In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the railroad played a major role in the life of Grifton. Primarily agricultural supplies and pulpwood travelled through the town on the rail line operated by Atlantic Coast Line, a US Class I railroad from 1900 until 1967. Currently CSX owns and operates the rail line. In the 1980s the depot was renovated by town volunteers. It currently houses the office of Southeastern Drainage District. A large public room, kitchen, and outdoor porch can be rented for weddings, parties, and other gatherings. Contact the Town Office for details (252-524-5168).
The Museum’s Contentnea Creek location features the Chia-Yu Li Planetarium. A 35-foot geodesic dome powered by a Digitarium Zeta Digital Planetarium System.
Contentnea Creekside Overlook Park is conveniently located between the Catechna Indian Village and the NC Wildlife Boat Ramp. It is currently dedicated as open space with the exception of a shelter with a cement pad that holds a picnic table. At the eastern end of the park is a replica of an Tuscarora Indian Village maintained by the Grifton Museum. Across the street are the Grifton Museum, Civic Center, and a public tennis court.
Direction: Martin Luther King Dr, Grifton, NC 28530
St. David Street Park is the largest public park in Grifton. The land was donated by Mrs. Jean Williams and Mrs. Murle Nelson around 1951 when this area of town was being developed into housing lots to accommodate the growth of the DuPont plant. An impressive collection of hardwood trees enhances the beauty of this space. The park currently features a ¼ mile walking trail, a small pollinator garden, and play equipment. In 2019, the town built a nature play area for children with principal funding from Vidant Community Benefits. A picnic shelter and building can be rented from the town for parties and meetings. Contact the Town Office for details (252-524-5168).
The John Lawson TRACK Trail is a .25 mile hike through beautiful Carolina wetland forest. Named after explorer and naturalist, John Lawson, this environment attracts wildlife of all kinds.
Contentnea Creek begins as the outflow of Buckhorn Reservoir 12 miles west of Wilson, North Carolina. From there it flows through the Wiggins Mill Reservoir on the southwest side of Wilson, past the towns of Stantonsburg and Snow Hill, and finally emptying into the Neuse River 3 miles southeast of Grifton.
Mattie’s Mini Park is a small area on the corner of Gordon and Main Streets named for community organizer Mattie Dixon. The park features simple play equipment and nature play features for very young children. Adjacent to the park are a basketball court and picnic shelter for public use.