Gaston's Got It All!

Top 5 Attractions:

Come explore the many exciting attractions that Gaston County has to offer! The largest attraction in Gaston County by visitors is Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, covering 110 acres of spectacular plants, flowers, and more. Crowder's Mountain State Park, the highest point in Gaston County offering spectacular views from sheer vertical cliffs. Schiele Museum a science museum and planetarium featuring both permanent and touring exhibits. Christmas Town USA in McAdenville. Every December, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights turn this small mill town into a spectacular holiday display. A world-class recreation and training facility, the U.S. National Whitewater Center set among 300 acres wooded along the scenic Catawba River. The multi-use facility has a climbing center, mountain-biking trails and running trails.
 
 
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
 
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a 450-acre landscape of lush green plants and colorful flowers. Visitors can get lost in the beauty of nature's bounty in the nine themed gardens, which include the Canal Garden, the Cottage Garden, the Conifer Garden and the West Garden. The 12 remarkable waterfalls and the woodland trail make up for a perfect day under the sun. This place is a haven for all those interested in photography, bird watching, gardening and painting. You can opt for a guided tour or simply roam around on your own.
   
 
Crowders Mountain State Park  
   
Climb rugged peaks rising 800 feet above the surrounding countryside at this park that is well known for its rock climbing opportunities and is one of the busiest parks in North Carolina. Other features of the park include over 15 miles of hiking and nature trails, numerous picnic facilities, water sports activities, and a primitive pack-in camp.
 
 
 
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
 
The Schiele Museum is a public institution established to promote awareness and appreciation for nature, and to instill a sense of individual and social responsibility for the diversity of the natural world and the role of humanity in it.
   
 
Christmas Town USA  
   
Each December, hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights turn this small mill town into a spectacular holiday display. Visitors stroll down Main Street surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas. The official lighting of Christmas Town USA starts at 4pm on December 1st at the McAdenville Community Center and the "big" switch is pulled about 5:15 pm to start another Christmas Town USA season. Don't miss this dazzling exhibit!
   
   
U.S. National Whitewater Center  
   
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor recreation facility set on the banks of the Catawba River. The 307 acres of woodlands is home to the world's largest recirculating river, 14 miles of biking, hiking and running trails, and one of the world's largest outdoor climbing facilities. And now, they've made it easier than ever to enjoy... just buy one Pass, and PLAY ALL DAY!