Find Your Path to Nature: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Becomes Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Nestled in the heart of Belmont, North Carolina, one of Gaston County’s most beloved outdoor destinations is entering a new chapter. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has become something even greater: the Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

This transformation marks an exciting evolution of the space into a full 380-acre outdoor experience dedicated to conservation, education, and connection with nature.

While guests will still be able to enjoy the breathtaking 90-acre botanical gardens that have delighted visitors for decades, the Conservancy reflects a broader mission. It's about embracing the property's full potential—and inviting everyone to discover their own path to nature.

More Than a Garden

The Daniel Stowe Conservancy is now home to a wide variety of activities, amenities, and events for nature lovers of all ages:

• Over 8 miles of public trails—free and accessible for hiking, walking, and exploring

• A fenced, off-leash dog park for your four-legged companions

• Big Leaf Café + Shop, opening May 2025, offering fresh meals and curated merchandise

• The Trailhead Store, a coffee shop and casual eatery serving beer and wine

• Outdoor recreation opportunities, including a new fishing pier and the Conservancy’s annual race series

• Expanded educational programs for children and adults, including summer camps and hands-on workshops

• An expanded Kimbrell Lost Hollow Children’s Garden, featuring a 0.5-mile Adventure Trail and a brand-new Prairie Castle Playground (Opening June 2025)

• The Farmhouse Garden Center, a new hub for garden tools, plants, and home goods (Opening May 2025)

  
  

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful place to walk, a fun family outing, or a deep dive into horticulture, there’s something for everyone.

Celebrate the Launch This Spring

To celebrate this transformation, the Conservancy invites the community to a weekend-long event: Your Path to Spring, happening Friday, April 18 to Sunday, April 20.

Friday and Saturday will feature guided trail walks, live music, crafts for kids, and more. Then, on Sunday, enjoy Spring Trails and Cottontails, a festive Easter celebration complete with live bunnies, games, crafts, and sweet treats in the Bonbon Ballroom.

To register or learn more, visit danielstoweconservancy.org.

What’s Ahead

The Daniel Stowe Conservancy is just getting started. This spring’s upgrades are part of a long-term site master plan that includes:

• A nature-based preschool and education center

• An outdoor amphitheater

• A full-service restaurant

• A sculpture garden and boardwalk

• Enhanced wedding venues and events

• Expanded lake access and paddling opportunities on Lake Wylie

A Legacy of Nature

Founded in 1991 by Dan Stowe, a visionary textile executive, the garden was created to preserve land from development and offer a refuge in nature. In 1999, the gardens opened to the public. Over the past 25 years, it has grown into a place that draws visitors from across the world—offering serenity, discovery, and inspiration.

Now, as the Daniel Stowe Conservancy, the property embraces Dan’s original vision more fully than ever before.

“Dan Stowe set aside this space so that everyone could connect with the outdoors,” says CEO John Searby. “As we expand our reach across all 380 acres, we’re excited to bring that vision to life for longtime supporters and first-time visitors alike.”

So whether you're a local looking for a peaceful trail, a family in search of an adventure, or a traveler craving a serene weekend away—there’s never been a better time to visit Gaston County and find your path to nature at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

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Daniel Stowe Conservancy

6500 S. New Hope Rd.

Belmont, NC

704-825-4490

danielstoweconservancy.org