SATURDAYS ARE FOR THE BOYS! ..and sometimes Friday and Sunday. Whether you’re making plans for an unforgettable bachelor party or just want a fun weekend with the boys, Lake Norman has plenty of activities from watersports and golfing to breweries and live music. Read below for the best weekend ideas in Lake Norman and start planning.
1. Outdoors
Lake Norman has many outdoor opportunities. Places like Blythe Landing have a lot of activities including fishing spots, and volleyball courts, and plenty of trails that will lead you to the water. Some other parks like Ramsey Creek and Jetton also have access to the lake, including a swimming beach at Ramsey Creek that is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm until Labor Day. Latta Nature Preserve is an excellent location that offers over 16 miles of trails that lead to the lake, and if you plan on bringing the dog, then this is a fantastic place to go. Other parks like Fisher Farm provide adventurous trails for biking and enjoying the nature around you.
2. Fishing
If you're fishing for a good time, Lake Norman has a couple different guided fishing tours including Fish On! Guide Services and Fishers of Men Guide Service. Captain Gus' boats can accommodate up to six people, and you are definitely in good hands with him. Captain Craig Price with Fish On! has plenty of experience in the fishing industry and will give you and the guys a good chance of catching some fish. With over 520 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of places to go to get a good catch, and if you ever find yourself wanting to fish more during your trip you can head over to Ramsey Creek Park, which offers a fishing pier for those looking for an inland fishing experience. Robbins Park is another inland fishing location which include two public fishing ponds.
3. Golf
Skybrook Golf Club is one of the best public golf courses in the entire state. The club has great new management that has really changed the quality of the experience. Along with new management, the course was also renovated back in 2019 and is in fantastic shape. Playing at over 7,000 yards from the back tees, a challenge is certainly presented to each and every player. With an incredible mountain-like experience you're bound to enjoy your time playing.
Another option is Birkdale Golf Club. The club is currently undergoing renovations on the entire 18 hole course. With plans for new greens and upgraded cart paths, the expectations should be high for the club when they open up this fall. With it being located right next to Birkdale Village, it will be no problem finding a post-round meal.
4. Breweries/Wineries
When you're to sit back and enjoy some brew. There are several breweries to choose from.
Grab a Wormhole Sour Ale from D9 and get food delivered over form Osito's or try the MOHK Hazel Stout at Primal Brewing while sitting by a fire pit or playing outdoor games.
If you're looking for more than just a beer, Davidson Wine Co. is located in the heart of Davidson and carries some of the best wine in the area. They have a wide selection of white and red wines along with some beer and draft options, and a bistro menu.
Live music, food trucks and a taproom is just a few of the things you will find at our breweries. From ales and lagers to IPAs and sours, discover all your options on our Beer and Wine page.
5. Watersports and Boat Rentals
Watersports at Lake Norman are a must. Ride LKN is a surf school that offers wake boarding and wake surfing for small groups. Whether you have experience or not, they will take good care of you and the three hour option gives everybody a good chance to split the time out on the board. There are plenty of other options for watersports, but this is one for the books.
If you're looking for something more laid back, kick back and relax with Cornelius Pontoon Rentals. They have some great options for pontoon boats with amenities that include gas, snacks, water and coolers, all included in the price. Another option is 77 Watersports. They have a couple different rentals with amenities that include bluetooth, GPS, and a max capacity of 10 people.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals can be found at Aloha Paddle Sports and Cannon Water Adventures, among others. Cannon offers all different kinds of rentals including kayaks, paddle boards, pontoon boats, jet skis, and ski boats. Aloha is more focused on paddle boarding and kayaking. Both of these options are very affordable and offer multiple hour plans.
Charlotte Cycleboats is a pedal-powered party boat for those that are 21 and older. The boat is powered by the pedals that each of the guests use, and is completely eco-friendly. It is BYOB and the cruises last for 2 hours. They book very quickly and have great reviews so don't wait to make your reservations.
6. Games
Bowling, mini golf, and go-carting are all exciting things to do when you have the chance. Lake Norman offers all three of those things and more. Spare Time Huntersville is a local bowling alley with arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, and restaurant & bar. Lake Norman Mini Golf is another solid spot for games. Along with miniature golf, they also offer axe throwing, a laser maze, and a climbing wall. If you want to test your driving skills, drive over to Frankie's Fun Park where you will find three different race tracks, arcade games, bowling, VR games, and much more.
7. Gun Range
A great spot for target practice is The Range at Lake Norman. A state of the art indoor firearms shooting range and training center with fifteen lanes and a variety of different classes which include self-defense, first aid, concealed-carry training, hunter safety and more. This is one of the most technologically advanced and cleanest gun ranges in North Carolina, so enjoy your time while you're there.
8. Live Music
Lake Norman has many different places that offer live music, which is one of the reasons to get out and try new restaurants and bars in the area. Boatyard Lake Norman is constantly hosting live music and you can chow down on some smoked wings, loaded nachos or a good ol' cheeseburger while you rock to the music.
Saeed's Bar & Grill is another place that offers a live music experience. The restaurant has karaoke 365 days a year, so you won't miss out on it regardless of when you plan your trip.
Old Town Public House has some live music every Wednesday through Sunday with the occasional Monday night concert.
9. Sports
If you find yourself looking to get active, then you're in the right place. Bailey Creek Park offers a disc golf course, a couple of turf soccer fields and a shaded basketball court. Lake Norman is also a great place to bring your tennis racket, as parks like North Mecklenburg and Jetton Park offer very nice hard courts. Other options include pickleball at Holbrook Park, and sand volleyball at Blythe Landing or the Latta Nature Preserve. Bradford Park has an 18 hole disc golf course that has been used for professional events and is highly regarded. Whatever sport you may be looking to play, our Lake Norman parks have all you need.
Whatever you and the guys choose to do, make sure to share your experience with us @VisitLakeNorman.
