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. 

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

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.

Ready for some spooky fun just in time for Halloween?  Join us for a Slightly Haunted Hike at the boat launch. We will learn about the not so spooky nocturnal animals that call Lake Norman home and listen for what they sound like. Halloween costumes are encouraged! After the hike, kiddo’s will have a chance to get some candy from park staff.  Sturdy shoes are recommended for the hike. The hike will be less than a mile long. 

Explore the ocean like never before in OceanXperience, an immersive exhibition included in admission to Discovery Place Science. On exhibition May 24-September 7, your ocean adventure awaits aboard an interactive replica of OceanXplorer, the most advanced marine research and filmmaking vessel ever built – with cutting-edge science, technology and media used to explore the ocean. Choose from three ocean missions in the exhibition: humpback whales, orcas and great hammerhead sharks. From Mission Control to the Sub Hangar, you’ll get a sense of being a real ocean scientist onboard OceanXplorer with hands-on activities and immersive experiences for all ages.