Quest is a nature center within Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, North Carolina.
Quest is a destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, Quest is the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife.
Carolina Raptor Center is a neighbor in Latta Nature Preserve
Latta is a gateway to Mountain Island Lake and provides a perfect place to launch kayaks onto Gar Creek and Mountain Island Lake, including an ADA accessible ramp. There are many places to fish. Those 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license.
The preserve includes 16 miles of trails, and is the only only public Mecklenburg County property open to horseback riding, with 13 miles of those trails designated as horseback and hiking trails. The remaining three are just for hiking.
One section of trails, the Audubon Train, has become known as a year-long site for fairy houses and is a fun place to explore with young children. One of the most popular events is the annual Fairy House Festival in February.
Events at Quest and Latta Nature 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!
Turtle Encounters — Drop-In
Sunday, March 8, 2026
1 to 1:30 p.m.
2 to 2:30 p.m.
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Quest
Meet some of the nature center’s resident turtles up close during one of these live animal shows.
Wild Edventures: We All Need Trees
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Meck County resident: $6; Non-resident: $7
Ages 6-10
Shelter 3
Trees are part of our ecosystem, but do we really need trees? Explore nature through activities and play in the forest. Learn, play, and explore all things nature in this program for elementary-aged homeschool students. Study science and nature through activities, games, and play. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty! This program meets at shelter 3.
Wiggly Worm Adventures
Sunday, March 22, 2026
1 to 2 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 4-10
Quest
Discover what makes worms unique by reading a fabulous animal tale and enjoying crafts and activities related to wiggly worms.
Migration Birdwatching
Saturday, March 28, 2026
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 12+
Quest
Ready your binoculars, Spring Migration is beginning at Latta Nature Preserve! Explore the Hill Trail on this early spring morning with one of our educators as we learn how to identify birds and make our way around the Prairie.
Depending on the weather, this program may include a hike upwards of 3 miles, dressing for the weather and bringing water is highly recommended. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow – please let Quest know if you will require a pair.
Learn. Play. Explore.
Monday, April 6, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Free
All ages
Quest
LEARN something new about mammals, PLAY a game with plants, or EXPLORE the watery world around you… all inside Quest Nature Center. Stop by the new Learn. Play. Explore. station in the exhibit hall to satisfy your natural curiosity.
Friday Morning Hike
Fridays from April 10 to 24, 2026
9 to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 18+
Meets at different locations each week
It takes a trained eye to find the quiet magic of Latta Nature Preserve as we head into the awakening months of spring. Fortunately, Latta’s volunteers are skilled at finding and teaching on the wonders that make their appearance in the spring. This is a moderate, brisk hike. Be prepared to cover up to 4 miles in two hours. Hike will start no later than 9:05am at a new location each time.
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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