Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Quest at Latta Preserve, McDowell and Stevens Creek. The nature centers provide an excellent introduction to the wildlife and plant life of the area. In addition, they also host festivals, workshops, nature hikes, campfire and more events, many of which are free.
If you landed on this page because of an event on the Charlotte on the Cheap calendar, make sure that you read the information about the event and click on the link that goes to the Mecklenburg Count Park and Recreation registration page. Jump to the list of events for details on each one. Or read on to learn about the various nature centers.
Each of these nature centers is on a nature preserve with its own unique character and features. Read on to learn a little bit about each one, and scroll down to see some of the upcoming free events at the nature centers. A good way to find out about the nature centers’ upcoming events and news is to follow Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers on Facebook.
The nature centers are free to visit.
Quest at Latta Nature Preserve
Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Jump to events at Latta Nature Preserve and Quest Nature Center
Quest is a new 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 will also be joining this facility soon.
Carolina Raptor Center, a neighbor in Latta Nature Preserve, is moving its operations to Quest. Raptor programs are started to take place at Quest.
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 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.
Stevens Creek Nature Center
Stevens Creek Nature Center
15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Jump to events at Stevens Creek Nature Center
The nature center features live native animals, two classrooms (including one rentable space), gift shop, and an exhibit hall with interactive exhibits. The exhibits focus on protecting water quality and include an augmented reality sand table, living stream with fish and turtles, and 5-foot tall model of the federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.
Environmental education and outdoor recreation staff offer public and private programming for all ages. Visitors can borrow loaner backpacks to take activities out on the trails or busy bags for smaller children to play with inside.
Within the preserve, visitors can observe nature in action along 3 miles of natural-surface hiking trails. The path to the pedestrian bridge over the recently-restored Stevens Creek is fully accessible. Self-interpretive trail maps are available for the trails.
Reedy Creek Nature Center
Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Jump to events at Reedy Creek Nature Center
The nature center features live, native animals, an exhibit hall, a classroom, and a gift shop. Outside, visitors can stop and observe nature in action at the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden which includes bird feeding stations, butterfly gardens, and a demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.
Fishing is available at the two ponds. Those age 16 and older need fishing licenses.
There’s a natural playground outside the nature center and ten miles of marked trails. One highlight of the trails is the Robinson Rock House. The ruins of the circa 1790 home is a popular destination of hikers. (The hike is short and easy enough for small children.
Adjacent to the nature preserve (it shares an entrance) is Reedy Creek Park, which includes two playgrounds, a dog park, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pit, a community garden, softball and soccer fields, picnic shelters and more.
McDowell Nature Center
McDowell Nature Center
15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
Monday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Campground: 980-314-2267
Jump to events at McDowell Nature Center
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.
Other Nature Preserves
There are additional nature preserves that do not have nature centers. You can find a list of them here.
We took a special look at a few of these nature preserves, including videos and lots of pictures. Click on the links below to see them.
Upcoming free and cheap events at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers and Preserves
This is not a complete list of events at the nature centers and preserves.
Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page or 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.
Reedy Creek
Saturday Saunter Through the Woods
Saturday, December 2, 2023
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Saunter: walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort. Every first Saturday of the month we will enjoy an afternoon Saunter on the trails and through the woods at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. This naturalist led saunter is family friendly and will foster an appreciation for the treasures of nature. Must be able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Mindful Community Nature Experience
Sunday, December 3, 2023
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 14+
Allow Mother Nature to soothe your soul! This program guides you into slowing down and engaging with your senses for a deeper connection to the natural world. This destressing practice uses mindful techniques that open you to the healing power of the great outdoors. No experience needed. Led by a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide. Adult participation required if under 18.
Nature Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
All ages
Celebrate this festive time of year with the staff at Reedy Creek Nature Center! We will share alternative ideas for the holidays and engage you in a host of activities to enjoy. Stop by anytime to sit by a fire and sip apple cider or hot cocoa, listen to a nature story, explore our trails during a gifts of nature hike or make an eco-friendly nature craft to take home. We hope to see you there! Adult participation required if under 18.
Outdoor Women Hiking Group
Saturday, December 9, 2023
1 to 2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Gather with other women who enjoy the outdoors and hiking. The group will hike approximately 2 miles of Reedy Creek trails.
BioDiversity Hike @ Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Saturday, December 16, 2023
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 16+
The group will hike between 3 – 4 miles on uneven terrain, stopping along the way to admire and discuss what we are seeing. Adult participation required if under 18.
Winter Solstice Fire and Celebration
Thursday, December 21, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 12+
The winter solstice is a special time of year when we embrace the darkness and welcome back the light. Discover the magic by participating in a few nature connecting activities as we celebrate together. Activities will include mindful connecting practice, fire building and intention setting to name a few. Adult participation required is under 18.
Winter Naturalist Hike
Saturday, December 23, 2023
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 7+
Discover the nature preserve in winter on this guided hike. Observe the changes in the forest and uncover winter’s secrets. We will hike approximately 1 mile of Reedy Creek trails at times over uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
End of the Year Hike
Sunday, December 31, 2023
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Ages 18+
End the year out outdoors! Breathe in fresh air as we hike at a quick pace over 2 miles of Reedy Creek’s trails.
McDowell
Hiking Amongst the Trees
Saturday, November 18, 2023
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
What better way to relieve stress than to take a hike in our beautiful nature preserve. Get some fresh air while meeting new people and gaining new insights from your naturalist guide and the natural world. Sign-up for Yoga Amongst the Trees directly following the hike for a well-rounded experience.
Animal Ambassador Meet ‘n’ Greet
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023
2 to 2:30 and 4 to 4:30 p.m. each day
McDowell
Free (register)
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 animals adaptations and everyday life out in the wild! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike).
Nature Hike
Friday, December 1, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
All ages
Enjoy a morning hike with the family at McDowell Nature Preserve. This hike will be on uneven terrain and will be approximately 2 miles. If bringing small children’s strollers are not advised.
Winter Tree ID Hike
Saturday, December 2, 2023
10 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Want to identify trees after they’ve lost their leaves? After an introduction on common species in the preserve, we will go for a 1.5-mile hike to identify trees by looking at bark, buds, and fruits.
Winter Night Hike
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
6:30 to 8 p.m.
McDowell
Free
All ages
Explore the preserve on a crisp winter night as we look for nocturnal animals.
Kids Hiking Club
Fridays, December 8 and 22, 2023
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Ages 8-13
Free (register)
Hey kids, get outside and enjoy your morning with the Kids Hiking Club! This group will meet monthly and explore McDowell Nature Preserve. All kids will receive a trail passport and a 100 mile hike club card to document their trail journeys and collect prizes along the way. This is a drop off program with a staff member and 1-2 parent chaperones. This is a drop off program. Adult participation not required. Pre-registration required.
Morning Coffee and Campfire
Thursdays in November, 2023, except November 23; December 7, 14, 21, 2023
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
McDowell
Free
All ages
Warm up with a cup of coffee and a toasty fire provided by McDowell Nature Center. Get your questions answered by staff and spend time with friends young and old on select Thursdays this fall.
No pre-registration required.
This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.
Wagon Ride and Campfire
Friday, December 22, 2023
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
McDowell
$5 for residents; $6 for non-residents
All ages
Take a trip through McDowell Nature Preserve in style! Travel through the McDowell prairie with a naturalist guide then finish at the nature center for a toasty campfire.
Winter Wonderland: Coloring & Cocoa
Saturday, December 23, 2023
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McDowell
Free (registration is not required)
All ages
A bit chilly? Enjoy time with your family warming up with hot cocoa and coloring or crafting during this drop-in program from 10am-4pm.
Latta (Quest)
Nature Connections: Mammals
Saturday, November 25, 2023
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Quest
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Do you know how soft a beaver’s fur is? Examine pelts of some of our most common North American mammals while visiting Quest! No registration needed, drop-in anytime to learn about our furry friends of the forest.
Nature Crafts: Leaf Rubbing
Saturday, November 25, 2023
2 to 4 p.m.
Quest
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Get inspired by the beauty of nature! Create your own artwork starting with leaf rubbings. No registration needed, drop in anytime to get hands-on with nature.
Turtle Encounters
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Sunnay, January 28, 2024
Quest
1 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Free (register)
All ages
Meet some of the nature center’s resident turtles up close during one of these live animal shows.
Animal Meet & Greet
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Saturday, January 13, 2024
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Quest
Free (register)
All ages
Nature Story Walk at Buzzard Rock
Thursday, December 7, 2023
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Buzzard Rock Trailhead at Latta
Free (register)
Ages 1-6
Engage with nature alongside your little ones! Come along on a short hike and enjoy a nature story on the way.
Winter Wildlife Family Hike
Sunday, December 17, 2023
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
All ages
Explore the preserve during the winter to see what our wildlife friends are up to. Look for signs of animal life including tracks, sighting, and sounds.
Fungi Hike & Hunt
Saturday, December 23, 2023
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Quest
Free (register)
Ages 18+
Fungi come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re in the soil, our bodies, and even the air! Want to know more about these interesting organisms? Come along on a hike to discover more and find where they are in Latta Nature Preserve.
Family Campfire
Saturday, December 23, 2023
1 to 3 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
All ages
One of our favorite ways to enjoy nature in winter is with a cozy campfire. Bring a cozy blanket and your own marshmallows to make the most of the afternoon! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
New Year’s Fitness Hike
Saturday, December 30, 2023
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Quest
Free (register)
Ages 18+
A 3.5 mile hike from Quest to the Cove Loop lookout. Great way to enter the new year by hiking this moderate trail to a scenic spot on the shore of Mountain Island Lake.
Stevens Creek
Turkey Trot 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, November 25, 2023
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register)
All ages
During this long holiday weekend, hit the trails to enjoy the crisp fall air and some friendly competition. Walk or run either an (approximately) 5k or 1 mile course over natural surface trails, suitable for all levels, even off-road strollers. The first to return from each course will be awarded a special prize! The Nature Center is open for refreshments and exploration after, or drop into yoga class at 10am to get a great recovery stretch (separate fee applies).
Geocache Turkey Hunt (drop-in)
Saturday, November 25, 2023
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register)
Ages 3+
What is geocaching? It’s an outdoor adventure game, using your smartphone to find hidden “treasure” around the nature preserve. Let the Thanksgiving celebration continue and be on the lookout for turkeys lucky enough to have escaped being Thanksgiving dinner. Practice the basics of this active and fun outdoor sport (and help us catch those turkeys!). Find all the geocaches, then return to the nature center to collect a prize. This self-guided adventure will take approximately 45 –60 minutes to complete. Please download the free Geocaching app on your device before arriving. Staff will be on hand to assist as needed.
S’mores Please
Fridays, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and Saturday, December 23, 2023
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (no registration required)
All ages
Drop by the Stevens Creek Nature Center fire pit to make your favorite toasted, gooey, crispy fireside treat.
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