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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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.
Here are just a very few of the upcoming events!
Birding at Stevens Creek
December 5 and 19, 2024
January 2, 16 and 30, 2025
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Description: Step out onto the trails as we explore the preserve and search the skies for our beloved winged friends. From the radiant Northern Cardinals to the majestic Red-shouldered Hawks, the list of potential sightings is endless. Along the way, we’ll work on identification techniques to help everyone become better birders. Open to all levels of bird watching; BYO binoculars or borrow a pair.
Hike For Your Health
Tuesdays in January and February, 2025
5 to 6 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register)
Age 14+
Get outside, get moving, get healthy! Fresh air, sunshine, beautiful surroundings and wonderful people are included! This is a medium to fast walk of 2.5 to 3 miles over an hour+ on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
Year of the Snake: Animal Encounter and Lantern Craft
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
$5 for Mecklenburg County residents; $6 for non-residents (register)
Celebrate Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Snake. Meet one of Stevens Creek’s slithering animal ambassadors, explore traditions associated with Lunar New Year, and decorate your own take-home lantern!
Geocache Charlotte 2025 Kick-Off
Saturday, February 1, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Register
1:30 to 4 p.m.: Register
Stevens Creek
Free (follow one of the above links to register)
All ages
Geocache Charlotte is the ultimate adventure for all geocachers out there! With 50 geocaches scattered across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to explore the city in a unique and exciting way. Start your journey by joining a guided “hunt” at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve, where you can find three hidden caches. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the challenge, ask questions, and maybe even get some hints to help you on your search. So, grab your phone and put your hunting skills to the test – you never know what treasures you might discover!
Black History Nature Series Presents: Black on Water
Saturday, February 1, 2025
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
Ages 10+
Embark on the journey of the complex history between African Americans and water. Explore historical figures, events, and organizations that helped combat the negative stereotype of African Americans being afraid of the water. This will be a lecture style presentation with a discussion throughout the program.
Valentine’s Day Craft: Cardinals
February 14, 2025
2 to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Age 4+
Free (register)
Love is in the air! Learn about cardinal courtship and create a craft with guided instruction. Adult participation required if under 18.
Morning Nature Hikes
Friday, March 7, 2024, : Register
Sunday, March 9, 2025: Register
Friday, March 21, 2025: Register
Sunday, March 30, 2025: Register
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (registration required)
Ages 10+
Get your steps in early during a guided hike over the ‘first loop’ of trails at Stevens Creek Nature Preserve. Natural dirt paths provide a comfortable walking surface, with the summer sun streaming through the bare trees. We’ll take the 2.5 miles at a comfortable pace, pausing to investigate anything interesting we see along the way. After working up a sweat and hunger, grab a free gooey treat at the s’mores program happening at the fire pit.
Saturday Campfire and S’mores (drop-in)
Saturday, March 8, 2025
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (drop-in; no registration require3d)
All ages
Feel the marshmallow magic and ask for s’more! Drop by the Stevens Creek Nature Center fire pit to whip up your favorite gooey, toasty fireside delight and soak in the cozy campfire vibes.
St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt
March 15 and 16, 2025
Saturday: 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (drop-in; no registration)
All ages
Put your natural knowledge to the test – follow the Leprechaun’s clues to find the hidden treasure. Choose the short version to stay close to the center, or challenge yourself with the longer version on the trails. This self-guided activity requires only your brain and a sense of adventure. Start at the Nature Center for your clues and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Short version of the activity takes place on sidewalks near the nature center; allocate 30 minutes to complete at an easy pace. Long version takes places along ~2 miles of easy-moderate natural surface trails; allocate 60 minutes to complete at an easy pace.
International Beaver Day
Saturday, March 29, 2025
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (registration required)
Ages 4+
Discover how beavers use their tail and other unique physical adaptations to thrive as nature’s architects. Take a short stroll on accessible paths to spot beaver activity in the Preserve. Registration required for ages 4+; pre-registration recommended but walk-ins take that day up to maximum of 20; children younger than 4 can tag along with older siblings/adult. Not a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by a registered & participating adult age 18+. This program takes place inside the fully accessible nature centers and on accessible trails in the Preserve; expect to travel approx. 1/3 mile total. This program takes place inside the fully accessible Nature Center and on accessible paths.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve
2900 Rocky River Road
Charlotte, NC 980-314-1119
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve and Center
15700 Thompson Road
Mint Hill, NC
