McDowell Nature Center is within McDowell Nature Preserve, at 15222 South York Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, in southwestern Mecklenburg County.
The Nature Center features live native animals, a discovery hall, and a gift shop. Visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the Ozone Garden or the demonstration compost area, or enjoy a natural play area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for miles of hiking trails.
The nature preserve includes seven miles of hiking trails, boat ramps and fishing docks. Those age 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license in order to fish.
On the property is also McDowell Campground, which offers 56 reservable campsites, including primitive sites, RV sites with full hookups, and rent-a-tent sites. Camping is also available on the adjacent Copperhead Island.
Events at McDowell Nature Center and Preserve
Visit Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s activity search website for even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register online. Also check out the intended age range.
To register, find the event in Park and Recreation’s activity search website or call the phone number for the nature center. We provide links to register and for more information for each event, when available.
Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!
Nature Photography Hike
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.
Free (call to register)
Ages 18+
Interested in nature photography but don’t know where to start? Whether you have a professional camera or a mobile phone, nature photography is for you. Come join us for a short tutorial and a hike to capture images of the beautiful wildlife surrounding Lake Wylie and McDowell nature preserve. This program will require hiking; please bring water and wear appropriate clothing.
Nature Crochet and Crafts
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (registration not required)
Ages 4+
Art has always been inspired by nature so we will use McDowell as our muse and explore all the wildlife at the preserve through crochet and other crafts. With each session, we will walk through a crochet pattern and have related nature crafts available to complete. Yarn will be provided. Please bring your own hooks, but some will be provided for the session if need. All levels of experience are welcomed!
Creek Week: Pollution Solution
Saturday, March 21, 2026
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 7+
We as humans unfortunately contribute to the pollution of our water ways even without knowing it. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” In this program, everyone takes part in a demonstration that shows how pollution gets into places where it shouldn’t and also get to help us clean up the litter we find around Lake Wylie.
International Day of Forests Hike
Saturday, March 21, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Happy International Day of Forests! Celebrate by joining a naturalist on a hike around McDowell Nature Preserve and experience the history of the forest around you.
World Water Day
Sunday, March 22, 2026
2 to 3 p.m.
Free (no registration needed)
All ages
Celebrate World Water Day at McDowell Nature Preserve by participating in various water-related activities. This program will take place in the classroom at McDowell Nature Center. This is a drop-in program; you may come anytime during the program and leave when you are finished.
Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Sunday, March 29, 2026
4 to 4:30 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Head over to the McDowell Nature Center for a close-up encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors! Discover fun facts about the animal’s adaptations and everyday life out in the wild!
Nature Book and Look
Mondays, March 30 to April 27, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Preschoolers
Nature Book and Look offers preschoolers and their families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature!
Each Monday, a new fun and educational topic is presented with a nature book followed by a hands-on activity, craft, or exploratory hike!
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