Yates Mill County Park

So many of our great county parks have both historical and natural components that really make the visitor experience there wonderful.  At Historic Yates Mill County Park visitors can explore the 134 acre wildlife refuge as well as the historic remains of a 1750s water-powered gristmill.  Exhibits and artifacts in the visitor’s center tell the story of Wake County’s rich agricultural heritage, and programs, events, and costumed grinding demonstrations can further the experience.  My children love the section of the educational center set aside for hands-on learning, with colonial dress up, puzzles and toys, and a coloring area.  There are also natural research materials inside the center, including a large array of bird and egg specimens.  Outside, you can take a walk around the lake, fish from the bridge, or explore the educational garden. The best part of this site is the mill itself, watching water cascade down the worn, mossy rocks and bricks, against the backdrop of the historic building and water wheel.  It’s a great place to relax or enjoy a picnic with the family. I hope you get to visit Historic Yates Mill soon!

With Love,

Turtle Dove

Know Before You Go:  There are restrooms in the visitors center, they can be accessed from inside or outside the building.

No dogs, with the exception of service animals, are allowed on the property.

There are no food or drinks for sale at the site. There is a water fountain near the restrooms.

The park is free to visit, however costumed demonstrations and tours are offered March through November on Saturdays for a fee.  View tours and fee schedules here

Lake Wheeler Park

A few summers ago, my teenager took crew class at Lake Wheeler Park, so the two younger children and I got to spend a few hours a week exploring all of the wonderful things it has to offer.  Besides the sparkling blue water where you can rent pedalboats, kayaks, canoes, and jon boats, there are several miles of wooded trails and a great playground overlooking the water.  We loved spending time watching the ducks and geese on the lake.  We also saw so many different types of butterflies and moths at this park in particular, perhaps due to their pretty pollinator garden next to the boathouse.  The public docks on the lake are the perfect place to sit and observe waterbirds like heron and kingfishers, and we just love the wooded view across the lake.  It is a great place for families with kids to spend the day, I hope you get to have some fun there soon!

With Love,

Turtle Dove

Know Before You Go:  Lake Wheeler has public restrooms at the boathouse and at the trail head.

There is NO SWIMMING at Lake Wheeler Park.

Fishing is allowed at Lake Wheeler, kids under 12 fish free, there is a fee for other age groups.  Shoreside fishing is not allowed, only from docks and watercraft.

The trails here are shady, there are lots of mosquitoes.

 

 

John Chavis Memorial Park

So, guess what?! Raleigh actually has 2 beautiful historic carousels downtown.  You’ve probably visited Pullen Park, but did you know that there is another gorgeous restored carousel just a few miles away?  John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh has a 1923 carousel in a new climate controlled building, with an ornate Wurlitzer band organ at its center, and tickets from Pullen can also be used there.  The park also has several playing fields, a great sand playground, a lighted outdoor walking track, and several picnic shelters.  It is also right next to the Chavis Community center which offers classes and rentable facilities through the City of Raleigh.  My girls loved climbing on the ages 2-5 and 5-12 playground equipment and part of Walnut Creek that runs through the property.  It’s so much fun to find a new and not-too-crowded place to play, I hope your family gets to check it out soon!

With Love,

Turtle Dove

Know Before You Go: There is a pool/splashpad at this park that is under construction.  Please check back for more info when it re-opens!

There are no bathroom facilities open at the playground, you visit the community center for restrooms.

The carousel ticket sales close 10 minutes before park closures.

Tickets are $1 for the carousel for all riders 13 months and older (this includes accompanying parents)

The playground equipment is mostly metal, and gets really hot to the touch in the sunshine.