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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Park with Snakes and Aquarium Close to Salisbury NC © Katrena |
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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.
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