Plan your visit

How do I get there?

Hillsborough is located conveniently at the point where I-85 and I-40 merge (see map).  Take exit 164 from I-85 (Durham, Burlington) and exit 261 from I-40 (Raleigh, Chapel Hill). 

Triangle Transit Authority and Orange Public Transportation operate the 420 bus service from Chapel Hill.

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.