Lake Norman State Park will be hosting one of A250’s traveling exhibits August 13th through September 24th. Stop by the Visitor Center from 9am-5pm, to see the exhibit in our auditorium.  Developed for the state’s America 250 NC “When Are We US?” initiative, the traveling exhibit is part of North Carolina’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. This exhibit tells the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians and extraordinary leaders — Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Joe Lewis, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, James Hunter, and Willa Player — who petitioned, protested, and organized to expand democracy. The exhibit explores change, freedom, civic responsibility, and overcoming challenges by telling the story of a few North Carolinians who have raised their voices to call out injustice and fully participate in our democratic society. To learn more about America250 visit their website. 

Get ready to embark on a wild journey at Animal Adventures! This camp is all about discovering the amazing world of animals from all corners of the globe. Each day, we’ll uncover fascinating facts, surprising adaptations, and the incredible ways animals interact with their environments. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! We’ll also step into the role of a real-life veterinarian in our Animal Alley exhibit, where campers will imagine what it’s like to care for animals big and small. From learning about pet care to practicing hands-on activities, we’ll dive into what it takes to keep our furry, scaly, and feathered friends happy and healthy. Join us for an exciting, hands-on, and animal-filled week at Animal Adventures!

End the summer right at our s’mores and cookout event with park staff and the Friends of Lake Norman State Park. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., all boat rentals will be free, thanks to the generosity of our park friends group. Stick around after you spend the day on the water to enjoy a cookout with members of the friends group and learn how you can become a part of their team! Following the cookout, at 6 p.m., join a ranger for some good old-fashioned s’mores to help celebrate International S’mores Day! No registration required.    Stock photo © Unsplash / Jessica Ruscello

Spend this Fathers Day out at the park. We will start inside going over how to get fishing license and why they are important. Then we will head out to Park Lake to learn about what we can catch and try our luck at fishing. Bait, tackle, and poles are provided. Meet at the Visitor Center.

The beloved FlutterBy Butterfly Habitat is returning to Catawba Science Center on May 10th! Every three years, this exhibit sees the Outdoor Science Courtyard transformed into an enchanting butterfly oasis. This year, we are excited to bring you an accessible courtyard for all, regardless of mobility challenges. Join today for members-only perks in Spring 2025!

(Exhibit)GEAR UP: The Science of BikesOpen May 17 through September 7, 2025, the Children’s Museum & Science Center at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences features our newest travelling exhibit, “GEAR UP: The Science of Bikes.”   Adults will enjoy 200 years worth of vintage bikes on display, while kids will get a kick out of hands-on, bicycle-related physics activities! Live animal Gallery and Marial V. Howard Arts Center are also included with museum admission.