In 1968 a great business man and visionary named Dan Nicholas donated 300 acres of land to Rowan County. The land was donated specifically for recreational activity. For almost four decades Dan Nicholas Park has continued to grow to over 435 acres. This amazing park is located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in Salisbury, NC 281476.
Every year the park is visited by 400,000 to 500,000 children and adults. It’s no wonder that Dan Nicholas Park is visited by so many people, there is so much to do there that you can go back several times and find something new to do each time. For those who like to fish, DNP (Dan Nicholas Park) offers a 10 acre lake. Named after Murtis Maynard Nicholas, lake Murtis offers great fishing for children and adults. Maybe fishing is not your thing but you love the water. In that case, you might like the paddle boat rides. For a small fee you can rent a paddle boat and cruise around the lake for a half hour.
If you love mother nature you will find that the hiking/nature trails at DNP are beautiful and quiet. Of course there is no fee to go on these trails. The park has a two mile nature trail and a 1/4 mile trail. Also for the outdoor lovers, Dan Nicholas Park has beautiful campgrounds. There are 76 campsites in total with 54 of them offering water and electric. There are also cabins avaliable for rent. Two very clean shower houses are on the grounds as well.
The activities at DNP are numerous. Aside from the paddle boats you will find a 36 hole miniature golf course, four lighted tennis courts, four ball fields, three volleyball courts and horseshoes pits. After all of the excitement, you are sure to be hungry so for a small fee you can reserve one of the 9 shelters and have a picnic. If you are having your family reunion or maybe your employee picnic at DNP you may just want to rent the larger shelter as it holds 500 people!
School groups often take field trips to DNP to visit the petting barn and the nature & learning center. There, the children can see and touch live animals and learn about them while they actually interact with them. But you don’t have to be part of a group to enjoy these attractions. You can go alone or with your family and friends to see the bald eagles, bob cats, deer or any of the other animals that are too many to name here. While you are visiting the petting barn and nature center, don’t forget to walk over to the bear habitat. The bears enjoy a comfy life in their own habitat while you safely watch them from the outside of this magnificent exhibit. In March of 2006 the beloved petting barn was burned down in a senseless act of vandalism. Many of the animals perished in the fire. Thanks to the support of many businesses and individuals who donated their time and money the petting barn was re-opened in 2007. Now it is even bigger and better than before.
A large playground is a favorite place for the children that visit the park but it is certainly not the only attraction that they look forward to. In May of 1996 the Hurley Station was dedicated. The Hurley Station is a train ride that the children can’t wait to get to. There are two trains that take the children around a track full of exciting things to see. One of the trains is named ” The Spencer Moose ” while the other is ” The Standback Express “. As if that isn’t enough, the park opened Hayden’s Carousel in the spring of 1998. Children of all ages love to ride the carousel, I know I sure do! For those hot summer months DNP offers ground level fountains for the children to play or just cool off in ( adults can enjoy this as well).
Now that you know a little bit about Dan Nicholas Park and what it has to offer you and your family, you can start planning your next outing,employee picnic or family reunion. Come on down to Dan Nicholas Park and have a day (or a whole week) to remember.
The park opens on weekends at 9am and closes at 8pm.
The Attractions open on weekends at 10am and close at 7pm.
For weekday times you can call (704)216-7803
*These times may vary slighty according to the months. You can call or visit the Dan Nicholas site for exact times at http://www.dannicholas.net/hours_fees.aspx
Price List Hayden’s Carousel – $1 per ride
Hurley Station Train Rides – $1 per ride
Paddle Boat Rides – $2 per half hour Miniature Golf – $2 per game
Fishing – $1.50 for Rowan county residents, $2.50 for non residents
Admission and Parking – Free
Bear Exhibit – Free
