ABOUT WHITEWATER CENTER

Since 2001, Whitewater has been creating opportunities to bring people together outdoors at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Whitewater Center is designed and operated as an outdoor center offering over 30 different recreational activities. Every element and activity is focused on supporting an all-encompassing experience around the outdoor lifestyle. Additionally, the Whitewater Center hosts international competitions in a variety of sports along with numerous festivals and events on a recurring basis.

The Whitewater Center is currently comprised of over 1,300 acres of protected land offering 40 miles of trail and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek. The Center’s goal is to continue to increase the size of these protected lands and promote even greater access through land acquisition and natural resource management. Whether you visit to ride 40 miles of single-track trail or simply enjoy eating a meal by the whitewater course, we are certain that you will meet new people and connect with old friends in a shared experience outside.

Free entry to the park but passes are required for activities. Please visit the website for more info.

About Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Founded in 1992 by aviation enthusiast and commander of the Carolinas Wing of the Confederate Air Force, Floyd Swinton Wilson and his wife Lois and located just alongside Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is home to aircraft and artifacts from the advent of aviation, including the iconic award-winning “Miracle on the Hudson” exhibition featuring the famed passenger jet that landed safely in New York’s Hudson River in 2009.

Highlighting stories of innovation, hope and heroism throughout the history of aviation, the museum seeks to inspire visitors of all ages to pursue their own dreams and goals.

Expecting more than 120,000 visitors a year for tours and private events when the museum reopens in 2024, Sullenberger Aviation Museum is a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

Please visit the website for more info.

Enter the fascinating world of illusions where nothing is ever quite as it seems.

Please visit the website for more info.

Explore the Arts while in Charlotte

Blumenthal Performing Arts Centers is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit arts organizations, dedicated to enriching and improving the lives of each member of the community.

The largest Broadway season in the Carolinas, along with a large array of special attractions and festivals, from concerts to comedy to dance and much more.

Visit the website for more information for the folowing:

Belk Theater

Booth Playhouse

Stage Door Theater

Founders Room

Knight Theater

Levine Plaza

Ovens Auditorium

Carowinds is where the Carolinas come together for fun! For 50 years, families and friends choose Carowinds for an amazing day the Carolina way.

Only at Carowinds will you find more than 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas’ best waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy, and downhome Carolina cuisine. Family-friendly special events keep guests coming back for new ways to play all season long.

In October, Carowinds will become Scarowinds and open until Midnight Friday and Saturday evenings.

Please visit the website for more info.

Experience Unparalleled Views, Immersive Education

and Fun-Filled Adventures at the Airport Overlook

Every detail of the new Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is designed to inspire and propel the next generation of aviators. Recently remodeled in 2024, this is the fifth dedicated Overlook at CLT since 1937 featuring spectacular airfield, skyline and terminal views.

Prime Viewing Area

The main attraction is the carefully choreographed takeoffs and landings happening on the airfield, with views of Runway 18C/36C and the future Fourth Parallel Runway.

Educational Displays

Informative exhibits featuring aviation history in the Carolinas are located across the property to showcase what Overlook visitors are likely to see and how those things work, including:

Types of planes that fly in and out of CLT

Science behind a 747 soaring like an eagle

How runways are built and named

Playgrounds, Aircraft Display and Memorial

Two age-specific aviation themed playgrounds and play areas welcome young and old alike, including:

Plane-shaped climbing structure

Air traffic control tower with a slide

Mini fuel truck, baggage cart and runway for imaginative play

Retired U.S. military fighter jet, an F4 Phantom II that flew during the Vietnam War and Cold War

Dedicated memorial for USAir Flight 1016

Other Amenities

Covered picnic tables and food truck area

Paved car and bus parking, including accessible parking

Shaded areas featuring benches, trees and sails

Restrooms with baby changing stations

Pet relief areas

Bicycle racks

Plan Your Visit

Location: 5130 Airport Overlook Drive

Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (operating hours are subject to change.)

Admission: Free entry for all visitors