Shangri-La Stone Village

“Hey… check this out! There’s a mini stone village not too far from here. We should go!”

My exact words to my family on a late Sunday night. By Tuesday afternoon, we’d made our way there. What an impressive work of art with a charming backstory.

Travel down NC-86, a beautiful stretch of country road in Prospect Hill, NC & you’ll find a little gem called Shangri-La. Forewarned… a lot of the village is below street level. Be sure to pay attention so you don’t miss it.

This intriguing little place sits beside a volunteer fire station, in the side yard of a private residence. It has been a tourist attraction for over 50 years. There’s even a ‘visitors journal’ for people to sign & leave their thoughts.

As I mentioned, the village is small . Do not visit expecting to walk into the buildings. Everything is made from concrete, arrowheads, & stone acquired from a nearby quarry by the creator himself. There’s a bank, gym, hotel, library, theater, & more. There are also little thrones to sit on & become momentary royalty of Shangri-La. I love the addition of the water tower, too. How realistic!

Story goes… in 1968, a retired tobacco farmer named Henry Warren began working on his imagined little town. He was 72 when he started. Henry died almost a decade later from cancer but worked on his dream relentlessly until then. At the time of his death, he was working on completing the hospital. Henry’s family members eventually finished it for him.

Shangri-La is complete with 27 buildings. Some with little windows & doors to peer through. Over the years, people have left little trinkets & toys within them. Feel free to leave a little something of your own. Or, if you prefer, leave a message in the visitor’s journal. It’s clearly labeled for all to see.

Henry Warren’s family has honored his dream & legacy by keeping this place open to the public. It’s fascinating to see the intricate attention to detail put towards it. When visiting, remember this attraction is on the property of someone’s home. Please be respectful & visit during typical “business” hours.

Have you been to Shangri-La Stone Village? If so, what was your impression?

Shangri-La Stone Village

Henry Warren Rd

Prospect Hill, NC 27314

(336) 694-6106