Hildebran’s roots are tied to the railroad and a strong belief in education and community. What began in the late 1800s as “Hildebrand Switch,” a rail stop serving a local sawmill, grew into a town built around learning, civic life, and close-knit neighborhoods. Incorporated in 1899, Hildebran has long valued shared spaces and institutions, a legacy still visible today in its historic municipal complex, which began as a schoolhouse and continues to serve the community. With its small-town character and deep sense of place, Hildebran offers the welcoming hometown feel many visitors enjoy — and many residents are proud to call home.
Upcoming Events
- none at this time
Looking for something to do in Hildebran? See the “A Day in Hildebran” itinerary.
Food/Drink
Tex’s Fish Camp
Los Compadres
Domino’s
Bojangles
Hardees
Chubby’s
KFC
Curley’s Kitchen (limited hours)
B&B Food Store (ice cream)
Living Beans (coffee)
Shopping
Southern Sass by Char
Espey’s Hardware
Memaws Trinkets and Treasures
Dollar Tree
Dollar General
CVS
FPS Pawn Shop
Activities
Community Park
Royal Park and Splash Pad
Hildebran Heritage Museum
East Burke Senior Center
Burke County Library
Civic Organizations: HHDA – Hildebran Heritage & Development Association (over museum and events): EBYAO (East Burke Youth Athletics Organization) – Football, basketball, soccer); H.I.L.L. (Hildebran Icard Little League) -T-Ball, Baseball, Walkin’ Roll Activity League
Outdoor Recreation – Community Park – The park offers swings, playground equipment, a nine-hole disc golf course, fitness equipment, a bocce court, a horseshoe area and a 1/4 mile walking trail. The park also offers a covered picnic pavilion and a remodeled train depot dating from 1906 that are available to rent for special events. Royal Park – This park offers a splash pad, inclusive musical playground equipment, an amphitheater, a new concessions building with restrooms, and a 1/4 walking trail.
History – Check out the 1906 Depot at Community Park. If you need a rental for a special event, the gym, depot, auditorium and outdoor amphitheater are available.
Burke River Trail – The current Hildebran section of Burke River Trail is the 0.7 mile sidewalk along Center Street to Hwy 70 connecting Royal Park to Hwy 70 east with the goal of reaching Long View. Royal Park is the eastern terminus of Burke River Trail, however, we are exploring trail/sidewalk on Center Street south to reach the Henry River where Wilderness Gateway State Trail will be located as a paddle trail.
Elected Officials – Mayor Wendell Hildebrand leads the Hildebran Council. Mayor Pro Tem is Ben Honeycutt and Council Members are Terry Weaver, Mike Smith, Jody York, Mike Stroupe. The town manager is Logan Shook.
Schools in Hildebran: Hildebran Elementary School