McDowell Nature Center is within McDowell Nature Preserve, at 15222 South York Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, in southwestern Mecklenburg County.
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.
Events at McDowell Nature Center and 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!
Nature Book and Look
Every Monday in December, 2025, plus January 5, 12, and 26, 2026
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free (register at above link)
All ages
Nature Book and Look offers preschoolers and their families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature! Each program, a new fun and educational topic is presented with a nature book followed by a hands-on activity, craft, or exploratory hike! Pre-registration required (for adult and child alike). This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.
Nature Hike at McDowell Nature Preserve
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 (Evergreen Leaves)
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (Nature in Winter)
Free (register at above links)
12:30 to 2 p.m.
Free (register at above links)
All ages
Enjoy an afternoon hike with the family at McDowell Nature Preserve. On this hike, explore treasures of the forest around the preserve. This hike will be on uneven terrain and will be approximately 2 miles. At some points, the group will be off trail. If bringing small children, strollers are not advised.
Pre-registration required (for child and adult alike).
Family Fort Building
Sunday, December 14, 2025
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Free (register at above link)
Ages 7+
Discover the survival skill of shelter building with your family. Work together using materials found in the woods to build a sturdy, weather-resistant shelter. The group will be hiking off trail to the fort building location.
Pre-registration required for adult and child alike. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.
Whimsical Woodland Ornaments
Saturday, December 20, 2025
2 to 4 p.m.
Free
Ages 1+
Tap into your creative side and explore exciting ways to use nature materials to create unique and whimsical crafts that are sure to inspire you! Pre-registration is not required as this is a drop-in program. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.
Winter Wonderland: Coloring & Cocoa
Saturday, December 27, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
All ages
A bit chilly? Enjoy time at the McDowell Nature Center warming up with hot cocoa and coloring or crafting during this drop-in program. Registration not required. Adult participating required.
Winter Wonderland: Collages
Monday, December 29, 2025
12 to 2 p.m.
Free
All ages
Drop in anytime between 12-2PM to inspire creativity and mindfulness by creating winter themed collages and personal vision boards with upcycled magazines and scrap paper! Craft supplies will be provided, all ages welcome! Pre-registration is not required. Adult participation required.
Winter Wonderland: Winter Wreaths
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free
All ages
Did you know you can make all natural wreaths from nature while also helping our natural communities? Drop in from 10am-3pm to create and take home your own winter wreath upcycled from invasive species like Elaeagnus, Nandina and Wisteria! Pre-registration is not required. This is not a drop off program. Adult participation required.
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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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