FreeMcDowell Nature Center & Preserve: Lake Wylie Boardwalks, Live Wildlife & Discovery Room
Visit on your scheduleNov 1 – Feb 28 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Mon–Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 1:00 PM–5:00 PM; preserve grounds open daily 7:00 AM–sunset
McDowell Nature Center and Preserve15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278 · 13.5 mi approx. from CharlotteDirections
All ages; nature center is ADA accessible; stroller-accessible lake boardwalks; playground on site
FreeFree nature center admission, preserve trail access, and free parking
About this adventure
Bordering the scenic shoreline of Lake Wylie in southwest Mecklenburg County, McDowell Nature Preserve spans 1,130 acres of protected Piedmont forest. Inside the climate-controlled Nature Center, children can observe live native snakes, turtles, and salamanders, examine real animal furs and skulls at the touch table, and enjoy natural history storybooks in the discovery nook. Outdoors, families can explore 7 miles of forested trails, including the accessible boardwalks of Copperhead Island and the Piedmont Prairie Trail. Picnic pavilions, lakeview rocking chairs, a children's playground, and free admission make this preserve an exceptional cold-weather family getaway.
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