Dan Nicholas Park Lake Murtis Walking Trail - One of Our Favorite Hikes!

I've been visiting Dan Nicholas Park for as long as I remember and even got married in the park, so the park and I go back quite a ways. One of the favorite activities for my crew is to walk around Lake Murtis at the park.

Dan Nicholas Park is located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury, North Carolina. No admission is charged to enter or park at Dan Nicholas. Here is the easiest way to get to the lake: after entering the park, take the first road to the right. Go straight past the picnic shelters and miniature golf area and park in the parking lot by the large ADA accessible playground and newer bathrooms. From the parking lot, walk through a wooded area with picnic tables and past the carousel, splash pad, and along the walkway to the left of the Animal Adventures. You'll see the lake just past the brown building housing restrooms and a concession stand.

The Lake Murtis walking trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail and features natural terrain, lots of shaded areas and three bridges. One of the bridges reminds me a bit of Monet's Japanese footbridge painting. If you look away from the lake while standing on Foltz Bridge (the largest one), you can see the small bridge that was used years ago on an older trail around the lake. Yep, I remember walking on that bridge! The trail is easy to navigate but with the natural terrain, those in wheelchairs or who are prone to tripping might need extra help. We've seen quite a few people pushing children in strollers around the lake.

Several folks fish at the lake - you'll need a license to do so. During warmer months, paddle boat rentals are offered. I recommend doing this at cooler times if you wish to enjoy that activity. No swimming is allowed at the lake, but they do have a splash pad nearby. Ensure that your dog is on a leash if you wish to walk around the lake with your furry friend.

The campground is located near the back of the lake to the right of the bridge. An additional, longer trail is located near where the woods start on the right side of the lake near the campground.

You can discover great views and awesome photo opportunities throughout the trail. We've visited during each season of the year, and each one offers a nice variety of native plants and animals to enjoy. Turtles often enjoy sunning on logs in the lake and may come up to visit near the bridge at the back of the lake. We were thrilled to see a blue heron the other day as well. 

We usually pack some seeds and corn or halved grapes to feed the ducks and geese when we visit. Bread and crackers are not recommended for feeding waterfowl. We've seen goslings and ducklings recently at the lake on our walks. The duck groups tend to spread out around the lake. My kids have named a few of them. "Speckles" is one of our favorites.

The staff at Dan Nicholas Park do a great job keeping the park, trails, and facilities clean. This park offers quite a few activities that are free and a few additional activities for reasonable prices, such as the carousel ride and mini zoo with black bears, owls, wolves, bald eagles, and alligator.

Find more information about Dan Nicholas Park, including a map and directions and information about their activities at their official web site. Thank you for visiting Travel NC With Kids. Read more of my articles via the site map, using my search bar, or you may wish to read the articles below:

• Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury NC Has Great Family Friendly Playground!
• Dan Nicholas Campground - Enjoy the Serene Beauty
• Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center in Rowan County
• Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park

Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury NC Has Great Family Friendly Playground!

Dan Nicholas Park Playground for Younger Kids ©Katrena

Playground at Dan Nicholas Park in Rowan County NC

If you are looking for a fun, free place to take the kids in the Piedmont with lots of room and loads of opportunities to explore, romp, and get all the energy out, the large playground at Dan Nicholas might be the perfect choice.

I have been visiting Dan Nicholas Park for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories are of watching the bears behind the nature center and feeding the ducks at the lake. Now I take my own daughters to this terrific park that features animals, a huge playground, carousel, train, hiking, paddle boats, fishing, water park, camping, picnic areas, mini golf, ball fields, and much more. There is no charge to enter the park, and you can easily make a day of enjoying the freebies without spending a dime other than the gas money to drive there, but the areas that include a fee are very reasonable.

To say that I like Dan Nicholas Park is an understatement. I got married at Dan Nicholas...right at the bear den. Well, I didn't actually get married in the bear den, but they used to have an outdoor theater where the new and improved bear habitat is now located. I also remember how much I loved the outdoor playground at Dan Nicholas.

Family Fun in Rowan County NC ©Katrena

Dan Nicholas Park Offers a Huge Free Playground

I used to think the playground at Dan Nicholas was so big when I was a kid. They had slides, swings, huge rocks, and lots of space for playing. The huge rocks are still there, and I remember a few of the play areas from my younger days, but now, I just have to say wow! The playground is bigger than ever, still growing and, best of all, it is completely free. Kids can easily spend hours just playing in this awesome playground.

Fun Free Things to do in the Piedmont ©Katrena

The Dan Nicholas playground has three sections with the middle section designed for the youngest kids. The tiny tot area (pictured at the top of this post) is separated by a fence and offers tiny slides and lots of low climbing opportunities. Kids can sit in the "train" and pretend to go for a ride or crawl through tunnels or check out a cool miniature house and more. If the kids are overwhelmed with a large playground, you can always head to the other, smaller playground that is located inside the Wildlife Adventures area.

Dan Nicholas Has Handicap Equipped Playground with Ramps ©Katrena

One large section of the park is handicap equipped – this is the area with the tallest slides and loads of color. Some of the slides offer steps for the younger kids, and many of the play areas feature challenges, such as monkey bars and ladders, for moving up and through the area. A large ramp goes through a large portion of this play area from the wooded side.

Kids Who Love to Climb Love Dan Nicholas! ©Katrena

The older section features a few swings and a really cool spider web for the climbers in the family. I have two climbers. I feel for those other parents out there with climbers too...it can be a challenge to find fun and safe activities!

Huge Free Playground in North Carolina ©Katrena

The adults may be excited that they have benches all around the area, some even in the shade. The main parking area is in sight of the playground and bathroom facilities are beside this area as well. To get to this parking area, make the first right after entering Dan Nicholas and keep going past the mini golf – you'll see the parking lot on the left. The playground is also quite close to lots of other activities like the carousel, train, and nature center.

Family Friendly Things to do in Rowan County Park ©Katrena

Feel free to visit the Dan Nicholas web site to find the current hours of operation, prices, campsites available, and more. Discover more active, interactive, and just plain fun ideas at the Travel NC With Kids site map.

Dan Nicholas Campground – Enjoy the Serene Beauty!

Dan Nicholas Park Campground, located near Salisbury, NC and High Rock Lake offers 70 camping sites nestled in a wooded area behind the lake. Many people who have visited the park do not even realize a campground is in the park. Many people walk just a few feet from the camping area as they walk around the lake and never realize the fun possibilities of camping at one of the best parks in Rowan County and North Carolina!

Fun Things to do Near Salisbury NC © Katrena

The campsites are spacious, and many of them are pull-through for those who would prefer not to back into a site or for those who might seem to tie a pop-up in a square knot any time you put the truck in reverse! Most sites have water and electricity, but a few discount sites offer only a table and grill. They also have a few small cabins for those who do not have a camper or tent.

Camping in North Carolina and Rowan County © Katrena

In my opinion, this campground is a hidden gem! Staff members at Dan Nicholas are friendly, helpful, and ready to offer suggestions for those looking for fun activities both in and out of the park. The campground offers a few friendly competitions like the chili cook offs and an ice cream making contest, and you can see some pictures of these activities in the camp store.

Beautiful Lakes in North Carolina © Katrena

If you enjoy seclusion, many of the camp sites further away from the lake seem particularly quiet. A paved road connects all campsites. Bath houses are found in several locations throughout the campground. When we camped, the remnants of a tropical storm arrived when we did and it rained every day we were there, but staff worked extra hard to keep the bath houses as clean as possible.

The sites nearest the lake put folks near the walking trail that wraps around the lake. A short trail takes visitors around the lake where ducks, geese, and paddle boats abound. This is one of my favorite trails as the bridge across the back reminds me a bit of Claude Monet's Water Lily pond painting.

Our family particularly enjoys riding bikes at campgrounds. The paved roads made it easy to navigate with three young children, and other campers would wave and watch out for kids riding and playing. Those interested in hiking can enjoy a variety of trails at Dan Nicholas, some quick and easy and others that might take a few hours to complete.

Dog Friendly Campgrounds in NC © Katrena

The Dan Nicholas Park campground is dog-friendly, and my kids delighted in meeting quite a few furry campers! Squirrels regularly visit camp sites and can put on quite a show as they scamper up and down trees while the family enjoys a picnic under the trees. One little camper proudly showed us his collection of tiny frogs he had found as we were out on a bike ride.

Dan Nicholas Park in Rowan County NC © H.W.

The park is brimming with beautiful flowers and an amazing array of native animals that are attracted to the area. Our family loves to look for birds, dragonflies, butterflies, bees, and frogs as we walk through Dan Nicholas. My kids especially enjoy looking for turtles swimming near the wooden bridge over the lake. We were surprised to see a heron when we camped at the park. I loved having such a peaceful feeling as I did yoga at dawn while the sun's early rays filtered through the plethora of leaves that twinkled with dew.

Black Bears in North Carolina © Katrena

Those who enjoy wildlife might also wish to visit the nature center and Wildlife Encounters exhibit in the park. You'll see black bears, turtles, frogs, foxes, birds of prey, perhaps deer, snakes, fish, and other animals in those exhibits. A barnyard will bring you close to some animals you might see on a farm. You might even try your hand at mining for gems in the mine just past the barnyard.

My kids love rides, so they are particularly drawn to the carousel and train ride. Dan Nicholas offers one of the largest free playgrounds we've ever visited, and sections of the playground are handicap accessible. Beyond the playground is putt-putt golf. Horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and ball fields are also available.

Those who enjoy water activities will be drawn to the splash pad, fishing, and paddle boats. Water can make a hot southern summer day seem a little cooler. When we camped, it rained every day – actually it rained almost every day of the entire summer break in 2013 around these parts, but that didn't stop our fun. We bought some fun umbrellas at the train station and simply learned to dance in the rain!

Fishing Lakes and Paddle Boats in North Carolina © Katrena

I found the campground at Dan Nicholas Park to be quite relaxing and particularly enjoyed listening to the ducks and birds calling one another in the mornings before most folks were awake. For me, it was a nice place to unwind, unplug, and rejuvenate while enjoying some quality time with my daughters. It was also convenient to have such a variety of fun activities in walking distance – we could easily stay a week at the campground without leaving the park; however, many fun family activities in and around Rowan County lie a short distance away.

The fees are very reasonable, and residents of Rowan County are offered a discounted rate for camping. Those who love crafts and music might be interested to know that Dan Nicholas offers an Autumn Jubilee, a very popular activity typically offered in early October. Visit the Dan Nicholas official web site for dates, times, fees, trail maps and more; many of the activities at Dan Nicholas are free or have a low cost. Although this was an inexpensive camping trip for us, it was packed with fun and was one of our favorite activities.

Readers may also wish to check out some of my other articles:

• Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park Near Salisbury NC
• Dan Nicholas Park in NC Has Wide Variety of Water Fun
• Dunn's Mountain Park in Rowan County NC – Beautiful View

Great Places to See Wildlife in Rowan County, North Carolina © Katrena

Visit the Travel NC With Kids site map to find more family-friendly travel articles.

Dan Nicholas Park in NC Has Wide Variety of Water Fun

Dan Nicholas Park, located in Rowan County near Salisbury, North Carolina, features several different ways to enjoy water with the kids, including a nature trail that encircles a lake, fishing, paddle boats, and a splash pad.

Beautiful Wooden Bridge at Dan Nicholas Lake © Katrena

One of my favorite activities at Dan Nicholas is to simply walk the trail that encircles the lake. Walkers can see the lake throughout the short hike, and the majority of the trail is shaded, serene, and relaxing. They have a large steel bridge to the left of the concession stand, but I particularly like the small wooden bridge at the back of the lake.

Beautiful Wild Animals in Rowan County NC © Katrena

You can often find turtles, butterflies, dragonflies, and more near the bridge and along the trail. I like gardening and always enjoy looking at the nice collection of plants in and near the water on this trail as well. The camping area is adjacent to part of this trail, and several shaded areas have benches where you can relax and take in the beauty of the lake and the animals that call this area home.

Ducklings and Goslings in North Carolina © Katrena

I have fond memories of feeding the ducks and geese at the lake with my family when I was a child, and now my kids get the opportunity to share in that simple joy. Some of these feathered friends might even eat out of your hand. They might not be as hungry when the weather is comfortable and lots of folks are visiting, but you can usually find several that will readily clamber for some treats.

Fishing at Dan Nicholas Lake Near Salisbury NC © Katrena

You will often see folks fishing around the edges of the lake. Those with a state fishing license can fish at the Dan Nicholas lake for a modest fee paid at the concession stand. The local fee is waived for seniors and children under age three. The concession stand has quite a few pictures of people who have made some pretty nice catches at the lake as well as duck food, cool drinks, and several options for snacks.

Family Fun on Paddle Boats in Rowan County © Katrena

Riding paddle boats can be a fun family activity and great exercise, especially if you're the only one who can reach the pedals! The character boats are big and bold, and they have updated the smaller paddle boats as well.

Character Paddle Boats at Dan Nicholas Lake © Katrena

I prefer to go out on the lake early in the day if the weather is very warm. They have added a spraying fountain in the lake that can cool you down quite nicely if you discover that the Southern summer heat is moving in quickly.

The splash pad is the newest addition to the family water fun at Dan Nicholas. Located near the carousel and train station, this free area was a big hit with all of my kids. Actually, I found several excuses to go out and check on the kids while they were playing in this one!

Family Fun at Dan Nicholas © Katrena

It helps to have sandals or flip flops nearby because the cement gets a bit hot in the dry areas when the sun is blazing. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are also helpful for adults who are sitting by the splash pad. The splash pad at Dan Nicholas is slated to open for the 2012 season on May 26.

Visit the Travel NC with Kids site map for more articles on Dan Nicholas Park and several other fun family activity ideas in North Carolina.

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.

Meet the Bears at Dan Nicholas Park Near Salisbury NC

Black Bear at Dan Nicholas Park in NC © Katrena

Dan Nicholas Park, located off Bringle Ferry Road near High Rock Lake and Salisbury, North Carolina offers a nice variety of activities for families. One of my family's favorite destinations in the Rowan County park is the bear den in the Wildlife Adventures area.

Wildlife Adventures at Dan Nicholas Park © Katrena

For a very modest fee (adults are $1.00 and children under age 10 are 50 cents with babies under 1 year free at the time this article was published), folks can see turtles, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, owls, eagles, deer, and black bears. The bear habitat is decorated to look like a rock quarry with three observation decks. A large hook hangs above some large rocks in the center of the habitat, and every once in a while you might see Ruff, the larger male bear, playing with the hook.

See Bears in Rowan County NC © Katrena

The upper deck houses an owl that is usually perched to the right or to the left of the observation window which provides a nice view of the bears if they are on the rocks in the center. The center viewing window allows guests to see the bears if they are partially hidden in the cave area across the way. Folks can also walk through a man-made cave and view the bears at water level, which is particularly fun if the bears are in the water near the window.

Wildlife at Rowan County Parks and Recreation © Katrena

The bears tend to be more active in early morning and in the evenings. If the weather is hot, they might be lounging and not moving very much, but they might become much more animated if it rains. They also have a sprinkler system above the hanging hook, and I hear they love to be sprayed with water from that as well.

Bear Feeding Time at Dan Nicholas © Katrena

If you visit the Wildlife Adventures area, get your arm stamped and you can return to the area throughout the day. They often offer feeding times on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. during summer months. I was surprised to learn that some of their favorite foods are grapes and berries. On the day I took this picture, Ruff was chowing down on a watermelon rind.

Observe Bears in Piedmont © Katrena

I remember when the park had two bears named Danny and Nicky, and they lived in a small cage with a sort of swimming pool in the middle. This oblong cage now houses several birds, such as a hawk and turkey vulture. Both of the current bears came from Santa's Land in Cherokee, North Carolina.

Get Close to Full Grown Bear © Katrena

My kids particularly enjoyed one visit with the bears while we were camping at the park. It had just finished raining. The crowds had cleared. We were delighted to discover that the bears were putting on quite a show. Ruff was playing with the hook, and Honey swam down to the window and parked herself in front of the girls. I would imagine that's the closest we would ever get to a black bear that size!

Learn About Black Bears in Rowan County Park © Katrena

This wildlife area has lots of educational signs detailing various interesting facts about the types of animals housed in this area at Dan Nicholas, and many of the staff members can answer lots of questions about the individual animals.

Find more of Katrena's articles such as:

• Dan Nicholas Park in NC Has Wide Variety of Water Fun
• Boone's Cave Park Near Lexington, NC – Beautiful Hike Near Yadkin River
• Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC Offers a Ride-through Safari and More

Check out additional family travel ideas at Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.

High Point City Lake Park - A Wide Range of Fun Activities!

My family decided to visit High Point City Lake Park, located at 602 W. Main Street in Jamestown, NC on May 21, 2023. The park was easy to find using GPS with very few turns from Hwys 70 and 29. They do not charge an entrance fee or a parking fee; however, parking spots were scarce when we arrived around 11:00 a.m. A large event at the pool and a religious service were happening when we visited, but I am thinking that this park probably is quite popular, especially after the Aquatic Center opens on May 27, 2023.

A couple of members of my family had already visited the park previously and highly recommended the boat ride, so my family visited the park with the boat ride in mind. I recommend checking the web site for the schedule because boat rides are only offered on weekends at this time of the year. We parked near the carousel, which is smaller than the one at Dan Nicholas Park or Village Park, but we saw several kids riding the carousel and they seemed to enjoy it.

Tickets for the amusements and rides, including the carousel, train, miniature golf, and boat rides, can be purchased at a building just past the miniature golf area. When we arrived, there was only one family in front of us, so the line was quite short and the boat ride tickets were only $2.50/person. They also offer 1/2 hour and 1 hour rental options for larger groups. If you plan to do the boat ride, you'll need to pick a time - some time slots fill up, so it would be wise to purchase tickets upon arrival. The boat leaves on the hour and half-hour and the ride lasts about 25 minutes. Members of my family who visited on an earlier date said they would let visitors in at an earlier time if they have empty seats on the boat.

After purchasing tickets, you'll find an area for the line that begins just to the right of the marina. This area has about three steps, but after that, there were ramps all the way to the boat dock. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, I would ask first to see if there is any way to access the boat without the steps. No pets are allowed on the boat, but I'm assuming service dogs would be allowed per ADA regulations. The boat is covered, which is quite nice if you have fair skin or would prefer to be in the shade. It has multiple wooden seats that allow riders to have a great view from either side. Riders must stay seated and life jackets were not required when we rode the boat. 

The temperature was very comfortable in the 70s when we visited, but my oldest daughter highly recommended a jacket for the ride, which was a good call because there was a breeze on the lake and it would have been chilly for me if I had not had a jacket. If you plan to wear a hat, I recommend strapping it under the chin if there is a breeze. We all enjoyed the boat ride around the lake and saw Canada geese with goslings, black waterfowl that often swim with only their heads and necks out of the water that are called anhingas (Thank you to Google for the name!), blue herons, and lots of turtles sunning on logs. The person driving the boat didn't talk but simply let the riders enjoy looking for the beauty of nature on and around the water. I would definitely do this boat ride again.

We saw several people kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing while we were at the park. According to their web site, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, but I could not locate the pricing on any of those. Boat rentals, launch fees, fishing licenses, bait, tackle, and snacks are all located at the marina.

The miniature golf area is small to average size. A few people were playing on it as we were preparing to leave the park. When we visited, guests could purchase a ticket to play one game for $3 or a ticket that was good for the whole day for $5.

Between the lake and the miniature golf area is a small train from High Point University. The train ride is short and similar to the one at Dan Nicholas and Village Park. Those in my group who visited the park at a previous time rode the train and said it made two loops. The train ride is a good bit shorter than the pontoon boat ride.

The train runs right by a very nice playground that is free for visitors. I wish I had known about this park when my kids were smaller because they would have LOVED this playground. It had quite a few different play areas with a wide range of slides and climbing features. It looked well-maintained and trees flanked the edges of the playground, which is particularly helpful for adults who are watching the kids play.

Of particular note is the Aquatic Center that will be opening on May 27 on the weekend and opening daily starting June 3 for the 2023 season. This area offers a large pool, splash pad, lazy river, zero depth entry with a water-based playground area, a vortex, and three nice sized water slides, one of which has a double slide. Ticket options include daily, season passes, and private rentals per the official High Point City Lake Park web site.

If your group enjoys water activities in particular, this park is definitely one to consider. The water park area is smaller than Carowinds, but it also has a significantly lower daily price and is smaller and easier to get from one area to the next. I'm not sure how crowded the aquatic area will be, but I would think this would be a popular destination. Those interested in hiking can find several greenway options. Many areas of the park are paved, and according to the High Point City Lake Park web site, the locker rooms for the aquatic center are accessible.

You can also find a vintage building that I believe used to be a church (called the Friends Meeting House on the map) and an old graveyard near the miniature golf area. Some of the stones are from the 1700s and 1800s. You can also find some interesting wood carvings scattered throughout the park. We saw some workers going around trimming some of the trees and shrubs when we visited and the park appeared well-maintained. The only issue I noticed that could use some work were two stall doors in the women's bathroom would not lock.

Thanks for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog. You can find additional articles by visiting my site map or if you are looking for a specific destination in North Carolina, feel free to use my search bar. You might also enjoy reading these articles:

• Boone's Cave Park Near Lexington NC - Beautiful Hike Near Yadkin River
• Dan Nicholas Park Lake Murtis Walking Trail - One of Our Favorite Hikes!
• NC Museum of Dolls, Toys, and Miniatures in Spencer NC Boasts an Amazing Variety