Things to Do in Gaston County, North Carolina

Many entertaining activities may be found in Gaston County if you know where to look.  This article recommends several attractions that will provide family fun at a minimal cost.

An amazing outdoor and partially indoor attraction that will provide hours of breathtaking beauty is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The entrance to the garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Road in the city of Belmont, NC, which is between Charlotte and Gastonia and there is an admission fee for both adults and children. This is a fun way to spend the day while enjoying the beauty of nature. There are seasonal activities for the whole family to enjoy.  If you need a break from walking, a tram ride is available that explores part of the interior of the garden.  Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located just minutes from Lake Wylie.

An exciting new attraction in Gaston County is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This multi-channel recirculating whitewater training facility has been recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. Rafters and kayakers will enjoy a full day of rafting without leaving the 300 acre facility. The whitewater center is located along the Catawba River and also provides scenic hikes, a climbing center, a restaurant, and bathroom facilities.  Pack a picnic basket and enjoy lunch beside the river.  There are fees for rafting and climbing, but no parking or admission fees.

During the Christmas season do not miss the opportunity to visit the quaint little town of McAdenville also known as Christmastown USA. Each December, this beautiful little town becomes a brilliant spectacle of Christmas lights and decorations that is known far and wide. Visitors from all over the country converge to drive or walk through McAdenville, singing Christmas carols as they go. McAdenville is located off I-85 N, Exit 22 at Lowell/Cramerton and also I-85 S, Exit 27 at Belmont/Mt. Holly.  While driving through McAdenville, be courteous to others by turning off your car’s headlights and use only the parking lights.  No matter what the temperature is outside, you will want to roll down the windows and listen to the Christmas music playing all along the route.  Keep a careful eye out for pedestrians and don’t forget to wave and wish everyone a “Merry Christmas.”

A perfect place to take a day hike and/or a picnic is Crowder's Mountain State Park, located at 522 Park Office Lane in Kings Mountain. There are covered shelters in the picnic area and several easy to moderate walking trails that wind up the mountain. Rock climbing is available for those with experience. A favorite activity of the locals is to pack a backpack with some sandwiches and drinks, hike to the top of Crowder's Mountain, and enjoy the view while eating lunch. Be sure to take all trash and food back down the mountain and only leave your footprints.

Martha Rivers Park is a beautiful park located on Neil Hawkins Road off of Union Road in Gastonia. This park offers numerous sports fields including baseball and soccer. There is a tremendous playground that resembles a castle for young knights and princesses to explore. Children will enjoy hours of fun, running and climbing on the structures and playing in the sand. There are picnic tables and covered shelters (may be reserved for special events) located near one side of the park. An ice cream shop is located just outside the entrance of the park and within walking distance. Martha Rivers Park is free to use and offers a whole day of fun for the entire family. Public restroom facilities and water fountains are available.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History is another amazing attraction located in the City of Gastonia. There are several scenic hiking trails around the facility with a replica of an 18th century farm, a Grist Mill, and an authentic Catawba Indian village. The museum has a planetarium as well as numerous exhibits featuring species of animals native to the Southeast United States.  The walking trails are free, but a modest admission fee with allow visitors access to the latest exhibits and provide much-needed support for the museum.

Tips & Warnings

• When participating in outdoor activities, be sure to bring along plenty of water. Stay hydrated!
• Be courteous of others when visiting public attractions. What makes you comfortable doesn't always make everyone around you comfortable.
• Always obey posted hours for any of these attractions.
• DO NOT LITTER!
• Hike and climb at your own risk and be sure to register with park rangers or applicable authorities if you do plan on rock climbing.