• University Storm Recovery Updates

    UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m.
    We are pleased to announce that Wi-Fi service has been restored to the Asheville Center. Current students, faculty, and staff may now access the building for study, work or other necessary activities. Please note there may be occasional short outages as our service provider continues the recovery process.

    Drinking water is not available in the building. Some bottled water is available on site, but we encourage anyone using the building to bring their own drinking water if possible. The bathrooms on site now have working toilets.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. Please stay tuned for further updates.

    University Storm Recovery Updates

Create Unforgettable Memories

Bear Bucket List

Make the most of your time as a student with the official Lenoir-Rhyne bucket list.

There are endless things to do and explore as an LR student. Your time as an LR Bear will be filled with adventure and memories that will last a lifetime. This bucket list is your roadmap to all of the activities, events and places that make Lenoir-Rhyne home. We’re so excited you’re here.

Pick up your copy of the Bear Bucket List during Welcome Weekend this fall!

Joe Bear selfie with student

Bear Bucket List Breakdown

  • Take selfies or videos to add to the Canvas tracker to show your accomplishments and progress.
  • Complete your first five, then drop by a pin pick-up event to get your first commemorative pin to sport on your backpack or jacket.
  • Repeat all steps until you collect all four pins. Bucket list items can be completed in any order.
  • Finish the Bear Bucket List to receive a special medallion to wear at Commencement.

Complete your Bear Bucket List in any order

  1. Find a club to join at the student organization fair.
  2. Make a donation on Bears Give Back Giving Day.Two students taking photo in front of The Charge sculpture on campus
  3. Take your graduation photo somewhere on campus.
  4. Take your First Day of Classes (FDOC) photo with The Charge.
  5. Sit in the student section at a football game.
  6. Snag a free T-shirt from Campus Activities Board (CAB).
  7. Watch a Playmakers/theatre production.
  8. Join in a campus cultural celebration – multicultural affairs
  9. Take a photo with Joe Bear
  10. Hear a guest speaker – across any department
  11. Attend a CAB event
  12. Attend Late Night in the Shu (Shuford Arena)
  13. Meet with your academic advisor(s). 
  14. Attend a Welcome Week event.Smiling student graduate at commencement
  15. Attend a band/choir concert or watch marching band play at halftime.
  16. Schedule an appointment with the Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center or attend a career fair.
  17. Walk around downtown and visit Friends of LR business.
  18. Attend a Final Flip.
  19. Attend the tree lighting. 
  20. Have a meal with your friends in the caf (dining hall). 
     
Play video Welcome to Hickory mural text on wall of building
Explore Hickory, Our Hometown

From science center adventures and outdoor scenic beauty to the arts and culinary feasts, the Hickory region truly is a place to relax, explore and experience a well-crafted life.

  • Dining & Things to Do

    Hickory, North Carolina is a beautiful place to live, offers the amenities of a large city while basking in small-town charm. Hickory is also close to many large cities, including Charlotte and Asheville.

    Enjoy Local Dining

    • The Olde Hickory Tap Room
    • Olde Hickory Station
    • Backstreets Bar and Grill
    • Café Rule
    • Hannah's BBQ and more

    Discover Activities

    • Attend a Hickory Crawdads minor league baseball game (Texas Rangers affiliate)
    • Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Hickory
    • Take a walk in Glenn Hilton Park
    • Indulge at the Farmer's Market
    • Explore local shops a short walk away on the city and check out events, such as The Sails Original Music Series, in downtown Hickory 
    Dining & Things to Do in Hickory
  • Hickory Trail - City Walk & River Walk

    Group of LR students walking along City Walk on sunny day

    Hickory Trail includes more than 10 miles of pedestrian-friendly walking and biking paths. Weaving its way through Downtown Hickory, past works of art and along Lake Hickory’s tree-lined banks, the terrain of the Hickory Trail changes from railroad to sidewalk to boardwalk as it goes. A series of smaller strolls make up the complete Hickory Trail. These include the City Walk, with breathtaking views of downtown; the OLLE Art Walk, which showcases installations from talented local artists and the Historic Ridgeview Walk, immersing visitors in Hickory’s rich cultural heritage.

    The walks and trail offer safety for bicyclists and pedestrians as you explore popular destinations throughout the city. Start at Lenoir Rhyne, then make your way through the park-like setting of 1st Avenue in downtown Hickory. It will eventually connect to the riverwalk portion of the route, where serene Lake Hickory along the Catawba River awaits. 

    City Walk and River Walk allow you to easily connect to LR, shops, services and offices and are great places for students, residents and visitors to enjoy. 

    View Hickory Trail Information
  • 50+ Parks & Outdoor Adventure

    With 50+ parks and trails in Catawba County and the Hickory Metro, there are tons of outdoor adventures abounding in our area. 

    View Parks & Trails