Skip to main content

Bus Tours

Explore Johnston County’s history — three Saturdays, three unforgettable journeys

Join the Johnston County Heritage Center for a series of guided bus tours celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Each tour explores a different chapter of Johnston County’s rich history, led by knowledgeable local guides.

All tours include a box lunch and depart from the Johnston County Heritage Center in Smithfield.

Space is limited — register early to secure your seat. Scroll down for more details and to register for the tours.

2026 Tour Schedule

Saturday, May 16, 2026
Historic Homes, c. 1780s–1920s
🕐 Departs 9:30 am • Returns by 3:00 pm 🍽 Box Lunch Included

A guided bus tour of Johnston County’s most significant historic homes spanning c. 1780s–1920s. Explore the architecture and stories of the families who shaped the county’s identity across nearly 150 years.

All tours are $38 per person and include a box lunch. Buses depart from the Johnston County Heritage Center in Smithfield

Register Now

Saturday, May 23, 2026
African American Sites, c. 1830s–1920s
🕐 Departs 9:30 am • Returns by 3:00 pm 🍽 Box Lunch Included

Discover the stories and landmarks of Johnston County’s African American community spanning c. 1830s–1920s, including schools, churches, businesses, and burial grounds that document a vital and too-often-overlooked history.

All tours are $38 per person and include a box lunch. Buses depart from the Johnston County Heritage Center in Smithfield

Register Now

Saturday, May 30, 2026
Church Art and Architecture, c. 1820s–1920s
🕐 Departs 9:30 am • Returns by 3:00 pm 🍽 Box Lunch Included

Visit some of Johnston County’s oldest and most architecturally significant churches, c. 1820s–1920s. Explore the art, design, and congregational histories that shaped communities and civic life across the county.

All tours are $38 per person and include a box lunch. Buses depart from the Johnston County Heritage Center in Smithfield

Register Now

$38 per person

Includes transportation and box lunch — sandwich, chips, cookie, and bottled water

Departure And Return

Johnston County Heritage Center
241 E. Market Street
Smithfield, NC

Bus departs at 9:30 am and returns by 3:00 pm.
Please arrive by 9:15 am.

What’s Included

  • Round-trip transportation by bus
  • Expert local guide
  • Box lunch — sandwich, chips, cookie, and bottled water

Ready to join us? Complete the online registration form to reserve your seat. Select your tour date, list each person in your party, and then complete payment securely via PayPal. Your registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

Register Now

To attend more than one tour, please complete a separate registration for each date.