There’s not really an “off season” in the Lake Norman area, but spring and summer are the undisputed high times for family activities. Indoors or out, options for exercise, entertainment, interactions with nature, store browsing or some basic relaxation are almost endless. In no particular order, here’s just a few of the places all around the lake ideally suited for a few hours, or perhaps a full day or more, of family or group adventures:
Check out the “things to do” listings for north Mecklenburg and the Mooresville area.
Beatty’s Ford Park
8335 Shipley Lane, Denver
Cost: Free
Nestled on the shores of Lake Norman, Beatty’s Ford Park offers activities catered to all ages. Features include a splash pad that’s open 10 a.m to 7 p.m., a playground, walking trails, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a nine-hole disc golf course and an amphitheater. If interested in reserving the picnic shelter, contact Lincoln County Parks and Recreation at 704-748-1518 to confirm availability.
Learn more: lincolncounty.org/129/Parks-and-Recreation
Denver Farmers Market
6917 Forest Hills Drive, Denver
Set up from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday in the parking lot of Denver Baptist Church, the Denver Farmers Market consists entirely of locally grown and hand-crafted goods. The market opens rain or shine.
Learn more: facebook.com/denverncfarmersmkt
Mundy House & History Center of Eastern Lincoln County
4353 N. N.C. 16, Denver
Cost: Free
The Mundy House is one of the few remaining historic houses in eastern Lincoln County. It stands today as a local landmark and within it the history of the Mundy family and the 19th-century development of Denver is documented. Learn about one of the founding families of the Rock Springs Camp Meeting and admire the home which maintains much of its original architectural integrity.
Learn more: facebook.com/MundyHouse
Murray’s Mill
1489 Murrays Mill Road, Catawba
Cost: $10 guided tours, $7 self-guided tours
The Murray’s Mill Historic District exists today as it did over a century ago along the banks of Balls Creek. Preserved intact are the 1913 mill itself, the 1890s Murray and Minges General Store, the 1880s wheathouse now used as an exhibit gallery and the 1913 John Murray house, which is furnished to the period. Take a deep dive into the history or come enjoy an afternoon picnic on the grounds.
Learn more: catawbahistory.org, search murrays mill
Rock Springs Nature Preserve
6684 Pine Ridge Drive, Denver
Cost: Free
Rock Springs Nature Preserve is a public park offering a large playground, event shelter, amphitheater and an outdoor classroom and wildlife viewing area. The property also features two looped trails totaling one mile, with the larger of the two being part of the Carolina Thread Trail. The thread trail portion will eventually connect to the existing Forney Creek trail that crosses Sally’s YMCA two miles south of the nature preserve.
Learn more: carolinathreadtrailmap.org
Check out the “things to do” listings for north Mecklenburg and the Mooresville area.
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