Nature Centers – Charlotte Local Attractions!

Check out some great local attractions and find free Nature Centers.  Charlotte residence do not need to travel far to explore and be one with nature. Before hitting the trails, you can learn about native flora and fauna at the Reedy Creek, McDowell and Latta Plantation Nature Centers. Each center is free and welcomes visitors with trail maps, discovery halls, and even a few live animals to see up close.

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Nature Preserve

Reedy Creek Nature Center & Nature Preserve: This preserve protects 927​ acres of natural, forested habitat. There are over ten miles of hiking trails in the nature preserve with the opportunity to explore a variety of terrains while enjoying scenic views of small lakes, forests, fields, streams, and wildlife.

McDowell Nature Center

McDowell Nature Center: This preserve offers 1,132 acres of protected forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie. McDowell Nature Center is a great resource for educational programs and information on the preserve’s natural communities, flora, and fauna. Also known for being the oldest preserve in Mecklenburg County this is a great opportunity to be one with nature.

Historic Latta Plantation

Historic Latta Plantation: This is an 1800’s cotton plantation and living history farm that is located within the 1,343 acres of Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville, NC. In addition to guided tours of the plantation home, eleven outbuildings give visitors a glimpse of life in North Carolina from 1800 to 1865 during self-guided grounds tours.