10 Best Things To Do In Garner, North Carolina

things to do in garner north carolina
Bea
Bea 
Updated
| 5 min read

With all the food parks growing everywhere, it is still important that we appreciate the real parks that exist where we could actually rest, play, and appreciate the beauty of nature. This is something Garner, North Carolina is abundant with. From different types of activities like fishing, casual picnic, kayaking, volleyball, tennis, and a lot more activities. Garner is also popular for its different historical places you definitely should go to. Here are 10 of the best places and best things to do in Garner, North Carolina!

1. Yates Mill

Yates Mill Park Building
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user FotoDawg used under CC BY 2.0

A charmer on its own, Yates Mills is a fully restored gristmill and the last operating water-powered gristmill in North Carolina’s capital country. They regularly grind cornmeal and hosts heritage tours each weekend from march to November. People come here to get away from the busy life to experience and learn about agricultural heritage, environmental resources, and most especially, history.

You may expect to see the restored mill which has the museum focused on milling, classrooms, auditorium, a space for research, a 20-acre lake, and extensive hiking trails.Yates Mill is open everyday except on major holidays from 8am to sunset.

Yates Mill

Address: 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Website: Yates Mill

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2. Lake Wheeler Park

Lake Wheeler Park - panoramio (11)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hieu used under CC BY 3.0

Calling all the lake lovers! Lake Wheeler Park is definitely a must see when visiting Garner, NC. This park boasts 150 acres of parkland and a 650-acre lake which allows you to do fishing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, and last but definitely not the least, sailing! Yes, you heard that right. They have boats available for rental! Picnic facilities and sand volleyball are also available in this place. Admission is for free and the lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset!

Lake Wheeler Park

Address: Lake Wheeler Park is located at 6404 Lake Wheeler Rd. Raleigh, NC 27603

Website: Lake Wheeler Park

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3. Crowder District Park

Posted by Crowder District Park on Thursday, 13 April 2017

Whether or not you want to spend time appreciating the beauty of nature alone, with your special someone, or with your family, Crowder District Park offers its visitors a wide spectrum for you to do. Things such as picnic by the pond (that includes a boardwalk and an observation deck!), do photoshoots with your friends, or just simply play at the playground or at the sand volleyball court. Crowder District Park also has an accessible trail, an outdoor amphitheater, and last but not the least, educational gardens! Park Naturalists are there to offer interpretative, hands-on environmental programs for all ages and interests. All of these are of free admission.

Crowder District Park

Address: Crowder District Park is located at 4709 Ten Ten Road in Apex, North Carolina

Website: Crowder District Park

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4. Neuse River Greenway Trail

Marni, Ben wanted me to make sure you saw this in the hopes to entice you to come to Raleigh for a visit. "Mrs. Olesker LOVES 🌻 sunflowers🌻. She won't be able to resist!"

Posted by Anh LyJordan on Monday, 10 July 2017

The scenic views of Neuse River is sure to make you appreciate the sound of nature, its majestic, scenic views of the river and different forest creatures such as turtles, deers, and birds! This trail runs across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. This trail best for those whole like to go on adventures like biking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Aside from that, the Neuse River Greenway is also known for its sunflower fields which is by the way, 50 acres big.That’s enough for you to take selfies thousands of selfies! Catch them every mid-June to early July in Southeast Raleigh.

Neuse River Greenway Trail

Address: 12098 New Falls Of Neuse Rd Wake Forest, NC 27587

Website: Neuse River Greenway Trail

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5. White DeerPark Nature Center

Images of the White DeerPark Nature Center are currently unavailable.

Mostly known as the wedders’ choice for a venue, White DeerPark is located in a 96-acre nature park nestled on the edge of forest and wetlands. The simple and classy indoor classroom is filled with glass windows, allowing natural light set the mood. This is mostly ideal for weddings or gatherings. An outdoor deck can also be rented for outdoor activities. The Center’s schedule is as follows: from April to September, it’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm. Then, from October to March, it’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 5 pm.

White DeerPark Nature Center

Address: 2458 Aversboro Rd. Garner, NC 27529

Website: White DeerPark Nature Center

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6. Lake Benson Park

Posted by Hyung Harrison on Monday, 29 September 2014

Standing across WhiteDeer Park is another must see when visiting Garner. In this street, you will find Lake Benson Park which can by the way accommodate family gatherings or even town-wide special events! Its amenities include four (4) picnic shelters, restroom, three playground areas, playset for both the young and young at heart which also includes huge tarps to protect you from the sun! Apart from these, Lake Benson has walking trails which is approximately 1.8 miles, a lake (of course) with a boat house that you may catch seasonally, and last but not the least, a huge open space for you to play or conduct your outdoor activities!

Lake Benson Park

Address: 921 Buffaloe Rd, Garner, NC 27529, USA

Website: Lake Benson Park

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7. Pullen Park

Posted by DanSyn Thompson on Monday, 10 July 2017

Built in 1887, Pullen Park is the first state park in North Carolina and is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the entire US! But don’t let the old age fool you! This beautiful park offers recreational opportunities to everyone. Aside from having free admission, you may also find one of their greatest features, the beautiful 1911 Gustave A. Dentzel Menagerte Carousel where you may purchase the ticket for only 1 USD.

Other than the carousel, they also have the Huntington train ride, boat rentals, art center, ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic centers, concession stand, and a Theater! For sure you will never run out of things to do when you visit Pullen Park.

Pullen Park

Address: 408 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina

Website: Pullen Park

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8. Triangle Glides

Downtown, Raleigh, NC, USA -- 9 November 2013 (panoramio.com)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James Willamor used under CC BY-SA 3.0

What’s more fun than exploring Raleigh? It’s exploring while gliding on a Segway! Get as close to the fascinating point of Raleigh, hear about its local history, and visit the historic landmarks of the place! Triangle Tours provides helmets, training, and a wireless audio pack to hear the guide’s live narration of the tour.

Minimum age to ride the Segway is as young as 14 years old with the weight restriction of 100 to 260 pounds. If you are under 14 or if you would want to walk instead, then they also have a walking tour!

Triangle Glides

Address: 323 Blake St. Raleigh, NC 27601

Website: Triangle Glides

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9. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Posted by North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Friday, 30 June 2017

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hailed as the largest museum of its kind in the South Eastern of United States. It has four floors and three campuses of exhibits, live animals, 3D movies, gift stores, and cafes. Everything in this museum will definitely blow your mind and leave your heart satisfied with everything that they offer. This is the house to the iconic 70-foot-diameter globe, an Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur, T. Rex; six great whales, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, a two-story waterfall, walk-through dioramas, and a lot more that you would rather see personally!

You may also catch their exhibits which features the bones of a Right Whale, a Cretaceous carnivore, or sit at the center of the Earth to hear a scientist talk! They also feature other exhibits from time to time! Book your tour now and be amazed by the different species and information the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has to offer!

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Address: 11 W Jones St. Raleigh, North Carolina, NC 27601

Website: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

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10. Free Expression Tunnel

I'm watching you...

Posted by NCSU Free Expression Tunnel on Sunday, 29 January 2017

One of the most beautiful and smartest attractions in North Carolina is the Free Expression Tunnel. Channel your inner artist, creatively (or not!) express how you feel through painting or graffiti, or achieve that street aesthetic photoshoot at this tunnel!

Free Expression Tunnel is located at Central Campus, North Carolina. Don’t forget to bring your own art materials when going here and lastly, remember to make peace not war!

Free Expression Tunnel

Address: Dan Allen Dr And Stinson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607

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Memories with your friends and family

After visiting all those places, you’ll surely enjoying being around nature more, and being able to spend quality time with your friends and family! Take photos and create good memories!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A young Filipina passionate about seeing the world, understanding its people and creating new ways for them to explore their potential and lead more meaningful lives. Also a big fan of beaches,...Read more

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