive artworks and sculptures. These works differ in form; in addition to the murals, there are other artworks. Those interested in public art will find a different kind of cultural offering here alongside theater history.

Outdoor Activities

Deep River Sporting Clays offers a sporting clays course through wooded terrain with 13 different shooting stations. This is a different kind of activity from the paved Greenway, which is used for walking, running and cycling.

For kayaks, McIver Canoe Park and the US-421 bridge at Cumnock provide access to the Deep River. This adds time on the water to activities on foot, running or cycling. The distinction between a paved trail, a wooded course and kayak access can help you plan an outing around the activity you want.

Discover more destinations: Sanford, Avery County, Durham, Edgecombe County, Transylvania County, Mecklenburg, Alleghany County, Jackson.

For the main travel overview: North Carolina.