Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center in Rowan County

Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center © Katrena

Perhaps you have been marooned along a riverbed amidst rattlesnakes and copperheads under the watchful eye of a kestrel. Or maybe you have simply entered the nature center at Dan Nicholas Park. If you haven't visited this Rowan County park at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in several years, you might recognize the building nestled behind the totem pole. I can remember a time when it was a large, open room with snakes in the middle and turtles at the back with a back door that led to the tiny bear habitat. The turtles now have a much larger habitat outdoors, and the bears have much more room to move in their habitat designed to look like a rock quarry.

Free Parks and Nature Centers in NC © H.W.

If you enter the Dan Nicholas nature center today, you might catch your breath as you see quite a transformation. The snakes are still there, but the cages rest amidst artificial vegetation. An aquarium houses several fish of various sizes and types. You might see a few frogs or even a chipmunk living out in this building.

Fun Family Activities in Rowan County © Katrena

If someone had led me into the nature center blindfolded for the first time after it was re-designed, I would be hard pressed to guess where I might be standing, even though I have visited the park for many years. Friendly staff members are willing to answer questions about the various animals native to North Carolina. They might hold a snake or bring out an animal from the back room that is not native to the state.

Learn About Animals at Dan Nicholas © Katrena

When we visited Dan Nicholas Park today, a lady who was also visiting remarked about how nice the nature center looked. I agree. One thing that makes this nature center particularly inviting to a family on a tight budget is that there is no admission charge. There is no admission charge for entry into the park, although guests might choose to purchase tickets for the carousel, paddle boats, miniature golf, train ride, Rowan Wildlife Adventures, gem mine, or items from one of the stores.

Free Nature Center in Piedmont of NC © Katrena

Another visitor at the park was speaking with a child who asked her something about Dan Nicholas and the lady mentioned that she had been coming to the park forever. This is a park that several generations of my family have enjoyed over the years. If you are looking for a family-friendly, affordable park in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, I would definitely put this one on the list. They seem to have something for everyone.

Park with Snakes and Aquarium Close to Salisbury NC © Katrena

Related articles:

• Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park
• Dan Nicholas Campground – Enjoy the Serene Beauty
• Lazy 5 Ranch Offers Drive-through Safari and More

Thanks so much for reading my Travel NC With Kids blog. Feel free to share your own adventures at Dan Nicholas Park in the comment section below. Visit the Dan Nicholas official web site for hours, directions, prices, and more.

2014 Autumn at Oz Dates – Beech Mountain Yellow Brick Road Awaits!

Autumn at Oz 2014 Dates © Katrena

This yellow brick road is not in Kansas but can be found in the mountain region of North Carolina. If you have a favorite scene or character from the Wizard of Oz, chances are that you will be able to find them atop Beech Mountain.

Professor Marvel at Autumn at Oz at Beech Mountain © Katrena

Autumn at Oz only happens one weekend each year, and the 2014 dates are scheduled for October 4 and 5. This unique, family friendly activity transports folks into what seems to be another land, full of captivating characters and props to resemble the popular movie.

Beech Mountain Autumn at Oz © Katrena

Many visitors return year after year, and quite a few of the characters and people working with the program have returned to entertain everyone numerous times as well. This event tends to sell out every year; ordering tickets in advance is essential if you have your heart set on visiting Autumn at Oz. They do not offer an alternate date for weather – this family-friendly activity has been held in the snow, fog, rain, and beautiful sunny days. You are pretty sure to see a twister while visiting, but it's nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

Fun Things to do near Boone, NC © Katrena

The yellow brick road is uneven with steps in various places, so this activity would not work for someone who must travel by wheelchair or stroller. Ensure that everyone is wearing comfortable walking shoes - you might need rubber soles or snow chains on the ruby slipper! I would advise carefully checking the weather forecast for the area and while packing extra layers as appropriate. Be prepared with some strong arms if you are planning to carry a little one. Ensure your camera is fully charged with lots of memory – this place is brimming with photo opportunities. I've been known to take over 100 pictures while enjoying Autumn at Oz.

Land of Oz in North Carolina Mountains © Katrena

Tickets include a time for arrival. You may arrive early, but you cannot travel to the mountain's peak until your designated time. According to my sources, in 2014 they plan to open the ski lift again, which should help relieve some congestion for traveling up and down the mountain. Ski lift riders must be at least 36 inches tall, and there is a $5.00 charge for riding the lift this year. The bus shuttle is included with the ticket price.

Uncle Henry in Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain © Katrena

Once you complete the ascent, you'll quickly discover a world atop the mountain that feels as if you have been transported to another time and place. You will walk through various scenes based on the movie with an opportunity to speak with various characters from those scenes.

Wizard of Oz Museum at Beech Mountain © Katrena

Before entering Dorothy's house, take a few moments to walk through the museum that features some vintage items from the original movie and quite a few Wizard of Oz items, including some from the days of the original Beech Mountain Oz that featured a balloon ride to the top of the mountain. My family traveled to this magical place in the early 1970s, but I was too young to remember that trip. My mom has told some great stories about our Oz visit back then and came with us on our first visit with the most recent generation.

Vintage Items from Land of Oz in North Carolina © Katrena

Another small Wizard of Oz museum lies at the end of the yellow brick road as well. It features a quilt with a Wizard of Oz theme and several costumes and decorations used years ago at Beech Mountain that have been preserved over the years.

Munchkin Land at Autumn at Oz © Katrena

I have been impressed with the friendly attitudes of the characters at Autumn at Oz. Thousands of people enjoy this once-a-year event, and the characters and associates somehow manage to keep smiles on their faces even if their teeth were almost chattering! Several of them have taken a few moments to talk about their experiences, such as Mrs. Gulch who once played the part of Dorothy in years past. One year I believe a dog traveled from Florida to play the part of Toto – note that pets are not allowed at this event.

Wicked Witch of the West on Yellow Brick Road in Beech Mountain © Katrena

My family has dressed up as various characters from the movie. Many guests often go all out with a motley assortment of costumes based on the Wizard of Oz movie adapted from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum. My kids have enjoyed Autumn at Oz a couple of times and are already asking to go back again this year.

Get Your Picture Made with Dorothy and Wizard of Oz Characters © Katrena

Related articles:

• Autumn at Oz official site - order tickets and find more info at this link
• North Carolina's Land of Oz article by Our State - you might wish to take the time to read comments by readers as some include pictures from the 1970s Land of Oz
• Land of Oz in Beech Mountain NC – There Really is a Yellow Brick Road!
• Wizard of Oz Scavenger Hunt – something to play at home before visiting

Thanks so much for reading Travel NC With Kids. I hope you enjoy my articles and pictures.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Meet Oz Characters © Katrena