Discover the Beauty of Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden may have a new name, but the attraction still offers a pathway to nature.
by Arielle Patterson Jun 26, 2025
Daniel Stowe Conservancy
This blog is brought to you in partnership with Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Just 20 miles from Uptown, in Belmont, North Carolina, is 380 acres of conserved land that’s open to the public. Formerly known as Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, this popular attraction situated along the shores of Lake Wylie, recently rebranded to Daniel Stowe Conservancy. While the name may have changed, Daniel Stowe Conservancy continues to serve as a scenic escape from the city — now offering even more to see and do.
Traverse the pathways into nature at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, strolling across rows of gardens where vibrant flowers unveil their beauty. Daniel Stowe’s network of trails ambles along wooded forests and sandy riverbanks, allowing you to choose what type of natural setting you want to experience during your visit.
While you’re sure to see something different every time you visit Daniel Stowe, the nearly two miles of expanded trails offer new opportunities for exploration. These paved, concrete pathways increase the total miles of trails on the property to eight. If that’s not enough, Daniel Stowe Conservancy also connects to the Carolina Thread Trail System that reaches more than 425 miles of trails across 15 counties and two states.
Before you set off on your adventure, visit The Village at Stowe, a community-centered outdoor space. Grab a coffee or quick bite to eat from the Trailhead Store then relax and socialize while enjoying live music and Daniel Stowe’s stunning landscapes. The best part is that there’s no admission fee to access The Village at Stowe.
In fact, the Gardens at Stowe are the only attraction at Daniel Stowe Conservancy that require an admissions fee or membership to enter. These breathtaking gardens showcase 90 acres of unique plant life that’s a must-see for all ages. Your admission fee also provides access to the Big Leaf Café + Shop, perfect when you need to refuel after a hike or want to have lunch before you start exploring the property.
Children can let their imaginations run wild at the recently renovated Kimbrell Family Lost Hollow Children’s Garden. A newly expanded, half-mile Adventure Trail takes little ones safely through the woods behind the Lost Hollow to five different, interactive nature-themed outdoor areas. The trail leads to the Prairie Castle Playground, a three-story, accessible, wooden playground that was designed to complement Lost Hollow’s medieval theme.
Adults can unwind while soaking up the scenery of the Four Seasons Garden, a year-round attraction, as well as the verdant lawns surrounding the Canal and Perennial Gardens. An array of tropical plants and stunning orchids fill the William H. Williamson III Conservatory. This is the Carolinas’ only five-story, 8,000-square-foot glass house dedicated to this type of exotic flora.
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Farmhouse Garden Center. Daniel Stowe’s charming white farmhouse, located near the entrance of the property, has been transformed into a brand new garden center where you can buy plants, gardening supplies and home goods. The Farmhouse Garden Center also hosts hands-on gardening and planting workshops, led by Daniel Stowe’s expert horticulture team, if you’re looking to develop your green thumb.
Experience all Daniel Stowe Conservancy has to offer through all four seasons. While many attractions and areas are free and open to the public, seasonal events and activities charge an admission fee or separate cost. Visit danielstoweconservancy.org to learn more.
