Field Trip to Dan Nichols Park
5/29/2025
Gates open at 8am. Most attractions open at 10am
Costs:
Free Park Admission
$2 Wildlife Adventures Ages 1+
$0.50 T.M. Stanback Barnyard Ages 1+
Free Nature Center
$1 Carousel
$4 Mini Golf
$2 Paddle Boats, Per Person for 30 minutes
Free Splash Pad
Gem Mine Bucket Prices
-Beginners Bucket - $11
-Standard Bucket - $17
-Family Bucket - $25
-Special Bucket - $40 (Pre-cut stone included in $40 and $57 buckets)
-Prize Bucket - $57 (Pre-cut stone included in $40 and $57 buckets)
Dan Nicholas Park is home to a campground, lake, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium and nature center, animal habitats, and more. Learn more about the attractions at Dan Nicholas Park before your visit. Admission to the park is free; however, there are fees for some attractions and fishing. We gladly accept Visa, Master Card and Discover.
Animals are allowed in the park, but are not allowed on attractions. Leashes are required for all pets not performing a task for an individual with a disability.
Lake Murtis
Lake Murtis is a 10-acre lake in Dan Nicholas Park. While fishing is permitted, no boats except the park's paddle boats are allowed in the lake. Learn more about fishing at Lake Murtis.
No swimming is allowed in the lake.
Picnic Shelters
Dan Nicholas Park has 17 covered shelters with charcoal grills available for rent. They are equipped with picnic tables and grills.
Stanback Barnyard
Rowan Wild's Stanback Barnyard is filled with farm animals and historic farming equipment.
Haden's Carousel
Enjoy the music, lights, and magic of Haden's Carousel.
Gem Mine
Overview
Take a step back in time at our gem mine. We have four flumes for you to try your luck. You could find a number of color gemstones. All ages love to pan for treasures. Wash the stones from your bucket at the flume line using the screen provided. When the stones are wet, you'll discover Earth's treasures.
When you finish panning, go by the gem mine shack and have your stones identified by one of our experienced rock hounds. Let us cut your stones and create a custom piece of jewelry! We sell fine jewelry, fun jewelry and novelties for all ages.
Classes
Basic Geology Classes or a simple "How To" class for younger children, can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more at no extra charge. These classes are weekdays only.
Mini Golf
Try your luck at our 2, 18-hole golf courses for hours of family fun!
Nature Center
Meet turtles, alligators, snakes, and other creatures at Rowan Wild's Nature Center. Check out a variety of species of fish in the Cheerwine Aquarium.
Paddle Boats
Explore the lake by paddle boat and float alongside ducks and geese that live in our lake.
Splash Pad
Cool off at the water plaza, centrally located in the park near Hurley Station.
Wildlife Adventures
Explore a host of native species at Rowan Wild's Wildlife Adventures.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Southmont, Workshops in Southmont, Sports events in Southmont.
