Get your game face on with a weekend full of Winston-Salem action!
Whether you’re arriving for WSSU Homecoming, a campus tour, graduation weekend, or a Rams game, coming back to Winston-Salem feels like coming home. Winston-Salem State University is more than a campus, and the city is waiting to show you a side you've never seen before. From art immersion and shopping to award-winning dining and entertainment,
It is legacy, pride, and community. And just beyond those red and white banners is a city ready to welcome you back with open arms. This is where game days turn into full weekends. Where alumni reunions stretch long into the evening. Where first-time campus visitors discover a destination worth exploring long after the tour ends.
If you’re visiting WSSU, make time to experience the Winston-Salem waiting just off campus. We’ve pulled together curated guides, local tips, and can’t-miss recommendations on where to stay, where to shop, what to eat, and what to explore while you’re here. Whether you’re a prospective student, proud parent, returning alum, or visiting fan—know that we’re glad you’re here. Enjoy your stay—and let’s go Rams!
Keep Exploring Winston-Salem
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Frequently Asked Questions
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is located at 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The university is a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem, giving students, families, and visitors convenient access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
Yes! Prospective students and families can explore Winston-Salem State University through campus visit opportunities coordinated by the university's admissions team. A campus tour is a great way to experience Ram pride firsthand while getting a feel for the surrounding Winston-Salem community.
Visit the official WSSU website for current tour information and registration and explore Things to Do to extend your stay.
Visitor parking is available in designated areas on the Winston-Salem State University campus. Guests should use approved metered spaces or obtain the appropriate visitor parking pass through WSSU Parking & Transportation.
Special events, including Homecoming and graduation, may have additional parking arrangements, so check the university's instructions before arriving.
Winston-Salem offers a variety of accommodations within a short drive of WSSU, including downtown boutique hotels, full-service properties, and budget-friendly options.
Staying downtown is especially convenient for families, alumni, and sports fans who want easy access to campus while enjoying the city's dining, shopping, and nightlife. Explore options for the best hotels and places to stay near WSSU here.
The Winston-Salem State University Rams play their home football games at historic Bowman Gray Stadium, located near the university's campus. The stadium is also known for its longstanding motorsports history- with the Madhouse race season extending through the spring and summer- making it a distinctive venue for college football in Winston-Salem.
WSSU Homecoming is an annual celebration that brings students, alumni, families, and friends together for a week of Ram pride. Events traditionally include the Homecoming football game, parade, alumni gatherings, performances, and campus celebrations.
For 2026, Homecoming takes place November 1–7, culminating in the Rams' football game against Fayetteville State University at Bowman Gray Stadium.
There's plenty to explore just minutes from WSSU! Head downtown to discover the Innovation Quarter and Bailey Park, local restaurants, breweries, public art, and entertainment. Visitors can also explore local history at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Bethabara Park, and Reynolda House Museum & Gardens. Bringing the whole family? Head to Kaleideum children's museum or the playground at Quarry Park. Don't forget to enjoy some shopping, especially the boutiques and galleries throughout the Downtown Arts District.
Whether you're visiting for a campus tour or an alumni reunion, Winston-Salem makes it easy to turn a university visit into a memorable getaway.
Hungry after class, a campus tour, or a big Rams win? Downtown Winston-Salem and the nearby Innovation Quarter offer plenty of options, from casual pizza and burgers to Southern favorites, international cuisine, coffee shops, and chef-driven restaurants. Looking for tailgate and gameday options? Head to our gameday guide for more details and to-go dining to take with you to campus!
Popular areas to explore include Fourth Street, Trade Street, and Bailey Park, all within a short drive of campus.
Winston-Salem offers plenty of ways to explore without spending much. Check out our full guide to an affordable Winston-Salem getaway here.
Stroll through Bailey Park, discover public art downtown, explore the outdoor areas of Reynolda Gardens, or enjoy the city's greenways and walking trails. Visitors can also check the local events calendar for free concerts, festivals, artisan marketsm, and community celebrations.
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