Dan Nicholas Park is a 425-acre family-friendly destination in Salisbury, N.C., offering playgrounds, a lake, mini-golf, a carousel, gem mining, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Perfect for families, toddlers, or a quick 2-3 hour visit. Seasonal splash pad and annual events like the Autumn Jubilee make it a year-round destination. Camping options and cabins are available for overnight stays.
Address & Parking
Address: 6801 Campground Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28146
Parking: Free parking available on site. Overflow lots are open during peak events.
Attractions at Dan Nicholas Park
Dan Nicholas Park offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. While the train ride & nature center is currently closed until further notice, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy:
Here's a list of all the things you can look forward to within your day at Dan Nicholas Park:
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Haden’s Carousel: Enjoy the music, lights, and magic of Haden's Carousel. Tickets are $1 per person per ride.
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Gem Mining: Experience the thrill of gem mining and discover hidden treasures.
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Mini Golf: Challenge your family and friends to a fun game of mini golf.
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Paddleboats (opens May 22, 2026) : Enjoy a relaxing paddleboat ride on the 10-acre lake.
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Splash Pad (opens May 22, 2026): Cool off during the warmer months at the splash pad.
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Rowan Wildlife Adventures: a small zoo exhibiting North Carolina native species such as black bears, bobcats, white tailed deer, bald eagles, red foxes and red wolves.
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Playgrounds: Let the kids burn off energy at the playgrounds equipped with accessible ramps.
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Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the well-stocked lake.
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Picnic Shelters: Reserve one of the 18 covered picnic shelters for a family gathering or event.
Pricing by Attraction
| Attraction | Cost Per Person | Notes |
| Haden's Carousel | $1 | Per ride, per person |
| Gem Mining | $11-57 | Based on bucket size |
| Mini Golf | $4 | Per person, per game |
| Paddleboats | $2 | For 30 minutes; ages 3 & under free |
| Splash Pad | Free | The Splash Pad is open seasonally. |
| Rowan Wildlife Adventures | $2 | Per person; ages under 1 free |
| Picnic Tables/Shelters | $35-90 | Depending on size of group |
Dan Nicholas Park Hours
Although hours are always dependent on weather, season, and availability, here you will find the standard operating hours of each attraction and the park itself. However, always be sure to check Dan Nicholas Park's Facebook page to be sure their hours haven't changed!
Dan Nicholas Park Gate:
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January/February: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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March: 9 A.M. - 7 P.M.
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April/May: 8 A.M. - 8 P.M.
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June/July/August: 8 A.M. - 9 P.M.
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September: 9 A.M. - 8 P.M.
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October: 9 A.M. - 7 P.M.
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November/December: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Attractions:
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March, April, September & October: Thursdays through Sundays from 10:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
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May, June, July & August: Daily from 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M
Please note, these hours were updated as of March 2026. Hours are subject to change. To stay up-to-date on park and attraction hours, please check the official Dan Nicholas Park Facebook page.
Camping at Dan Nicholas Park
Extend your adventure by staying overnight at Dan Nicholas Park. The park offers a beautiful, wooded campground next to the lake, providing access to park attractions, lakeside fishing, hiking trails, and more. The six on-site cabins feature heat and air, microwaves, refrigerators, and grills to make cooking easier. For more information on camping sites and fees, visit the Dan Nicholas Park Facilities page.
Sample 2-3 Hour Itineraries
Families: Start at Rowan Wildlife Adventures, then try mini-golf or gem mining, and finish with a picnic at one of the covered shelters. If weather permits, the splash pad is a fun bonus.
Toddlers: Begin at the playgrounds, then ride Haden’s Carousel, and enjoy a short paddleboat trip on the lake. End with a quick snack at the concessions stand.
Rainy Day: Focus on Rowan Wildlife Adventures. Between the nature center & indoor barnyard, there's still plenty of fun to be had even when the sun's not out.
Don't forget to mark your calendars and join us for Dan Nicholas Park's annual Autumn Jubilee event!
Autumn Jubilee 2026
October 3 & 4, 2026
10 A.M. - 5 P.M.