Mecklenburg County nature preserves and centers offer hikes, archery classes, kids' nature programs, more...

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation maintains several nature centers, Reedy Creek, Latta and McDowell. Steven’s Creek Nature Center is opening soon, but is already hosting some activities (see below.) 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.

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.

Reedy Creek Nature Center

Reedy Creek Nature Center

Reedy Creek Nature Center
2900 Rocky River Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215
Northeastern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1119
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

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.

Latta Nature Center

Latta Nature Center
6211 Sample Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078
Northern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1129
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Update: Latta Nature Center is closed as they transition to Quest. (See below.)

The Nature Center features live, native animals, a discovery hall, an outdoor amphitheater, 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, garden pond, and demonstration compost area. Self-interpretive trail guides are available for several nature preserve trails.

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.

Also of interest, adjacent to the nature preserve (same entrance from Sample Road) is Historic Latta Plantation, a living history attraction, and Carolina Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for injured birds of prey, as well as an education center where the community can learn about these birds.

Quest
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, in partnership with Carolina Raptor Center, is building a brand new destination for outdoor recreation and environmental education in North Mecklenburg County. Nestled inside the Latta Nature Preserve, “QUEST,” scheduled to open in early Spring 2020, will be the place to go to learn, play and explore the wonders of water, woods, and wildlife.

McDowell Nature Center

15222 South York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Southwestern Mecklenburg County
980-314-1128
Mon – Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Campground: 980-314-2267

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.

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.

Steven’s Creek Nature Center

15700 Thompson Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
980-314-2526

Mecklenburg County’s newest nature center will be coming to Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve. Although it’s not open yet, it will be hosting some activities, mostly outside. See some of them below.

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. Follow the links in this post to find even more.

Visit the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers’ Facebook page to see even more events. Some have fees. Keep in mind that for most of the events you need to call in advance and register. Also check out the intended age range. To register, follow the link for the event or call the phone number for the nature center.

Full Moon Hike: Worm Moon
Sunday, March 28th, 2021
8 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (follow above link to register)

Explore Stevens Creek Nature Preserve by the light of March’s “Worm Moon” and dig deeper into this moon’s namesake.

Friday Morning Nature Hike
Fridays in April and May
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Latta
Age 12+
Free (follow above link to register)

Come hike with a naturalist and explore our trails where we will identify different plants and gather a greater understanding of the importance of our preserve. Please be prepared for a fast paced hike for 3-4 miles with stops occasionally.

Quest Early Morning Fitness
Tuesdays in April and May
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Quest
Age 18+
Free (follow above link to register)

Having trouble keeping your fitness routine regular? Join our group of friends as we start every Tuesday morning with a fitness hike around the preserve. Bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Family Hike Night
Friday, May 28th, 2021
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (follow above link to register)

Ready for a different kind of family fun adventure? Don’t settle for just observing nocturnal wildlife, become a part of it! Discover your inner animal, sharpen your senses in the lower light, and share stories during this guided hike.

World Otter Day
Saturday, May 29th, 2021
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (follow above link to register)

Who can hold their breath longer – you or an otter? How do otters see underwater? Discover the amazing adapations of these elusive aquatic mammals on World Otter Day. You “otter” be ashamed of yourself if you miss out!