page_title: Marion, North Carolina
section_title: Attractions
hierarchical_section_title: Marion, North Carolina / Attractions
context_page_description: Marion is a city in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of McDowell County. Founded in 1844, the city was named in honor of Brigadier General Francis Marion, the American Revolutionary War Hero whose talent in guerrilla warfare earned him the name "Swamp Fox". Marion's Main Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The population was 7,838 at the 2010 Census.
context_section_description: There are three parks in Marion operated by the city, the main one being downtown beside the Community Building. In 2010, the City opened the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway.  Named in honor of the county's namesake, Colonel Joseph McDowell, the greenway follows the flow of the Catawba River.  Benches, picnic tables, fitness stations, fishing piers, and a canoe launch are scattered throughout the three mile trail. Access points are located at Highway 70 between Highway 221/226 By-Pass and Roby Conley Road as well as a parking lot at the opposite end behind the Joseph McDowell House. Historic homes such as the Carson House and the Joseph McDowell House have kept the history of Marion alive for decades, and are open weekdays to the public (the latter currently receiving restoration). In downtown Marion, the restored Marion Depot, the oldest surviving depot on the Western Rail Line, hosts a number of community events each month, and is available for rental to individuals and groups for meetings, receptions, parties, and other functions. Lake James provides fishing, camping, and recreation for McDowell and Burke Counties and is just minutes from Marion. Lake Tahoma, Linville Caverns, Linville Falls, Catawba Falls and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also very close to town, and exhibit the diverse scenery of Western North Carolina. There are also several golf courses outside of town, as well as two waterparks and numerous campgrounds.
caption: The Carson House, built in 1793
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