Maps, Directions & Other FAQs

How do I get there?

Hillsborough, North Carolina, is conveniently located in the center of the state. On the edge of Research Triangle Park, the town is accessible by both I-85 (Exit 164) and I-40 (Exit 261). From the interstates the Hillsborough Historic District is a 4-5 minute drive along Churton Street (the main street through the district). Highways US-70 and US-86 run through the center of Hillsborough.

Hillsborough is only 15-20 minutes from Chapel Hill and Durham.  Triangle Transit Authority and Orange Public Transportation operate the 420 bus service from Chapel Hill.

The Hillsborough Circulator is a FREE service providing loop access to sites in Hillsborough and connectivity to Triangle Transit's Route 420.  The bus will run four hours in the morning and four hours in the afternoon Monday-Friday.  The route will serve various residential areas around Hillsborough, as well as the library; Orange County Courthouse; Social Services Center; the Shops at Daniel Boone area; UNC Family Practice; Durham Tech; the Hampton Pointe and Maxway shopping centers; and the Meadowlands business park.

The route will serve various residential areas around Hillsborough, as well as the library; Orange County Courthouse; Social Services Center; the Shops at Daniel Boone area; UNC Family Practice; Durham Tech; the Hampton Pointe and Maxway shopping centers; and the Meadowlands business park.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves the Triangle region and is 30 minutes east of Hillsborough.

Where do I park?

There is a paid parking deck available on the west side of Churton Street, at the intersection of Churton and Nash & Kollack Streets.  Small public lots and on street parking is also available, please pay attention to signage as time limits vary.

View Public Parking in Downtown Hillsborough, NC in a larger map

Where do I visit?

This site has many listings for dining,  shopping, historical sites, leisure attractions, and much more.  A good first stop for your visit is the Hillsborough/Orange County Visitors Center, located inside the c.1790 Alexander Dickson House at 150 E. King Street.

Where can I shop?

Although we do have some of America's favorite national retailers, mostly located at the Hampton Pointe Shopping Center at Hwy 86 and I-85 exit 164, Hillsborough is widely known for its unique, friendly shops that can't be found anywhere else. 

The Shops at Daniel Boone and the famous giant fiberglass statue of Daniel Boone have welcomed shoppers, residents and  visitors to Hillsborough for decades. 

The heart of historic Hillsborough can be found downtown, where unique shops, restaurants, services and historic sites create a small town that most people don't even realize still exist.  The Downtown Merchants of Historic Hillsborough host an extrememly popular Ladies Night Out twice a year, but downtown businesses know how to make customers feel at home every day of the year.

Can I tour the old buildings?

Many historic buildings are public sites open to the public, including the Alexander Dickson House, the Orange County Historical Museum, the Burwell School Historic Site, the Ruffin-Roulhac House and the Ayr Mount Historic Site.  Private home tours are available during the annual Candlelight Tour of Homes, hosted each first Sundays in December by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

We offer a guided walking tour to the public each second Saturday of the month at 10am and 2pm at the Alexander Dickson House, 150 E. King Street for $5.  This is a 90 minute tour, and no reservations are needed.  If you have a group of ten or more interested in a tour, that can be arranged accommodating your schedule by calling 919/732-7741. 

For a guided bus tour, we offer a guide if you provide the bus.  Call 919/732-7741 for more information.

Self guided walking tours of the historic district are available for sale in the Visitors Center gift shop at 150 E. King St.