Exchange Nature Center
Get your hands wet investigating a touch tank alive with crabs, sea urchins and a starfish. Explore numerous exhibits of plants and animals indigenous to North Carolina, including live poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, flying squirrels, talking birds, bears, bobcats and more. (Souvenirs are available for purchase.)
Venture into the cave in the lower level where you will find live turtles, caiman, mineral exhibits, nocturnal animal displays and aquariums depicting life along the full course of the Neuse River.
Activities at the Exchange Nature Center
Salt-water Touch Tank
Our salt water touch tank provides an opportunity to see and touch sea urchins, scallops, crabs, tunicates and skates.
Wildlife Exhibits
Mount exhibits include bears, deer, turkeys, beavers, snakes and more. You can also see live snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous, lizards, spiders and scorpions.
The Cave
The "Underground Cave" is where you will see live caiman, turtles, iguanas, bearded dragons, frogs, mineral exhibits, crayfish, and aquariums filled with fish from the local Neuse River. Don't forget to visit the World's Most Dangerous Creature!
Climbing Wall
Experienced staff will help you climb our 16'x24' rock climbing wall.
Nature Trails
There are many self-guided trails located adjacent to the Neuse River near the campground.
Canoes
16' Mohawk canoes, oars and life jackets can be reserved by calling (252) 939-3367.
Community Fishing Ponds and Piers
The pond is well-stocked with channel catfish through a program developed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to encourage public access fishing in North Carolina. Our Loaner Rod and Reel Program allows you to borrow rods, reels and tackle while fishing at our ponds. (All equipment must be turned back in after use.)
