North Carolina loves its small towns. The atmosphere, energy, and quaintness are indeed abundant at each one you visit. But there's one small town in North Carolina extremely different from the rest. No one inhabits the town, yet there's a hospital, motel, and various structures perfect for living - that is, if you're an extremely tiny human being. Yes, a little-known small town in North Carolina is actually a literal tiny town, called Shangri-La and built by Henry Warren.
In 1968, Henry Warren, a retired tobacco farmer, set out to find a hobby to fill his time. It all started with a water wheel he saw in an antique shop - he decided he would build one like that on his property. Soon, the water wheel turned into a new kind of hobby - building small, stone structures, and eventually a tiny town made from quartz, stone, brick and cement.
From 1968 until 1977, Warren built the entire town of Shangri-La.
The town consists of 30 structures, including the Dew Drop Inn, White Rock Motel (with a pool), a jail, a bank, a dog house, town hall, silo, and windmill. It's really everything an extremely tiny person needs to thrive in the world!
Henry loved having visitors. During the time he was building it, the town was conveniently located right off Highway 86, with travelers passing through, and some deliberately traveling to witness the tiny town for themselves. He loved giving tours and letting others experience the magic of his little village.
Henry didn't just build a town, but a matching house for his wife. Filled with beautiful, ornate stone work...it's a complement to Henry's whole body of work. There's a walkway made from 11,000 arrowheads Henry collected from his land, and from local kids (in exchange for candy).
Ironically and tragically, in 1977, at the time of Henry's passing, he was working on completing the hospital.
As the years passed, HWY 86 was rerouted and drivers no longer passed directly through Shangri-La. Although Henry is no longer around to give tours or leave his mark on the land, it has remained in very good condition. You can still visit the tiny town today and experience the magic for yourself.
Many hold fond memories of stopping by Shangri-La on their way to the beach, or even just passing through to see the magic for themselves. Have you visited this 'tiny' town for yourself, there really is nothing else like it in North Carolina!
For more information on Shangri-La, pick up a copy of Did You See That?
If you love tiny towns where you can actually fit into the buildings, check out these 10 in North Carolina you've probably never heard of!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
