McDowell Nature Center and Preserve  
15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28078
704-588-5224

Serving as the gateway to the 1,108 acre McDowell Nature Preserve, this nature center and preserve has numerous features including live native animals, an outdoor amphitheater, an exhibit hall, educational programs, a habitat garden with butterfly gardens, numerous picnic decks and tables, seven miles of hiking trails, and a 58 site family campground.