McDowell Nature Center & Preserve is Charlotte’s largest and oldest nature preserve, offering 1,100 acres of protected wilderness along the shores of Lake Wylie. Originally developed in 1976 as a replacement for the now-defunct Lake Wylie Park, the preserve was designed to protect native ecosystems while providing an immersive outdoor experience. Today, visitors can explore forested trails winding through diverse habitats, kayak through quiet inlets, or camp beneath the stars at one of the scenic lakeside campsites.

The McDowell Nature Center serves as the preserve’s gateway, featuring interactive exhibits, live native animals, and hands-on educational programs. The center sits on land that was once part of a larger prairie restoration project, protecting endangered plant species like the rare Schweinitz’s sunflower. Throughout the preserve, visitors can discover remnants of history, from the Dodge City Piedmont Prairie, named after a long-gone amusement park, to areas affected by Hurricane Hugo’s devastation in 1989, which wiped out thousands of trees.

Beyond its ecological and historical significance, McDowell Preserve has also played host to national events, including the U.S. Women’s National Kayak Polo tryouts. Whether you’re paddling through Lake Wylie’s coves, hiking past towering hardwoods, or simply unwinding in nature, McDowell Preserve offers an unparalleled escape into Charlotte’s wild side.