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
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!
Nature Ornaments
Saturday, December 7, 2024
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
McDowell
Free (drop-in program; no registration is needed)
All ages
Looking to get into the winter spirit? Stop by and explore unique ways to use nature materials to create one-of-a-kind ornaments. Drop in any time between 11:30 AM-1:30 PM to participate.
Pre-registration is not required as this is a drop-in program.
Nature Holiday Celebration
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
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.
Winter Solstice Fire and Celebration
Friday, December 20, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
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 Solstice Nature Walk
Saturday, December 21, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
All ages
The Winter Solstice is all about bringing back the light, and there is no better way to connect to this sentiment than on the land during a nature walk. This will be a casual saunter through the trails of Reedy Creek, with stops along the way to breathe it all in. Must be able to walk up to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18. The Winter Solstice is all about bringing back the light, and there is no better way to connect to this sentiment than on the land during a nature walk. This will be a casual saunter through the trails of Reedy Creek, with stops along the way to breathe it all in. Must be able to walk up to 3 miles on uneven terrain. Adult participation required if under 18.
End of the Year Hike
Saturday, December 28, 2024
1 to 2 p.m.
Reedy Creek
Free (register at above link)
Age 14+
Come celebrate the end of 2024 with some time outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the winter scenery. Hike at a moderate pace approximately 2 miles of Reedy Creek trails.
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.
Last Day Hike
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Stevens Creek
Free (register at above link)
If getting up early on January 1 for a “First Day Hike” is not how you want to start the new year, hit the trails on this “last day” hike. Close out the year with a naturalist-guided walk through winter woods, on your own or with visiting family members.
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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
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